What’s quick, hassle-free, and needs just water and one piece of equipment? Cup noodles!
From lazy evenings to treks and trips, all cup noodles need is some hot water and voila! Your steaming cuppa noodles are ready to be devoured. Mishry researched and found four best vegetarian masala cup noodles brands in India and put them to the test- Maggi, MAMA, Nissin, and Wai Wai.
Which brand are you rooting for?
Our Review Factors
1. Taste
Which brand had the superlative classic instant noodles flavor? Was it fresh or did it have some undesirable aftertaste? We also gauged the noodle to tastemaker ratio to find out whether or not it was sufficient.
2. Texture
After letting the noodles soak/cook in boiling water for the suggested time frame, how was the resultant texture? Did the noodles retain their bite or did they turn mushy and too soft? Al dente or on the raw side?
If the tastemaker had veggies, we noted the texture of those too.
3. Sodium Content
Our bodies need sodium to manage the pressure and volume of blood. Other essential functions like muscle contraction, nerve functioning is also reliant on sodium. That said, only a miniscule amount (500 mg) is the RDA.
The sodium content is higher in packaged foods, compared to what we’d use in cooking.
Since consuming high amounts of sodium on a regular basis can lead to high blood pressure, heart, and kidney issues, we gauged, and reported the sodium content in each of the contenders.
4. Other Parameters
The packaging, price, shelf life, inclusion of cutlery (if any) has also been mentioned in the review.
Masala Cup Noodles in India – Detailed Review
1. Maggi Masala Cup Noodles
Our Experience
As instructed on the cup, we let Maggi cup noodles cook for four minutes. The noodles had cooked well within this time and developed a springy bite. They weren’t under or overcooked, just right. Unlike the cake noodles, these aren’t cylindrical, but are flatter.
As for the flavors, Maggi was easily the best, tastiest of the four contenders. The tastemaker was a blend of desi masala with bold flavors of garlic, onion, cumin, and greens like coriander. The salt and spice were balanced quite well and the ratio of noodles, masala, and water were apt.
Product Features
One cup is priced at Rs 45/- and has a net weight of 70.5 grams. It has a shelf life of seven months and the main ingredients are-
Noodles- Refined wheat flour, palm oil, iodised salt, thickeners (412 & 508), humectant (451 i), acidity regulators (501 i, 500 i, 300)
Tastemaker- Mixed spices (18.4%), dehydrated vegetables (14.4%- carrot flakes (7.52%), green peas (6.92%), sugar, starch, iodised salt, nature identical flavoring substances, tomato paste (5.6%), toasted onion flakes (4.7%), refined wheat flour, roasted garlic flakes, thickeners (508 & 415), onion powder (2.8%), palm oil, herbs, natural flavoring substances, yeast extract powder, flavor enhancer (635), tamarind powder, acidity regulator (330), and wheat gluten.
Sodium (in mg) per serve – 665.7 mg
- Most economical
- Commendable texture
- Full of flavors
- Convenient preparation
Aromatic, flavorful, with a lovely bite- if this is what you look for in your cup of noodles- Maggi is the one you must try.
2. Mama Cup Noodles
Our Experience
In terms of texture, Mama was hands down the best. The noodles were long, unbroken, springy and had a soft bite. We were delighted to see how well the noodles had rehydrated. The taste, however, was a horse of a different color.
The tastemaker didn’t have the classic desi masale. Instead it was a umami, broth-like flavor profile. That said, owing to the delicate flavors, you can build the spice up with a drizzle of chilli oil. Definitely a must-try who are looking for cup noodles with a delicate flavor profile and a delish broth to go with it.
Product Features
A 60-gram cup is priced at Rs 109/- with a 12-month shelf life. Inside the paper cup, there are three sachets- seasoning, veggies, onion paste. This also had a foldable plastic fork.
The main ingredients are wheat flour, palm oil, dried vegetables (carrot, cabbage, mushroom, corn kernel, leek), salt, spices, sugar, mono sodium glutamate, soy sauce, acidity regulator (sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate), caramel color, thickener (cellulose gum), disodium ribonucleotides, anticaking agent (silicone dioxide).
Sodium (in mg) per serve – 1414 mg
- Thumbs up for the quality of noodles. They are long and bouncy.
- Liberty to customize flavors, if needed.
- Delicate flavors.
