Why is Soba noodle spicy classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is deemed ultra‑processed because its formulation relies on industrial ingredients such as refined wheat flour, palm oil, flavor enhancers, preservatives and multiple food‑additives rather than whole foods. It lists additives including monosodium glutamate (E621), disodium 5'-ribonucleotides (E635), caramel colour (E150c), antioxidants (E306), and sodium carbonate (E500i) among others.

How do the sugar and salt levels in Soba noodle spicy affect people with diabetes or high blood pressure?

With 5.7 g of sugar per 100 g, the noodle contributes a moderate amount of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates that can raise blood glucose, so diabetics should monitor portion size. The 1.2 g of salt per 100 g is moderate but still adds to daily sodium intake; individuals with hypertension should consider limiting consumption or balancing it with low‑salt meals.

Is the palm oil used in this product a concern for environmental sustainability?

Yes, the presence of palm oil (about 8.6 % of the ingredient list) is a sustainability issue because its production is linked to deforestation and habitat loss for threatened species, which is reflected in a negative adjustment in the product's Eco‑Score.

Cup Noodles • 92g

Soba noodle spicy

Cereals And Potatoes

Product Insights

Soba noodle spicy is a 92 g plant‑based instant noodle cup that belongs to the Cereals food group and contains wheat flour, palm oil and a blend of seasonings. It provides 208 kcal per 100 g, with 7.9 g fat (3.6 g saturated), 27.3 g carbohydrates, 5.5 g protein, 5.7 g sugars and 1.2 g salt, earning a Nutri‑Score of D and a NOVA rating of 4, indicating an ultra‑processed product. The noodle includes allergens such as gluten and soy, several additives (E621, E635, E150c, E306, E500i) and palm oil, which raises environmental concerns, while offering little dietary fiber.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

moderate

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal208 kcal

Fat7.9 g

Saturated Fat3.6 g

Carbohydrates27.3 g

Sugars5.7 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average instant noodle, this spicy soba cup contains less sugar (5.7 g vs 9 g) and lower salt (1.2 g vs 2.96 g), but its fat content is higher (7.9 g vs 6.94 g).

Ingredients

Noodles 71,7% [WHEAT flour, palm oil, salt, flavour enhancer (E621), acidity regulators (sodium carbonate, citric acid), stabiliser (E451), antioxidants (E306), (sugar, water, dextrose, rapeseed oil, flavour enhancers (E621, E635) vinegar, soy sauce (water, SOYBEAN, salt, WHEAT), molasses, colour (E150c), salt, spices, hydrolysed maize protein, tomato powder, flavourings, acidity regulator (citric acid), chilli powder (0.5%), cabbage, red bell pepper. May also contain traces of celery, crustaceans, fish, milk, molluscs, mustard and sesame

84%

35%

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