9 Awful Instant Foods And 9 That Are Actually Good
We’ve all been there – staring into our pantry after a long day, desperately seeking something quick to satisfy our rumbling stomachs.
Instant foods promise convenience, but they’re not all created equal.
As someone who practically survived college on microwavable meals, I’ve become something of an accidental connoisseur of quick-fix cuisine.
Let me walk you through which instant foods deserve a spot in your pantry and which ones should be left on the store shelf.
1. Generic Instant Ramen – Sodium Bomb With Little Nutritional Value
My freshman year of college, I lived on these 25-cent noodle bricks, thinking I was being financially responsible. My body eventually rebelled, and now I understand why. Behind that savory, almost addictive flavor lies an alarming amount of sodium – often 70-80% of your daily recommended intake in one small package! The noodles themselves are flash-fried before packaging, adding unnecessary fat without any nutritional benefit.
After eating them, I’d feel momentarily full but hungry again within an hour. The flavor packets contain mostly salt, MSG, and artificial ingredients rather than actual spices or herbs. While they’re undeniably cheap and quick, the nutritional tradeoff isn’t worth it. If you must indulge, at least toss the flavor packet and use low-sodium broth instead, then add an egg and some vegetables to create something resembling a balanced meal.
2. Sugar-Loaded Instant Oatmeal – Breakfast Betrayal
The colorful packets promised me a healthy start to my day, but reading the nutrition label was a rude awakening. That supposedly nutritious breakfast contained more sugar than some candy bars! The highly processed oats have been stripped of much of their fiber, meaning they digest quickly and leave you hungry long before lunch. The fruit flavors come primarily from artificial ingredients rather than actual berries or apples.
Even worse, many varieties contain hidden trans fats in the form of hydrogenated oils something I definitely don’t want in my breakfast bowl. What’s particularly sneaky is the health halo effect – these products market themselves as wholesome choices while delivering a sugar rush that crashes your energy mid-morning. For about the same cooking time, you could make regular oatmeal and add your own honey or fruit for sweetness, controlling both the sugar content and portion size while getting more fiber and nutrients.
3. Cheap Dehydrated Backpacking Meals – Emergency Food At Best
After a 10-mile hike, I was so hungry I could’ve eaten my boot. Even then, the budget dehydrated meal I’d packed was barely palatable. The texture can only be described as simultaneously mushy and crunchy in all the wrong places. Despite soaking for the recommended time, these meals often rehydrate unevenly, leaving some ingredients with the consistency of wet cardboard while others remain mysteriously crunchy.
The flavors tend toward extremes, either bland as paper or so aggressively seasoned they burn your taste buds. Most contain excessive sodium and preservatives to compensate for the lack of actual flavor development. While they’re lightweight for backpacking, there are many better options available for just a few dollars more. Save these exclusively for emergency preparedness kits where taste is secondary to shelf stability. Your taste buds and digestive system will thank you for spending just a bit more on quality dehydrated options.
4. Maggi Noodles – Childhood Nostalgia With Adult Concerns
Growing up, these noodles were a treat my mom would make when she was too tired to cook. The distinctive yellow packets promised delicious comfort in just two minutes. As an adult, I’ve had to reconcile those warm memories with some uncomfortable facts. Maggi noodles have faced significant controversy regarding their MSG content and other additives.
The noodles themselves are fried before packaging, adding empty calories and unhealthy fats. When food safety tests were conducted in various countries, some Maggi products showed concerning levels of lead, though the company has since addressed these issues. The flavor, while nostalgic, comes primarily from artificial ingredients rather than actual herbs and spices. While occasional consumption probably won’t harm most adults, they’re not something I’d want to eat regularly or serve to children. Sometimes childhood favorites are best left as memories rather than pantry staples.
5. Ultra-Processed Snack Crackers – Empty Calories In Convenient Packaging
The bright orange dust that coated my fingers was the first warning sign. The ingredient list that read like a chemistry experiment was the second. Yet I still found myself mindlessly munching through half a bag while watching TV. These ultra-processed snack crackers represent food engineering at its most insidious. They’re specifically designed to hit the bliss point of salt, fat, and artificial flavors that keeps you reaching for more without providing actual satiety.
The refined carbs spike your blood sugar quickly, leading to energy crashes and increased hunger shortly after eating. What’s particularly concerning is how these products use flavor enhancers and texture manipulators to override your body’s natural fullness signals. They provide virtually no nutritional benefits while potentially contributing to inflammation and digestive issues. My body always feels slightly off after eating them – a subtle but real reminder that they’re food products rather than actual food.
6. Bland Pot Noodle Varieties – Disappointment In A Cup
After hearing British friends rave about Pot Noodles, I eagerly tried the original flavor during a London visit. What followed was perhaps the most underwhelming culinary experience of my life. The non-spicy varieties manage to be simultaneously bland and artificial-tasting – quite a feat! The noodles themselves have a strange, almost slippery texture that doesn’t resemble fresh noodles in any way. The broth, if you can call it that, tastes primarily of salt with vague hints of what might generously be called “seasoning.”
