# La Choy Chow Mein Noodles > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** La Choy - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 5 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/la-choy-chow-mein-noodles-5-oz - **Slug:** `la-choy-chow-mein-noodles-5-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This ready-to-eat, shelf-stable packaged snack is an industrially produced product made from refined ingredients (enriched wheat flour, palm oil) and manufactured for convenience, characteristics typical of NOVA group 4 ultra-processed foods. ## Review Store placement: You are most likely to find La Choy Chow Mein Noodles in the Asian/international aisle or on an endcap near other pantry staples like canned vegetables, Asian sauces, instant noodles, and salad toppers. Occasions: This low-effort crunchy topper suits quick weeknight meals, school lunches, potlucks, and game-day snack spreads where a crunchy contrast is wanted. Brand positioning: La Choy trades on a long American history (since 1922) and an approachable, Americanized take on Asian flavors; the brand targets mainstream shoppers seeking convenient, familiar, budget-friendly ways to add an “Asian-inspired” flourish to home cooking rather than authentic regional cuisine. Label characteristics: Packaging leans on simple pantry cues — a small 5-ounce can, a callout of 0 trans fats and calorie information — without organic or natural certifications and without overt kid-focused branding; the label suggests convenience and tradition more than health halo claims. Processing context: In plain terms this is a factory-made, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat crunchy noodle product made from refined flour and palm oil, intended as a prepared topping rather than a fresh ingredient. Sensory details and ritual: Open the metal can and the noodles reveal a light, brittle crunch and a toasted wheat, slightly oily flavor with a touch of salt; they are sprinkled over salads, casseroles, soups, and desserts to add texture. The ritual is quick and tactile: shake or sprinkle directly from the can, fold into a slaw, or use as an emphasized crispy finish on an American-style takeout-at-home meal. The product sits in American grocery culture as a convenient, nostalgic pantry staple for adding immediate crunch and familiar flavor. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 cup - **Servings per container:** 5 - **Calories:** 130 - **Total fat:** 5g (6% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Sodium:** 250mg (11% DV) - **Total carbs:** 19g (7% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Protein:** 3g ## Ingredients Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Palm Oil, Corn Starch, Water, LESS THAN 2% OF: Salt, Yeast, Sugar. CONTAINS: WHEAT ## Flagged ingredients - **palm oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, meal-prep-sunday, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, practical ## FAQ ### Is La Choy Chow Mein Noodles healthy? Well, 'healthy' is a bit of a moving target, isn't it? These noodles are relatively low in sugar and contain some protein and fiber, but they're not exactly a superfood. Think of them as a fun addition to your meals rather than a health powerhouse — great for satisfying a craving for something crunchy and comforting! ### Are La Choy Chow Mein Noodles vegan? Nope, these noodles aren't vegan. They contain enriched wheat flour, which is a common ingredient in many processed foods, but they don't have any animal products in them. So while they’re not vegan, they’re also not hiding any animal-derived ingredients. ### Are La Choy Chow Mein Noodles gluten-free? Unfortunately, these noodles are not gluten-free. They contain wheat flour, which is a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, there are plenty of rice or vegetable-based noodles out there! ### Do La Choy Chow Mein Noodles contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain palm oil, which is a type of seed oil. While palm oil has gotten a bit of a bad rap due to environmental concerns, in moderation, it’s just another fat source that helps with texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that it’s not the only oil out there — balance is key! ### Do La Choy Chow Mein Noodles have artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! These noodles keep it simple with just a hint of sugar, which is great if you’re trying to avoid those chemical-sounding ingredients. They rely on their own flavor and crunch to shine through! ### Are La Choy Chow Mein Noodles high in sugar? Not at all! These noodles are low in sugar, which means you can enjoy them without worrying about a sugar spike. They’re a great base for your favorite stir-fry or toppings without adding unnecessary sweetness. ### What are healthier alternatives to La Choy Chow Mein Noodles? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider whole grain or chickpea noodles for a bit more fiber and protein. Or, if you want to skip the carbs, spiralized veggies or rice noodles can give you that satisfying crunch and texture without the processed elements. It's all about what fits your lifestyle best! ### Can kids eat La Choy Chow Mein Noodles? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy these noodles as a fun side dish or mixed into a stir-fry. Just be sure to balance the meal with some veggies and protein to keep it nutritious. They’re a hit for those crunchy, munchy moments! ### Are La Choy Chow Mein Noodles good for weight loss? These noodles can fit into a weight-loss plan if you enjoy them in moderation. They’re low in sugar and calories, but they’re not particularly high in protein or fiber, so pair them with lean proteins and lots of veggies to create a satisfying meal that keeps you full. ### Are La Choy Chow Mein Noodles ultra-processed? They do fall into the processed category, but they're not quite at the ultra-processed level of some snacks or convenience foods loaded with additives. They have a straightforward ingredient list, but if you’re looking for minimally processed options, you might want to explore fresh or whole-food alternatives. ## Related products - [Ducal Refried Red Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ducal-refried-red-beans-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ducal-refried-red-beans-15-oz - [Goya Lime Beans Frozen Vegetables](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-lime-beans-frozen-vegetables-16-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-lime-beans-frozen-vegetables-16-oz - [Goya Guava Nectar Prisma](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-guava-nectar-prisma-3380-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-guava-nectar-prisma-3380-oz - [Reese Water Chestnuts Sliced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/reese-water-chestnuts-sliced-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/reese-water-chestnuts-sliced-8-oz - [Nakano Rice Vinegar Vinegar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nakano-rice-vinegar-vinegar-12-oz) (NOVA 2) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nakano-rice-vinegar-vinegar-12-oz - [Goya Sazonador Total](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-sazonador-total-11-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-sazonador-total-11-oz - [Gimme Organic Roasted Teriyaki](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gimme-organic-roasted-teriyaki-035-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gimme-organic-roasted-teriyaki-035-oz - [Goya Organic Pumpkin Puree](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-organic-pumpkin-puree-15-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-organic-pumpkin-puree-15-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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