# Nissin Chow Mein Noodles, Chicken Flavor > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Nissin - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Canned & Packaged Goods - **Size:** 4 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nissin-chow-mein-noodles-chicken-flavor-4-oz - **Slug:** `nissin-chow-mein-noodles-chicken-flavor-4-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The ingredient list contains industrially formulated components (flavor enhancers, preservatives like TBHQ, powdered meats, phosphates, and yeast extracts) and refined base ingredients, consistent with an ultra-processed product. ## Review Nissin Chow Mein Noodles, Chicken Flavor is a familiar shelf staple: a 4-ounce, shelf-stable packet of fried wheat noodles paired with a small seasoning sachet. You’ll typically find it in the grocery’s international or Asian foods aisle, or tucked into the instant noodles/ramen section alongside other budget-friendly, quick-cook pasta and noodle mixes. It sits near ramen cups, packet soups, and microwaveable convenience meals. This product is aimed at shoppers seeking fast, inexpensive meal solutions — college students, busy parents, and anyone stocking a pantry for quick lunches or late-night snacks. Brand positioning leans on convenience and comforting familiarity rather than premium or organic credentials; packaging often uses bright, kid-friendly colors and imagery to convey a quick, tasty fix, but it doesn’t carry organic certification or broad “natural” claims. Label callouts tend to emphasize flavor and ease of preparation more than nutrition. Processing: a highly processed, convenience food made from enriched flour noodles and industrial flavor systems. Sensory details include a springy, slightly chewy noodle texture after cooking, with a savory, salty chicken-flavored seasoning that relies on powdered chicken, yeast extracts and flavor enhancers for depth. The product comes in a sealed foil/plastic pouch or small box for long shelf life. Rituals around use include boiling or soaking the noodles, stirring in the powdered seasoning, and customizing with scrambled egg, leftover vegetables, or hot sauce. In American grocery culture it occupies a practical, nostalgic niche — an affordable, comforting pantry fallback when time or budget is tight. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 - **Servings per container:** 1 - **Calories:** 500 - **Total fat:** 22g (28% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 9g (45% DV) - **Sodium:** 1170mg (51% DV) - **Total carbs:** 64g (23% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 8g - **Added sugars:** 4g (8% DV) - **Protein:** 10g ## Ingredients Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Canola Oil, Sesame Oil, Safflower Oil), Water, Sugar, Salt, Contains Less than 2% of Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Beta Carotene Color, Brown Sugar, Caramel Color, Chicken Fat, Citric Acid, Concentrated Green Cabbage Juice, Concentrated Oyster Juice (Oyster, Water, Salt), Dextrose, Disodium Guanylate, Disodium Inosinate, Dried Bok Choy, Powdered Chicken, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Soy Lecithin, Soybean, TBHQ (Preservative), Torula Yeast Extract, Vinegar, Wheat. ## Flagged ingredients - **Canola Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Palm Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Sesame Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Safflower Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Soy Lecithin** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **TBHQ** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Beta Carotene Color** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, movie-night, storm-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, nostalgic, comforting ## FAQ ### Is the Chow Mein healthy? The Chow Mein is a tasty option, but calling it 'healthy' depends on your perspective. With 500 calories and 22g of fat per serving, it's not exactly a salad, but it does pack in 10g of protein! If you're looking for a quick meal, it can fit into a balanced diet, just be mindful of the sodium content at 1170mg. ### Is the Chow Mein vegan? Nope, the Chow Mein isn't vegan. It contains chicken fat and powdered chicken, which means it's definitely off the menu for plant-based eaters. If you're looking for a vegan-friendly instant noodle, there are some great options out there that skip the animal products! ### Is it gluten-free? Sadly, the Chow Mein is not gluten-free. It’s made with enriched wheat flour, which means it’s a no-go for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you need gluten-free noodles, look for brands that specifically cater to that dietary need. ### Does it contain seed oils? Yes, the Chow Mein does contain seed oils, specifically palm oil, canola oil, and sesame oil. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their processing methods and omega-6 fatty acid content, they’re commonly used in many processed foods for texture and flavor. It's all about what fits your personal dietary choices! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, the Chow Mein doesn't contain artificial sweeteners. Instead, it has a bit of sugar and brown sugar for flavor, which gives it that savory-sweet taste without the fake stuff. If you're looking for something without any added sugars at all, this might not be your best bet. ### Is it high in sugar? The Chow Mein isn't high in sugar, but it does have 8g of total sugars per serving, including 4g of added sugars. That's not crazy high, but if you're watching your sugar intake, it's something to keep in mind. It’s more about the savory flavors than a sugary hit! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider whole grain or vegetable-based noodles, which often have more fiber and nutrients. Brands like Amy’s Kitchen offer organic options, and there are also plenty of low-sodium choices out there if you’re watching your salt. It all depends on what you're craving and your dietary goals! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely, kids can enjoy the Chow Mein! Just keep an eye on portion sizes and make sure it's part of a varied diet. The flavors are kid-friendly, but you might want to pair it with some veggies or a protein to round out the meal. ### Is it good for weight loss? The Chow Mein can fit into a weight loss plan if you enjoy it in moderation and balance it with healthier sides. With 500 calories per serving, it could be a filling meal, but you might want to watch the sodium and fat content if you're counting those macros. It's all about balance! ### Is it ultra-processed? Yes, the Chow Mein is considered ultra-processed due to its long list of ingredients and preservatives like TBHQ. While this doesn't automatically make it 'bad,' it does mean it's more of a convenience food than something you'd whip up from scratch. Enjoy it occasionally as a quick meal, but try to incorporate more whole foods into your diet when you can! ## Related products - [Bush's Best Baked Beans, Country Style](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bushs-best-baked-beans-country-style-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bushs-best-baked-beans-country-style-28-oz - [Immi Ramen Tom Yum Shrimp](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/immi-ramen-tom-yum-shrimp-240-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/immi-ramen-tom-yum-shrimp-240-oz - [Eden Foods Organic Garbanzo Beans](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/eden-foods-organic-garbanzo-beans-15-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/eden-foods-organic-garbanzo-beans-15-oz - [Libbys Vienna Sausage, Chicken](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/libbys-libbys-vienna-sausage-chicken-460-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/libbys-libbys-vienna-sausage-chicken-460-oz - [Immi Ramen Spicy Beef](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/immi-ramen-spicy-beef-240-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/immi-ramen-spicy-beef-240-oz - [Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna In Extra Virgin Olive Oil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/wild-planet-albacore-tuna-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil-5-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/wild-planet-albacore-tuna-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil-5-oz - [B&M Vegetarian Baked Beans 16 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bm-vegetarian-baked-beans-16-oz-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bm-vegetarian-baked-beans-16-oz-16-oz - [Underwood Deviled Ham Spread](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/underwood-deviled-ham-spread-425-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/underwood-deviled-ham-spread-425-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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