- Cutlery included
- Highest sodium content.
If you prefer delicately flavored noodles, without an overdose of seasoning, Mama cup noodles are a must-try.
3. Nissin Masala Noodles
Our Experience
This had a mix of short and long noodles that rehydrated decently, they didn’t have a smooth bite and neither were they as springy as our Top Pick. The veggies plumped up and developed a nice bite. The noodle to masala ratio gets a thumbs up from us.
The flavors in the tastemaker weren’t bad, but this did not win because in a comparative situation, our Top Pick tasted better. They were prominent on warm spices.
Product Features
A 70-gram cup is priced at Rs 50/- and has an eight month shelf life. This does not include any cutlery and has a regular, paper cup packing.
The main ingredients are refined wheat flour, edible vegetable oil (palm oil), dehydrated pieces (4.82%- corn, carrot, french beans, green peas, curry leaves), iodised salt, mixed spices (1.49%- red chilli, turmeric, coriander, black pepper, cumin, fenugreek, ginger, clove, nutmeg, and green cardamom), hydrolysed vegetable protein powder (soya), onion powder, sugar, cornstarch, maltodextrin, yeast extract powder, flavor enhancers (INS 631, INS 627, INS 620), acidity regulators (INS 500 i, INS 451 i, INS 330), thickeners (INS 415), and antioxidant (INS 319)
Sodium (in mg) per serve – 980 mg
4. Wai Wai Ready to Eat Masala Noodles
Our Experience
Wai Wai cup noodles rehydrated well but the noodles had a SUPREMELY dry bite. Moreover, the dry noodle cake had a rancid oil-like smell. Additionally, the masala to noodle ratio was disappointingly low. This definitely needs a boost of masalas.
Product Features
A 70-gram cup is priced at Rs 50/-. This has a shelf life of 8 months. The noodles and tastemaker are packed in a sturdy plastic cup.
The main ingredients are-
Noodles- Refined wheat flour, edible vegetable oil, iodised salt, wheat gluten, flavor enhancer (E 621), soy sauce (caramel- E 150 D), tomato sauce, chilli sauce, acidity regulators (E 330, E 451 I, E 500 II), thickener (E 421), black pepper, onion.
Tastemaker- iodised salt, chilli, soy sauce, (caramel- E 150 D), flavor enhancer (E 621, E 627, E 631), dehydrated vegetables (carrot, cabbage, spring onion), sugar, garam masala, maltodextrin (E 1400), black salt, coriander, garlic, onion, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, ginger, acidity regulator (E 330), clove, hydrolysed vegetable protein, fenugreek, nutmeg, fennel, cinnamon, anticaking agent (E 551), paprika extract (E 160 c), cardamom, emulsifier (E 433) Contains permitted natural colors (E150d, E160c) and added flavors.
PS- Wai Wai also states that their noodles are pre-cooked, flavored, and fried.
Sodium (in mg) per serve – 1071 mg
Our Top Picks & Recommendations
Why is Maggi our Top Pick?
Of the four brands we tried, Maggi wins the title of the best vegetarian masala cup noodles brand in India. The texture, flavors, ratio of masala to noodles and other significant aspects made Maggi our Top Pick.
We would also like to give a special mention to Mama cup noodles if you’re looking for something more delicate and broth-like.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top brands for masala cup noodles?
The top brands for masala cup noodles include Maggi, Knorr, Nissin, Ching’s Secret, and Wai Wai. These brands are known for their flavorful masala seasoning and convenient packaging, making them popular choices among instant noodle lovers.
2. What makes masala cup noodles different from regular cup noodles?
Masala cup noodles are distinct because they include a unique blend of spices known as “masala,” which is commonly used in Indian cuisine. This spice mix typically contains ingredients like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and various other spices that give the noodles a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
3. Are masala cup noodles spicy?
Masala cup noodles can vary in spiciness depending on the brand and specific product. Generally, they have a moderate level of heat due to the masala spices. Some brands offer variations with different levels of spiciness, so you can choose according to your preference.
4. Are masala cup noodles suitable for vegetarians?
Most masala cup noodles are suitable for vegetarians, but it’s always a good idea to check the packaging for specific ingredients. Brands like Maggi and Knorr often have vegetarian options, clearly labeled to ensure they meet dietary preferences.
Final Words
Cup noodles or instant noodles, what do you prefer?
Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.
