How many calories are in 150g udon noodles?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical 150g portion of pre-cooked udon noodles contains around 190 calories. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the preparation method, whether the noodles are fresh, frozen, or dry, and any added ingredients.

Quick Summary

A 150g serving of udon noodles generally has about 190 calories, though the exact number can differ based on the noodle type and how it's cooked. The preparation and additional ingredients significantly impact the final caloric intake.

Key Points

Calorie Estimate: A 150g serving of udon noodles typically contains around 190 calories.
Preparation Matters: The calorie count changes based on whether the noodles are dry, frozen, or fresh, and how they are cooked.
Low Fat: Plain udon noodles are very low in fat, with less than 0.1g per 150g serving.
High in Carbs: The majority of the calories in udon come from carbohydrates, providing energy.
Add-ons Increase Calories: Sauces, proteins, and other toppings can significantly raise the total caloric value of your meal.
Healthier Option: Opt for whole-wheat udon and add plenty of vegetables and lean protein for a more nutritious meal.
Compared to Others: Udon is typically higher in calories than soba noodles but lower than some instant ramen varieties.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine, known for their thick, chewy texture and mild flavor. They are a popular ingredient in soups, stir-fries, and cold noodle dishes. When tracking your calorie intake, it's essential to understand that the caloric value is not static and depends heavily on the form of the udon you're consuming. This guide will help you decipher the nutritional information for a standard 150g portion.

Factors Influencing Udon's Caloric Content

The overall calorie count for a dish featuring udon can fluctuate based on several key factors:

Noodle Form: The most significant difference is between dry, frozen, and fresh udon. Dry udon, before cooking, is much denser and more calorie-rich per gram. Once boiled, it absorbs water, increasing its weight and distributing the calories over a larger volume. Fresh or frozen udon, already hydrated, will have a lower calorie density by weight.
Added Ingredients: While udon noodles themselves are relatively low in fat, the total calorie count can skyrocket depending on what you add to them. Broths, sauces, meats, and toppings like tempura can significantly increase the final value. For example, a simple kake udon (plain noodle soup) will have far fewer calories than a rich, creamy udon dish with fried accompaniments.
Serving Size Variation: Although we're focusing on a 150g serving, portion sizes can differ in restaurants or home cooking. It's important to measure your portion accurately if you are closely monitoring your calories.

How Calorie Information is Determined

Nutritional information is typically calculated in a lab, based on the ingredients and proportions used in a food item. Manufacturers provide this data on packaging, often listing both 'per 100g' and 'per serving' figures. For pre-cooked, ready-to-use udon, the calories for a 150g portion are fairly consistent.

A Nutritional Breakdown of 150g Udon Noodles

For a standard 150g serving of pre-cooked or 'straight-to-wok' udon, here's a general nutritional profile based on available data from product listings:

Calories: Approximately 190 kcal.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 39g. Udon noodles are primarily a source of carbohydrates, which are converted into fuel for the body.
Protein: Around 7.4g. While not a primary protein source, udon provides a modest amount, which can be supplemented with other ingredients like tofu, egg, or chicken.
Fat: Less than 0.1g, with very low saturated fat. Plain udon is extremely low in fat, making it a good base for a healthier meal.
Fiber: Approximately 3.1g. Fiber content can vary, especially with whole-wheat versions, which offer more fiber than standard white flour varieties.
Sodium: About 0.6g. Note that this is for the noodles alone; sauces and broths can add a significant amount of sodium.

Comparison Table: Udon vs. Other Noodles (per 150g)

To put the calorie count in perspective, here's a comparison with other popular noodle types. Values are approximate and based on standard preparations.


Noodle Type	Approximate Calories (per 150g)	Primary Ingredient	Nutritional Notes
Udon	~190 kcal	Wheat Flour	Moderate calories, low fat. Carb-heavy.
Soba	~150-180 kcal	Buckwheat Flour	Often lower in calories and higher in fiber than udon.
Ramen	~200-250 kcal	Wheat Flour, kansui	Calorie count heavily depends on frying and broth ingredients. Instant ramen is often much higher.
Rice Vermicelli	~140-160 kcal	Rice Flour	Lower calorie density and gluten-free.
Kelp Noodles	<20 kcal	Seaweed, Water, Salt	Very low-calorie, virtually no carbs.

Making Udon a Healthy Meal

Despite being primarily carbohydrates, udon can be part of a healthy diet. The key is in how you prepare it. To maximize the nutritional benefits and minimize unnecessary calories:

Load up on veggies: Add a variety of fresh or cooked vegetables to your udon soup or stir-fry. Bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots are excellent choices.
Choose whole wheat: Opt for whole-wheat udon noodles if you can find them. They provide more fiber and nutrients than refined flour versions.
Use lean protein: Incorporate lean protein sources like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make your meal more balanced and filling.
Watch the broth: Be mindful of the sodium content in pre-made broths. Consider making a simple, homemade dashi broth to control the ingredients.

Conclusion

In summary, a 150g portion of udon noodles, specifically the common pre-cooked variety, contains approximately 190 calories. This value serves as a good baseline for meal planning, but it's important to remember that the total caloric impact of your dish will be shaped by your chosen preparation method and additional ingredients. By adding plenty of vegetables and lean proteins, udon can be a delicious and balanced part of a healthy eating plan. The chewy, satisfying texture makes it a great choice for a fulfilling meal without excessive fat, especially when opting for healthier, homemade broths over heavy, store-bought sauces.

Visit Dr. Axe for more insights on udon nutrition and health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Udon noodles are not inherently fattening. They are primarily carbohydrates and low in fat. The total calorie count of an udon dish depends on the other ingredients added, such as high-fat sauces or fried toppings. Plain udon can be part of a healthy, low-fat diet.

Dry udon is much more calorie-dense per gram than cooked udon. When you boil dry udon, it absorbs water, increasing its weight and volume. For instance, 150g of cooked udon will have fewer calories than 150g of dry udon before it's prepared.

Soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat, are generally lower in calories than udon noodles. A typical serving of soba often has fewer carbs and more fiber, making it a slightly healthier option for calorie-conscious individuals.

The total calorie count for a bowl of udon soup varies widely based on the broth and toppings. While the 150g of noodles may be around 190 calories, a rich broth with tempura or meat can easily push the total to 400-600 calories or more.

Yes, you can eat udon noodles while on a diet. To keep it healthy, focus on portion control and pair the noodles with low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredients like lean proteins (tofu, chicken) and plenty of vegetables. Avoid heavy, creamy sauces and fried additions.

For the lowest calorie preparation, serve udon noodles in a light, clear broth made from dashi with minimal sodium. Add a generous amount of vegetables like bok choy and mushrooms, and opt for a lean protein source. Avoid oil and rich, heavy sauces.

Yes, different brands can have slightly different calorie counts due to variations in ingredients, such as the flour used and additives. It's always best to check the nutritional information on the packaging of your specific brand for the most accurate data.