The dehydrated vegetable pieces remain mysteriously crunchy even after steeping. What’s particularly disappointing is that with just a bit more effort in the flavor development, these could be decent quick meals. Instead, they taste like someone described the concept of food to an alien who then tried to recreate it without ever having eaten anything. Even adding hot sauce couldn’t save this sad cup of disappointment.
7. Low-Quality Supermarket Ramen Packs – Artificial Flavor Overload
The packaging promised “authentic Asian flavors” for just 39 cents. What I got instead was a sad bowl of limp noodles swimming in what tasted like liquid salt with artificial chicken essence. These budget ramen packs rely heavily on flavor enhancers and artificial ingredients to create the illusion of taste. The noodles themselves are typically fried during manufacturing, adding unhealthy fats without any nutritional benefit.
After eating them, I always notice a strange aftertaste and unusual thirst telltale signs of excessive sodium and MSG. The dehydrated vegetable bits are so sparse and tiny they’re practically decorative rather than nutritional. Even adding fresh ingredients can’t fully salvage these noodles. For just a dollar or two more, you could get significantly better instant noodles that use real ingredients and actual spices rather than chemical approximations of flavor. Your taste buds deserve better!
8. Freeze-Dried Survival Meals – For Emergencies Only
During a camping phase, I bought a bucket of these 25-year shelf-life meals, thinking I was being practical. One curious taste test later, I understood why they’re marketed for apocalypse scenarios rather than dinner. The texture can only be described as otherworldly somehow simultaneously powdery and gummy, with occasional mystery crunches.
The flavor profiles tend toward extremes – either aggressively salty or strangely sweet, with little middle ground or complexity. Most varieties have a distinctive chemical aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably. While their incredible shelf stability makes them perfect for emergency preparedness, they’re simply not designed for regular consumption. The processing required to achieve that 25-year shelf life strips away most of what makes food enjoyable. Keep these in your emergency kit if you must, but do yourself a favor and don’t dig into them unless the zombies are actually at your door.
9. Batchelors Super Noodles Bland Varieties – Flavor Wasteland
The chicken flavor promised on the packaging must have gotten lost in transit because what landed in my bowl was essentially wet, bland cardboard. I’ve had more flavorful paper towels. Unlike their bacon-flavored cousin which has some redeeming qualities, these bland varieties of Super Noodles manage to be simultaneously tasteless and artificial. The broth never quite thickens properly, leaving you with watery noodles that somehow still feel greasy.
The seasoning consists primarily of salt with vague hints of what someone imagines chicken might taste like if they’d never actually eaten it. What’s particularly frustrating is how easily these could be improved with better seasoning blends. Instead, they rely on cheap fillers and sodium to create the illusion of flavor. Even college-me, who considered ketchup a vegetable, eventually refused to eat these. Life’s too short for noodles this disappointing, especially when better options cost just pennies more.
10. Prima Taste Singapore Laksa LaMian – A Flavor Explosion Worth Every Penny
Holy moly, this instant noodle changed my life! I discovered it during a midnight study session when my roommate offered me a bowl. One slurp and I was transported straight to Singapore without leaving my dorm room. The broth packs an authentic punch with real coconut milk powder and a complex spice blend that dances between spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Unlike those sad, flavorless ramen packs, these noodles actually have texture – they’re springy and substantial. Yes, they cost more than your average instant noodle, but they’re practically restaurant-quality. I always keep a stash for days when cooking feels impossible but my taste buds refuse to compromise. Pro tip: Add a soft-boiled egg and some fresh cilantro to take it to the next level!
11. Huel Hot & Savory Meal Cups – Nutrition That Actually Tastes Good
Confession time: I rolled my eyes when my fitness-obsessed friend recommended these. Another health food that tastes like cardboard? No thanks! But curiosity got the better of me during a particularly hectic work week. Surprisingly, these little cups pack actual flavor along with their impressive nutritional profile. Just add hot water, wait 5 minutes, and boom – a balanced meal with complete protein, fiber, and 26 vitamins and minerals.
My favorite is the Thai Green Curry, which has real vegetable pieces and a pleasant kick. What won me over wasn’t just convenience but knowing I’m not sacrificing nutrition for speed. Perfect for desk lunches or when the fridge is barren. They’re pricier than some instant options, but cheaper than ordering takeout when you’re too tired to cook.
12. Prima Taste Curry LaMian – Restaurant-Quality Curry In Minutes
My love affair with this instant curry noodle began when a Singaporean friend insisted I try it. “This isn’t your average instant noodle,” she promised. Boy, was she right! The curry paste is packed separately, preserving its aromatic qualities until you’re ready to feast. The broth achieves that magical balance of creamy coconut, warming spices, and just enough heat to make things interesting without setting your mouth ablaze.
The noodles themselves deserve special mention – they’re air-dried rather than fried, giving them a satisfying chew missing from most instant options. While it costs more than your typical ramen packet, it’s basically a restaurant meal in your cupboard. I’ve served this to dinner guests with some added veggies and protein, and they genuinely thought I’d ordered takeout. That’s how good it is!
