Are Two-Minute Noodles a Good Hiking Meal?

Maggi Two-minute Noodles were my favourite meal as a kid. And I still like them.

I can almost hear your eye roll. Yes, I'm aware that they're probably about as nutritious as cardboard, if all the haters over the years are to be believed.

Despite their crappy reputation, I still like them and that counts for something. An apple might be the healthiest food item in the world but if it makes you gag, it won't help you be any healthier because you won't eat it.

And I love Two-minute Noodles.

These nifty noodles were my go-to meal as a beginner hiker, and I've seen plenty of others eating them on multi-day hikes. As I nutritionist I figured it was high time I crunched the numbers and checked how good (or bad!) they actually are.

Maggi Noodles cooked in Soup Sensations Broccoli Cup-A-Soup was my go-to meal on many of my early hikes

Maggi Noodle Breakdown

Maggi Two-minute noodles, or instant ramen, have a reputation for being a speedy, budget-friendly meal. Here’s a quick look at what’s in those tasty little packets:

• Calories: A single 380g serving packs 298 calories

• Protein: 7.2 grams per serving

• Carbohydrates: 40.6 grams

• Fats: 11.4 grams of fat, with 5.2 grams of saturated fat

• Sodium: Sky-high at about 935 milligrams per serving, which can be a concern for hypertension

Nutritional Pros and Cons

The Pros:

1. Convenience: Ready in minutes. Perfect for when you’re setting up camp and just want something hot

2. Lightweight: Packs small and doesn’t add much weight to your gear

3. Versatile: If you run out of gas, or forget your stove (it happens!) you can crush the noodles in the bag, sprinkle on the flavouring and eat them dry

4. Good Fat Content: Paired with decent carbohydrate content, this fat content provides a dense energy source

The Cons:

1. Low Protein: Not ideal if you’re looking to build or maintain muscle on your trek. Protein is crucial for muscle repair, especially after a long day on the trail and this doesn't offer enough to sustain you, let alone assist in muscle repair

2. High Sodium: Too much sodium can lead to dehydration and you don't want that on a hiking trip, especially if you eat right before bed

3. Low Nutrient Density: Lacks essential vitamins and minerals, which are important for sustained energy and overall health

4. Saturated Fat: This is bad for heart health and is an indication that this product should be avoided by people with heart issues

   
   

Better Alternatives?

1. If you’re set on having a warm meal, consider these more nutritious options:

   • Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Meals: These meals are designed for hiking and usually offer a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and essential nutrients from real, fresh foods

   • Trail Mix with Nuts and Seeds: Provides protein and healthy fats

   • Quinoa or Couscous: Almost as quick to prepare and can be fortified with protein-rich ingredients like dried beans and lean meats

   
   

These pre-prepared packaged meals are a far better option than Two-Minute Noodles

Key Takeaways for Your Hiking Menu

• Balance Is Key: Instant noodles are fine occasionally but aim to balance them with nutrient-dense foods

• Add more: If you love the taste of Two-minute noodles, consider using them as a base for your dinner. Pair them with dehydrated vegetables, sprinkle on some nuts, or even add them to soup!

• Watch the Sodium: High sodium levels like this can be bad news for anyone with hypertension or existing heart health issues. While the additional salts will help your electrolyte balance if you're sweating profusely, the total energy supplied isn't enough to sustain such activity, so you'll be hungry and struggle to recover

• Protein Power: Incorporate protein-rich foods to your noodles to aid muscle recovery and ensure you're eating more calories than you're burning

So, Should I Take Maggi Two-Minute Noodles On My Hike?

Maggi Two-minute noodles certainly aren't all bad. For the ultralight hiker, they tick a lot of boxes.

Are they the best meal you can take? Absolutely not.

Are they better than nothing? Yes.

For short, easy hikes for people who are otherwise healthy, I've got no problem with them. My recommendation would be to take dehydrated vegetables and dried beans to add.

For hikes longer than an overnighter, I don't recommend them. They dehydrate you, are problematic for people with heart health issues (and maybe you don't know you have them), and they don't supply enough energy to get you through a moderately tough day on the trail or support recovery.

Even Maggi seems to advise adding vegetables. Broccoli and corn aren't supplied in the packet