How Many Calories are in 1 Pack of Buldak Noodles?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single 140-gram packet of standard Buldak noodles contains approximately 530 to 580 calories, depending on the specific flavor. This guide will explain exactly how many calories are in 1 pack of Buldak noodles, outlining the variations and offering practical tips for mindful consumption.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single Buldak noodle packet varies by flavor, with most versions ranging from 530 to 580 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A single pack of Buldak noodles generally contains between 530 and 580 calories, depending on the flavor.
Flavor Variation: Flavors like Carbonara and Cheese typically have slightly higher calorie counts than the original due to creamy or cheesy ingredients.
High Sodium: Buldak noodles are notably high in sodium, often containing well over 1,200 mg per serving, which should be considered for health reasons.
Macronutrient Makeup: The calories primarily come from high levels of carbohydrates and fats, with a relatively low protein content.
Calorie Reduction Strategies: You can reduce the calorie load by using less sauce, adding vegetables, or replacing the noodles with a low-calorie alternative like shirataki noodles.

Buldak Noodle Calories by Flavor: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Determining exactly how many calories are in 1 pack of Buldak noodles is a crucial first step for anyone tracking their nutritional intake. The calorie count is not uniform across the entire product line and depends on the specific flavor and ingredients. The signature Buldak flavor, known as Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen, typically contains around 530 calories per 140g package. However, other popular variations have their own unique nutritional profiles, driven by additions like cheese, cream, or extra spicy sauce. The primary sources of these calories are the noodles themselves, which are fried in palm oil, and the flavorful, oily sauce packet. Understanding these differences is key to making informed dietary choices.

Why Do the Calories Vary?

The variation in calorie counts between Buldak flavors is primarily due to the ingredient composition of the sauce packets and toppings. For example, the rich, creamy sauce in the Carbonara flavor, which is a fan favorite, adds to its caloric density, bringing it to approximately 550 calories per serving. Similarly, the Cheese flavor incorporates cheese powder, which also contributes additional fat and calories, pushing its total to a similar range. These extra components, while adding depth of flavor and helping to cut the immense spice level, also increase the overall energy content of the meal.

Understanding the Macronutrient Profile

Beyond just the total calorie count, it's insightful to examine the macronutrient breakdown of a typical pack of Buldak noodles. A substantial portion of the calories comes from carbohydrates and fats, with a relatively small amount of protein.

Carbohydrates: A single pack can contain over 80 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the wheat flour noodles. This provides a quick source of energy but can also contribute to a high glycemic load. Many instant noodles lack the fiber and complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, which would provide more sustained energy and better digestive health.
Fats: With a significant portion of calories from fat, often over 15 grams per serving, Buldak noodles are calorie-dense. A large part of this comes from saturated fat, used in the palm oil to fry the noodles during production.
Protein: The protein content is relatively low, typically in the 8-13 gram range, making it an unbalanced meal if eaten on its own.
Sodium: The sodium content is another major nutritional consideration. Many varieties contain well over 1,000 milligrams of sodium, sometimes reaching over 1,500mg, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Comparison of Popular Buldak Flavors


Flavor	Weight (g)	Approximate Calories (kcal)	Key Feature	Source
Original Hot Chicken	140	530	Signature spicy sauce
2x Spicy Hot Chicken	140	545-550	Twice the heat level
Carbonara Hot Chicken	130-140	550	Creamy sauce
Cheese Hot Chicken	140	550	Cheese powder included
Jjajang Hot Chicken	140	560	Black bean sauce flavor

Strategies for Reducing Calorie and Sodium Intake

While indulging in a pack of Buldak noodles can be a delicious treat, there are several ways to make it a more balanced and less calorie-intensive meal.

Use Less Sauce: The sauce packet is a major source of calories and sodium. Using only half or a third of the sauce packet can significantly reduce the overall calorie and sodium content without sacrificing all the flavor.
Add Vegetables: Bulk up the meal with low-calorie vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms, spinach, or bok choy. This adds fiber and nutrients, making the meal more filling and nutritious.
Increase Protein: Incorporate a source of lean protein, such as a boiled egg, tofu, or cooked chicken breast. This helps balance the macronutrient profile and increases satiety.
Switch Noodles: For a drastically lower-calorie alternative, replace the instant noodles with shirataki noodles or other low-calorie options, and simply use the Buldak sauce packet for flavor.
Drain Water: When preparing soup-based Buldak, boiling the noodles and then draining the water before adding the sauce can help remove some of the preservatives and excess fat.

Conclusion: A Fiery Treat in Moderation

In conclusion, understanding how many calories are in 1 pack of Buldak noodles requires checking the specific flavor's nutrition label, as the count can vary. The overall calorie count is typically high for a single meal, and it is accompanied by high levels of sodium and fat. While Buldak noodles are a satisfying and spicy indulgence, they are best enjoyed in moderation. By implementing simple strategies like controlling the sauce portion, adding fresh vegetables, and incorporating lean protein, you can enjoy the fiery flavor while making the meal a more balanced part of your diet. For the most accurate nutritional information, always consult the packaging for the exact flavor you purchase or visit a reliable nutritional database like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for Buldak flavors varies slightly, but those with creamy additions like Carbonara and rich sauces like Jjajang tend to have a slightly higher calorie count, often around 550-560 calories per pack.

Yes, the calorie count can be different for cup versions versus packets. For instance, a Buldak Carbonara cup might have fewer calories than a standard-sized packet because the serving size and noodle volume can be smaller.

To reduce the calorie count, you can use only part of the sauce packet, replace the noodles with a lower-calorie option like shirataki, or add a large portion of low-calorie vegetables to make the meal more filling.

The main sources of calories are the fried noodles themselves and the included flavor packets, which are high in carbohydrates and fats.

While enjoyable, Buldak noodles are a processed food that is high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, with low protein and fiber. They are best considered an occasional treat rather than a daily staple for a balanced diet.

Buldak noodles generally have a very high sodium content, often over 1,200mg per serving, which is on the higher end for instant ramen products.

Adding an egg to your Buldak noodles will increase the protein and add some healthy fats, which can help balance the overall macronutrient profile and make the meal more satisfying.