Instant noodles pack nearly a day's worth of salt in one bowl, study finds
A recent study by the consumer watchdog Verbraucherzentrale Rheinland-Pfalz has examined the salt levels in 25 brands of instant noodles. The findings reveal stark differences, with some products packing nearly half the daily recommended salt intake in a single serving. Health experts warn that such high consumption can increase the risk of serious conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.
The test highlighted significant variations between brands. Nissin's Cup Noodles Chicken contained the least salt per portion, at 4.3 grams, followed closely by Unilever's Knorr Asia Noodles Hühner with 4.5 grams. At the other end of the scale, Reimann's Asia Noodles Hot Chicken topped the list with 6.9 grams per serving, while Follow Food Company's Grand Asia Hot Chicken had 6.8 grams. Two products even exceeded five grams of salt in one meal.
The German Nutrition Society recommends a daily salt limit of six grams for adults. Yet some instant noodles provide nearly this amount in just one bowl. A product is classified as high in salt if it contains more than 1.5 grams per 100 grams. Consumers can take steps to reduce their intake. Comparing nutrition labels helps identify lower-salt options, as some brands offer less than one gram per serving. Checking ingredient lists also reveals products with fewer additives and flavour enhancers, which often contribute to higher salt levels.
The study shows that not all instant noodles carry the same health risks. By selecting brands with lower salt content, consumers can cut their intake significantly. Small changes in choice could help avoid long-term health problems linked to excessive salt consumption.
