Are Apollo Noodles Healthy? A Look at the Nutritional Facts

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, excessive sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. So, are Apollo noodles healthy in light of this? This article examines the nutritional content of Apollo noodles to determine their place in a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Apollo noodles, like most instant noodles, are high in sodium, fat, and flavor enhancers like MSG, while offering low nutritional value. Frequent consumption is linked to health risks like metabolic syndrome and poor diet quality. They are best enjoyed in moderation with added fresh ingredients.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: Apollo noodles contain high levels of sodium, a major risk factor for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Low in Essential Nutrients: The noodles are primarily refined carbohydrates, lacking sufficient protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Contains Additives: Common instant noodle additives like MSG and TBHQ are present, which are a concern for some consumers.
Linked to Poor Diet Quality: Regular consumption of instant noodles is associated with an overall poorer diet and increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Can Be Made Healthier: You can significantly improve the nutritional value by adding fresh vegetables, lean protein, and reducing the use of the high-sodium seasoning packet.
Occasional Treat Only: For most people, Apollo noodles are acceptable as an infrequent treat but should not replace nutrient-dense meals.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Apollo Noodles

Instant noodles are a global phenomenon, prized for their convenience and affordability. However, a deeper look into their nutritional makeup is crucial for informed dietary choices. Apollo noodles, a popular brand, share many characteristics with other instant noodle products, meaning their health implications are similar. The primary concerns revolve around their high sodium content, refined carbohydrates, lack of essential nutrients, and the presence of additives.

The noodles themselves are typically made from refined wheat flour and vegetable oil, often palm oil, which is high in saturated fat. The flash-frying process used to pre-cook the noodles adds to their fat content. Furthermore, the seasoning sachets, which are the source of most of the flavor, are notoriously high in salt and contain flavor enhancers like MSG (monosodium glutamate).

The High Sodium Content: A Major Red Flag

One of the most significant health concerns associated with Apollo noodles is their high sodium level. A single serving can contain a substantial portion of the recommended daily sodium intake. For example, one 70g packet of Apollo Chicken Noodles can contain 545mg of sodium, and larger servings have even more. High sodium consumption is a well-documented risk factor for several health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Over time, this can put a strain on your cardiovascular system.

Low on Essential Nutrients

Beyond the concerning levels of sodium and saturated fat, instant noodles like Apollo are fundamentally low in nutritional value. They provide a large dose of refined carbohydrates for a quick energy spike, but little else. Essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals are largely absent. A diet lacking in fiber can lead to digestive issues like constipation, while insufficient protein can leave you feeling hungry shortly after eating, potentially contributing to overeating and weight gain.

Additives and Preservatives

Apollo noodles contain several additives to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. The flavour enhancer MSG (E621) is a common ingredient, and while approved by food safety authorities, some individuals report sensitivities to it, experiencing headaches or nausea. Other preservatives, such as tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), are also used. Although used in small, regulated amounts, these chemicals are a concern for some health-conscious consumers who prefer more natural, whole-food diets.

How to Make Apollo Noodles Healthier

If you can't resist the occasional bowl of Apollo noodles, there are simple steps you can take to mitigate some of their unhealthy aspects. By incorporating fresh ingredients, you can turn a nutritionally sparse meal into a more balanced one. Here's how:

Add vegetables: Stir in fresh or frozen vegetables such as carrots, spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, or green onions. They cook quickly and boost the fiber and vitamin content.
Increase protein: Include a source of lean protein like a boiled egg, tofu, or shredded chicken to improve satiety and add nutritional value.
Modify the seasoning: Use only half or a quarter of the seasoning packet to dramatically reduce the sodium and MSG intake. You can then add your own herbs and spices to taste, such as garlic powder, chili flakes, or ginger.
Drain the water: If you are using the flavor sachet, cook the noodles and drain the water before adding a cleaner, low-sodium broth or a small portion of the original seasoning.

A Comparison of Apollo Noodles and Healthier Alternatives


Feature	Apollo Instant Noodles	Whole-Wheat Noodles with Veggies/Protein	Made-from-Scratch Noodle Soup
Carbohydrates	Refined white flour, low fiber.	Whole-grain flour, higher in fiber.	Can be customized (whole-wheat, rice, etc.).
Protein	Very low (typically 6-10g per pack).	High, with added sources like egg or tofu.	High, with fresh meat, seafood, or plant-based protein.
Fat	High, often from palm oil and fried during processing.	Can be low, depending on preparation method.	Low to moderate, depending on ingredients.
Sodium	Extremely high (often 50%+ of daily limit).	Low to moderate, controlled by added broth and seasoning.	Low, fully controlled with minimal salt.
Vitamins & Minerals	Low, often fortified with limited nutrients.	High, thanks to added fresh vegetables and protein.	High, with diverse, fresh ingredients.
Additives	Contains MSG, TBHQ, and other preservatives.	Generally free of artificial additives.	Free of artificial additives.
Preparation Time	~3-5 minutes.	~10-15 minutes.	~20-40 minutes (depends on complexity).

Conclusion: A Treat, Not a Staple

In summary, the answer to the question "are Apollo noodles healthy?" is no, not in the sense of being a nutritious food source. While an occasional serving is unlikely to cause serious harm, relying on them as a dietary staple can have adverse long-term health effects due to their high content of sodium, saturated fat, and additives, combined with their low nutritional value. For optimal health, instant noodles should be viewed as a treat rather than a meal replacement. By adding fresh, whole-food ingredients and reducing the use of the seasoning packet, you can significantly improve their nutritional profile and make a more conscious choice for your well-being. For more detailed information on instant noodle ingredients and their effects, you can consult reliable resources such as Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer found in Apollo noodles. While the FDA considers it safe in small doses, some people may have a sensitivity and experience side effects like headaches or nausea. Limiting intake is recommended for those who are sensitive.

Yes, Apollo noodles can contribute to weight gain. They are calorie-dense and high in refined carbs and unhealthy fats, but low in protein and fiber, which leads to low satiety. This can result in overeating and subsequent weight gain.

Regular, frequent consumption of instant noodles like Apollo has been linked to several adverse health effects, including a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, poor diet quality, and high blood pressure due to excessive sodium.

Healthier alternatives include non-fried varieties or noodles made from whole grains, konjac, or rice. For a fully nutritious meal, create your own broth and add fresh vegetables, eggs, or tofu.

To reduce sodium, use only a portion of the seasoning packet or discard it entirely and use your own low-sodium broth and spices. Rinsing the cooked noodles can also help remove some excess sodium.

TBHQ, or tertiary-butyl hydroquinone, is a petroleum-derived preservative sometimes added to instant noodles to prevent fat oxidation. It is used in small, regulated amounts, but some consumers prefer to avoid it.

Apollo noodles are low in protein and fiber because they are primarily made from refined wheat flour and vegetable oil. The processing removes the bran and germ, which are the main sources of these nutrients.