【Diet】Zero Guilt? Testing Three High Protein Cup Noodles for Taste and Nutrition

No compromise on deliciousness with low-carb and high-protein options. I tried three high-protein, low-carb cup noodles that can be purchased at the supermarket and compared their nutritional content and taste satisfaction. Which cup noodle is just right for you?

Visualized in numbers! A comparison of the strengths of three high-protein cup noodle varieties.

Low-carb and high-protein foods are no longer rare, but "are they really delicious?" However, before that, let's take a look at the specifications of three types of high-protein, low-carb cup noodles that can be easily purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets.

When comparing the nutritional components of the cup noodles we will be tasting this time, we can see that each has its own characteristics.

・The lowest calorie option is "Low-Carb NOODLES" at 192kcal.
・The highest protein content is found in "Cup Noodles PRO" at 16.8g and "Nissin Donbei PRO" at 16.3g, which are almost equal.
・The lowest carbohydrate content is also in "Cup Noodles PRO" at 15.1g.
・The lowest sodium content is similarly in "Cup Noodles PRO" at 3.1g.

"Nissin Donbei PRO" may have a slight disadvantage in specs, but we expect it to be satisfying when eaten.

Can you feel satisfied while on a diet? A comparison of high-protein cup noodles.

Even if the specs deliver good numbers, is it really delicious? Let's take a look at it through the author's personal food review.

Cup Noodle PRO High Protein & Low Carb, with Reduced Sodium

"Cup Noodle PRO High Protein & Low Carb, with Reduced Sodium" is 50% lower in carbs and 25% lower in sodium, yet it has no lack of flavor or satisfaction. The soy sauce-based soup is nearly unchanged from the regular version, and the spice and aroma are still present.

The noodles are slightly more elastic and chewy, providing a solid sense of satisfaction as a meal. The soup is nearly identical to regular Cup Noodles, offering a reassuring "Ah, this is it" feeling. You can enjoy the familiar taste to the point that you forget it's lower in sugar and higher in protein while eating.

On a night when you're tired from work or chores, even if your craving for ramen suddenly spikes, this cup makes you feel like there's less guilt. It has a good amount of ingredients, looks hearty, and fulfills not just nutrition but also satisfaction.

I can't help but be aware of the heaviness in my stomach after eating and the weight changes the next day, but this Cup Noodles PRO felt light even after eating, and I hardly felt sluggish the next morning.

Product Name / Cup Noodles PRO High Protein & Low Carbohydrate, with Reduced Salt
Calories / 292kcal・Protein / 16.8g・Fat / 18.1g・Carbohydrates / 15.1g・Dietary Fiber / 18.9g・Salt Equivalent / 3.1g

● Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd.

Low Carb NOODLES Delicious Plus Rich Soy Sauce

"Low Carb NOODLES Delicious Plus Rich Soy Sauce" has the lowest calories this time at 192kcal, but the soup with the richness of pork and garlic is quite thick, and there is zero dissatisfaction typical of low-carb foods.

The non-fried noodles are smooth, and even when eaten quickly during a lunch break, they don't feel heavy, allowing you to concentrate on the afternoon work. The noodles cling well to the soup, providing a pleasant sensation when slurping.

Even on busy days with external calls or desk work, you can suppress post-meal drowsiness and sluggishness. Above all, the richness of the soy sauce is strong, making it a satisfying flavor. With plenty of dietary fiber, you are less likely to feel hungry in the evening, which is a great point for those wanting to reduce snacks.

Product Name / Low Carb NOODLES Delicious Plus Rich Soy Sauce
Calories / 192kcal・Protein / 11.1g・Fat / 6.8g・Carbohydrates / 19.9g・Dietary Fiber / 13.2g・Salt Equivalent / 3.9g

● Myojo Foods Co., Ltd.

Nissin Donbei PRO High Protein & Low Carb Kitsune Udon

Finally, "Nissin Donbei PRO High Protein & Low Carb Kitsune Udon." The thick, sweet aburaage and the flat, chewy noodles are just like the usual Donbei.

Sprinkling with colorful shichimi enhances the aroma and spreads the sweetness and umami of the soup. The soup has a taste almost identical to the regular Donbei. It's truly a blessing that you can intake protein with such deliciousness.

With a level of perfection that makes it hard to believe it's 30% off carbs, this is perfect for days when you're craving a warm, Japanese-style soup dish.

When your body is tired, this gentle flavor not only satisfies your hunger but also allows you to take a breath of relief. With the sweet aburaage and the aroma of the broth, I felt my mood calming as I continued to eat.

The greasiness is moderate, so even if you eat late at night, it's less likely to disrupt your condition the next day, and there's a sense of security even when you have plans from the morning on holidays.

Product Name: Nissin Donburi PRO High Protein & Low Carb Kitsune Udon
Calories: 325kcal, Protein: 16.3g, Fat: 16.3g, Carbohydrates: 27.8g, Dietary Fiber: 16.3g, Equivalent Salt: 4.9g

● Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd.

Choose this cup for your specific needs!

All three were high-quality cup noodles that can be enjoyed deliciously while dieting or during body shaping.

"The Cup Noodle PRO High Protein & Low Carb, with further reduced salt content" is a highly balanced cup with excellent overall quality in terms of taste, protein, carb reduction, and low salt.

"The Low Carb NOODLES Deliciousness Plus Rich Soy Sauce" is the lightest option to eat and is recommended when you want to significantly reduce fat and calories.

"Nissin Donburi PRO High Protein & Low Carb Kitsune Udon" is a cup that offers the added value of high protein, which is a delight for fans of Japanese-style cuisine and Kitsune Udon.

When you actually compare them, all were something that made me think, "I would want to eat this again." With the ability to enjoy deliciousness while reducing guilt… that sense of security enriches the very time of eating. I have become more honest with my desire to eat cup noodles.

Article and Text by SYURI

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