POT Noodles have long been a favourite for hungover students but now they are going upmarket – with numerous brands launching their own posh versions.
But who can pack the flavour of a great meal into just some dried noodles, a sachet and a plastic tub?
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Food expert Amanda Ursell warns that you will not be getting much nutritional value.
She says: “These aren’t a replacement for meals but can be reasonably nutritious.
“They’re generally not high in calories, fat or fibre.
“But you do need to watch out for the salt level, as they can really pack it in.
“Remember, a gram of salt is a sixth of your daily allowance, and some of these have more than that.
“Also be aware that, despite describing themselves as containing beef or chicken, most noodle pots will only have a very small amount of these ingredients — they’re just flavouring.
“And watch out for allergens too, as some have unexpected ones, such as milk.
“Despite all this, these are a quick warming snack, which in some cases is very useful.”
But what about the taste? I tried a selection and some left me bowled over — while others were not worth the slurp.
Here I put them to the taste test and mark them out of five.
Nongshim Shin Cup Noodle, Gourmet Spicy, 95p, Asda
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If you are looking for something to blow your head to Timbuktu, this is it. It has not really got a flavour other than packing a painful punch.
★☆☆☆☆
Cup Noodles Chicken Teriyaki, £1.35, Tesco
9
It feels like a good restaurant ramen has been poured into this plastic container purely for my fast- food enjoyment. Has the flavour I expect from my takeaway, not a dried set of noodles.
★★★★★
Cup Noodles, Soba Wok Style, £1.20, Asda
9
This offering is a lot dryer than the others as it instructs you to drain out the broth. The overwhelming flavour is artificial chicken – but it won’t ruffle any feathers.
★★★☆☆
Hearty Food Co, Chicken & Mushroom, 33p, Tesco
9
This is blander than anything else I have ever had and feels like I am eating wet, sticky flour. Not worth what I paid for it – which was hardly anything!
★☆☆☆☆
ITSU Katsu Rice Noodles, £1.25, Asda
9
The noodles cooked perfectly in the boiling water but the katsu sauce taste is a little weak for my liking. ITSU should stick to sushi.
★★☆☆☆
Wicked Kitchen, Spicy Coconut & Rice Noodles, £1.20, Tesco
9
Smells much better than it tastes, the coconut is overpowering and I’m not sure who thought this was spicy.
★★★☆☆
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Kabuto Noodles, Chilli Chicken Ramen, £2, Tesco
9
The packaging claims this contains chilli but it seems someone forgot to put it in. Another bland offering I would need to liven up with plenty of hot sauce.
★☆☆☆☆
Pot Noodle, Chicken & Mushroom, 80p, Tesco
9
The student favourite pales in comparison to most of the posh offers. It tasted better on a hang-over in my halls of residence.