13. Giovanni Rana Chicken Alfredo Tagliatelle – Refrigerated Magic
Remember that scene in Ratatouille where Anton Ego takes a bite and is instantly transported to his childhood? That’s exactly what happened when I first tried Giovanni Rana’s refrigerated pasta. The fresh pasta cooks in literally 2 minutes, and the sauce melts perfectly into each ribbon of tagliatelle. Unlike frozen pasta meals that often taste artificial, this refrigerated option maintains a homemade quality.
The chicken pieces are surprisingly tender, and the alfredo sauce has that silky texture without weird chemical aftertastes. My Italian grandmother would still scoff, but for something ready in under 5 minutes, it’s impressively authentic. Found in the refrigerated section, it costs more than dry pasta but delivers a meal that feels special. When I need comfort food but lack the energy for cooking, this is my go-to indulgence. Just add a side salad and pretend you worked harder than you did!
14. Kirkland Crunchy Beef Birria Taco Kit – Costco’s Hidden Gem
Stumbling upon this kit during a Costco run was like finding buried treasure. As someone who regularly waits in line at my local taco truck for birria, I was skeptical that a supermarket version could compete. Color me shocked when these tacos turned out to be legitimately fantastic! The kit includes everything: corn tortillas, slow-cooked seasoned beef, and that magical consommé for dipping.
The meat is already perfectly seasoned with a complex blend of chilies and spices that would take hours to develop from scratch. Just heat everything up, assemble, and you’ve got that crispy-soft taco texture with rich, dippable goodness. For about $15, you get enough to feed 4-6 people with minimal effort. My foodie friends were genuinely impressed when I served these at game night, especially with some added fresh cilantro and onion. Costco for the unexpected win!
15. Pasta Prima Spinach & Mozzarella Ravioli – Freezer Aisle Excellence
Last winter during a snowstorm, I was stuck at home with dwindling groceries when I remembered this forgotten package of ravioli in my freezer. Little did I know it would become a pantry staple! Unlike many frozen pastas that turn to mush, these ravioli maintain their structural integrity while cooking. The filling strikes a perfect balance between cheese and spinach – you can actually taste the vegetables instead of just getting sad green flecks.
The pasta itself has a tender bite rather than that gummy texture that plagues lesser frozen options. Ready in about 5 minutes, they’re perfect tossed with olive oil and garlic or your favorite jarred sauce. I’ve even impressed last-minute dinner guests by serving them with brown butter and sage. For around $5 a package, they’re an affordable luxury that’s saved me from hangry meltdowns countless times.
16. Lean Cuisine Butternut Squash Ravioli – Frozen Food That Doesn’t Taste Frozen
Finding this gem in the freezer aisle was a complete accident. I was rushing through grocery shopping, grabbed the first vegetarian option I saw, and expected mediocrity. Instead, I got a meal I now purposely stock up on! The butternut squash filling is legitimately tasty – sweet but not cloying, with hints of nutmeg and sage that give it depth.
The sauce strikes that elusive balance between creamy and light, and the snap peas actually retain some crunch rather than turning to mush. Even the pasta maintains a decent texture despite being microwaved. At around 300 calories, it’s substantial enough for lunch but won’t put you in a food coma. I’ve doctored it up with extra black pepper and a sprinkle of parmesan when feeling fancy, but it’s perfectly enjoyable straight out of the microwave. For busy workdays, this frozen miracle has saved me from countless sad desk lunches.
17. Pot Noodle Bombay Bad Boy – Spicy Salvation For Busy Days
My British roommate introduced me to this fiery little pot during finals week, and it’s been my spicy salvation ever since. Unlike its milder siblings in the Pot Noodle family, the Bombay Bad Boy doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat! The noodles plump up nicely after adding boiling water, and the curry-spiced broth has a legitimate kick that wakes up your taste buds. It’s not gourmet by any stretch, but when you’re craving something hot and satisfying in minutes, it hits the spot perfectly.
The texture includes little crunchy bits that add interest beyond just soft noodles. While it’s not winning any nutrition awards, it’s surprisingly satisfying and keeps hunger at bay. I always keep a couple in my desk drawer for those days when lunch breaks evaporate into back-to-back meetings. Just have a breath mint handy afterward – that spice lingers!
18. Batchelors Super Noodles Bacon Flavour – Comfort In A Packet
Sometimes you just need a hug in food form, and that’s exactly what these noodles deliver. I discovered them during a rainy semester abroad in London, and they became my go-to comfort food when homesickness hit. Unlike many bacon-flavored things that taste artificial, these noodles somehow capture that smoky, savory essence without going overboard. The sauce thickens nicely as it cools, coating each noodle with just the right amount of flavor.
They’re not trying to be fancy – just reliably satisfying in that nostalgic, simple way. Are they nutritionally impressive? Not even close. But they cost less than a coffee and cook in minutes, making them perfect for late-night study sessions or lazy Sundays. I still order them online occasionally when I need a taste of that semester abroad. Sometimes the simplest foods bring the most comfort.