We tested all the Pot Noodle dupes as the leading brand DOUBLES its price – and the winner is nearly half the cost

THE price of Pot Noodles is going potty, having almost DOUBLED in just a year.

We reported yesterday that the once budget-friendly dehydrated snacks have risen in price by up to 93 per cent – more than five times the rate of food inflation.

9

While Asda has increased the prices of seven flavours by 60 per cent, up to £1.25, it is selling an own-brand version for 50p.

Food-lover Hayley Minn tested Pot Noodle against some of the alternatives available, rating them out of five, and found one that tasted even better for almost half the price.

Pot Noodle Chicken and Mushroom – 90g, £1.25, Sainsbury’s

9

THE original student favourite should be the best but it doesn’t even compare to some of the posher brands.

The noodles just didn’t seem to absorb any of the chicken or mushroom flavouring.

On the plus side, there was far less liquid at the end than some of the others.

Rating: 3/5

Kabuto Noodles Chicken Ramen – 65g, £1.65, Sainsbury’s

9

DESPITE the packaging on this pot claiming it contains chilli, it seems someone forgot to put it in.

Unfortunately, especially considering the higher price, Kabuto Noodles were very bland.

I added loads of soy sauce and chilli flakes to spice it up a bit.

Rating: 1/5

Blue Dragon Oriental Chicken Noodles – 65g, £2.92, amazon.co.uk

9

ALTHOUGH this was the most expensive I tried, it was very tasty.

The noodles absorbed the chicken flavour really well.

It wasn’t until after I’d eaten it that I realised it’s vegan – it tastes exactly like chicken.

The only criticism is the veg was too dehydrated, tasting a bit like cardboard.

Rating: 4/5

Newgate Speedy Noodles Chicken and Mushroom – 90g, 69p, Lidl

9

WITH Lidl’s alternative almost half the price of a Pot Noodle, I was excited to see if it could live up to the taste of the big brand.

While the flavour was really chicken-like, the noodles didn’t soak up most of the broth, meaning I was left spooning out the leftover liquid at the end.

Rating: 3/5

Itsu Rice Noodles, Chick-n Ramen – 64g, £1, Waitrose

9

I LOVE Itsu’s sushi, so I had high hopes for this.

However, while the noodles cooked perfectly and had a great texture, the chicken flavouring was a little weak for my liking.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised this is vegan. Itsu should stick to sushi.  

Rating: 2/5

Just Essentials Chicken & Mushroom Noodles – 70g, 50p, Asda

9

ASDA has by far the cheapest alternative on the market but unfortunately you can tell in the taste.

The noodles were very bland – there was not much flavour at all.

But, for 50p, if you add a bit of salt, pepper, chilli flakes and soy sauce, you can’t really go wrong.

Rating: 2/5

Nissin Soba Classic Instant Noodles – 90g, £1.90, Sainsbury’s

9

YOU are instructed to drain out the broth before eating, meaning you don’t get the sloppy sauce left over at the end, as you do with some of the others.

The flavour was really meaty, which I loved, so it is unsurprising that this is one of the few pots that isn’t vegetarian or vegan-friendly.

Rating: 4/5

Bramwells Chicken & Mushroom Snack Noodles – 90g, 69p, Aldi

9

ALDI has absolutely nailed it with its answer to Pot Noodle.

There wasn’t too much liquid at the bottom of the pot and the noodles were a great consistency.

Plus, it had a lovely chicken and mushroom taste with all the flavours coming through.

An absolute bargain at 69p.

Rating: 5/5

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk