Kids love noodles… They tick all the boxes – they’re fun, easy to eat and messy! Most kids eat noodles as part of spaghetti bolognaise or the quick and easy two minute noodles. However there can be all sorts of issues with two minute noodles… Did you know the popular chicken flavoured variety contain ten additives to avoid all in the one little packet? And the associated symptoms of these said additives are enough to warrant a change. If you were going to start anywhere on your additive free journey, I’d highly recommend you start by removing these nasty noodles from your family’s diet! The good news is, I have a very quick easy replacement recipe to share, but first, lets look at why they’re really not worth eating…
THE BAD NEWS
If you take a quick look at the ingredients for chicken flavoured two minute noodles you will find a heck of a lot of numbers and names that quite frankly, just don’t belong in our food. Here’s the worst of them and their associated symptoms…
319 TBHQ
What is it? synthetic antioxidant/gallate used to preserve vegetable oil
Possible symptoms? asthma, skin issues, allergic and hypersensitive reactions
320 BHA
What is it? synthetic antioxidant/gallate used to preserve vegetable oil
Possible symptoms? asthma, skin issues, allergic and hypersensitive reactions, headache and migraine
621 MSG
What is it? flavour enhancer/glutamate
Possible symptoms? ADHD, asthma, allergic and hypersensitive reactions, behavioural problems, depression gastrointestinal ailments, headache, migraine, learning difficulties
635 Disodium Inosinate
What is it? flavour enhancer/glutamate
Possible symptoms? ADHD, asthma, skin issues, allergic and hypersensitive reactions, behavioural problems, depression gastrointestinal ailments, headache, migraine, learning difficulties, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity
Caramel III /150C
What is it? artificial colouring
Possible symptoms? ADHD, hyperactivity
Sulphite
What is it? preservative
Note: there are actually 4 occurrences of sulphites in the flavour sachet ingredients maltodextrin, ‘flavours’, onion powder and colours (100 and 150C)
Possible symptoms? ADHD, asthma, skin issues, allergic and hypersensitive reactions, behavioural problems, depression gastrointestinal ailments, headache, migraine, learning difficulties, sleep disturbance, hyperactivity, hayfever
It’s important to remember that these ingredients are not only bad for you, but the recommended ‘safe’ amount for consumption (according to the powers that be) does not take into consideration the effects of these additives when mixed in a chemical cocktail. In short, having 10 of them at once is not something anyone has measured when considering if it is ok to consume… For more information on additives to avoid, click here.
THE GOOD NEWS
I often get asked what can be used to substitute two minute noodles. The good news is, a replacement is really easy, and you can even make a gluten free version!
Click here for the recipe. For a pretty printable version of the recipe, click to see the recipe, then click on the pdf icon link.
Below you will find some product suggestions and where we buy them. Please note, these are not affiliate links, just suggestions based on what products and shops my family use. I’d love to hear of other places you find your products!
Ok onto the ingredients, products and where to buy them…
Noodles
- For the same type of wheat noodles as those found in the two minute packets, try the Changs Long Life noodles (they only have wheat flour, water and salt as ingredients) or the Ayam brand instant noodles (which has a few more ingredients and the questionable vegetable oil (could have additives not labelled due to the 5% loophole) but are otherwise free of nasty additives compared to the chicken flavoured variety)…
- For a gluten free version, try the vermicelli bean thread noodles or rice noodles (such as the flat pad thai ones) both of which are just mung beans or rice and water…
- There is also the organic Explore Asia pasta range using bean flours (they will require a bit longer cooking time).
- For other organic noodles, try the Hakubaku organic udon or ramen noodles (again may need extra cooking time).
- All of the noodles mentioned here are usually available at local supermarkets except the explore asia range, which we buy from organic or health food stores.
Chicken stock
- Chicken stock liquid is yummiest when homemade, and it’s as easy as throwing everything in a pot and letting it simmer away. Click here for the recipe.
- If wanting a quick easy method, you can try the organic Pacific or Celebrate Health stock. Celebrate health is stocked at Coles, however I’ve only found the pacific brand at organic or health food stores.
- For non-organic stocks, the Campbells Real Stock range is additive free and available at supermarkets.
Homemade Vege Spread
- This is our family substitute for vegemite, using mostly organic ingredients, including organic molasses, miso paste, tamari and the stock cube with bragg’s nutritional yeast flakes. Click here to see the recipe. It takes no time to make and is a great flavour addition to stocks, gravies and two minute noodles!
- As mentioned in the recipe, you could substitute this spread for some of the ingredients such as miso paste, nutritional yeast flakes and add a sweetener to balance the flavour/taste to suit.
Garlic powder
- We use the simply organic garlic powder, but just about any pure garlic powder is ok, providing you check ingredients to make sure it’s additive free.
Whilst store bought two minute noodles may be full of additives, you can make our own quick easy version at home in next to no time. To make it even quicker and healthier, pre-make a big batch of the liquid, add in some extra veges and protein and freeze in small portions so you have a ready supply on hand.
Do you have a favourite homemade version you’d like to share? Click here to post on The Food Werewolf Facebook page or you can simply comment below.
Happy noodle making!
Loren x
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