Instant Lunch vs Cup Noodles
Ramen noodles are one of those things that has so many versions of I could make a site just about them, and in fact there are a bunch out there. But I chose two that are regularly found in average American grocery stores and mini marts.
It’s funny how these were a snack in highschool and a meal in college. I have not paid Ramen a visit in a long time so one night I sat down with Ethan, Sarah and Marc and we evaluated.
Instant Lunch:
As all four of us tasted this we noticed that the noodles were pretty flavorless, like cardboard. The broth was pretty decent but the vegetables were duds. Sarah said the corn wasn’t “corny” tasting and she didn’t like the mushy peas. I never really expect much of the vegetables in these things, only that they at least resemble what they once were, and they barely did that. We all agreed that the broth just didn’t make up for the bland, paper-flavored noodles.
Cup Noodles:
This unsurprisingly looked similar to Instant Lunch but we found the broth was not as salty. The noodles looked deceivingly underdone but had a great texture and a nice buttery taste. The vegetables in this were not quite as sad and held up to the re-hydration better. We all agreed that the noodles are what make these and found ourselves enjoying this more.
Wrap up:
I wanted to like Instant Lunch more because I’ve always like their packaging. The colors, font and design are so pleasant. And their logo looks like my brother-in-law, Zac. But Cup Noodles really were the better noodle of the two and since it’s the main ingredient (besides sodium) I agreed with everyone that Cup Noodles won this round.
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October 29th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I’ve never been a cup Noodle person - simply because I’m not a veggie person either :). I do like regular ramen noodles, though - want to know a good way to prepare them that is quick and yummy? Pour the packet into a bowl and cover with water. Microwave 3 minutes. Dump ALL THE WATER out (yes, I know, sounds weird, just trust me). Add in the packet and a good scoop of butter and mix. MUCH yummier than the stovetop directions!
October 30th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Nissin pretty much rules the Ramen Universe.
November 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I can barely tell the difference between the two. I’m pretty sure I’d fail a taste test.
December 26th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
You need to read the manga comic about the origin of Cup Noodles. It was awesome.
April 24th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Noodle cups are super bland.
I prefer ramen noodles.
And I agree with Randi on the ramen noodles (except the butter part)
I’ve found that draining all the water out and adding the flavor packet last rather than adding it into the water while it cooks makes for a much better tasting meal.
June 21st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
none i love mr.noodles
August 19th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
The trick is not to put too much water. Fill until the water is just a 1/4 inch above the noodles.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
The trick is not to put too much water. Fill until the water is just a 1/4 inch above the noods.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:43 am
“And their logo looks like my brother-in-law, Zac.”
lol!
Great evaluation! I prefer Cup Noodles as well. I actually don’t notice a difference between the vegetables (ha, or “vegetables”) in the two, but I do like the noodles in Cup Noodles better–I don’t notice a difference in the taste, but I like that the Cup Noodles noodles are wider. Also, I agree that the broth in Instant Lunch tastes too salty, but I actually find the Cup Noodles packaging better. It just looks so classic!
April 18th, 2010 at 3:10 am
I don’t know what you people are talking about. Maruchan is by far the superior of the two.
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I don’t think either is sold around here,and besides,the kind we usually buy are just cook and eat. No fancy cup or anything. Put the noodles in a bowl when they’re done cooking and eat. I’ll see if any sort of ramen noodles in a cup are available here,but I doubt it.