How Many Calories Are in 200 Grams of Udon Noodles? Cooked vs. Dry

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a 200-gram serving of cooked udon noodles typically contains approximately 270-280 calories, whereas the same amount of dry, uncooked udon is substantially higher. The final calorie count for udon dishes is heavily influenced by the preparation method and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 200g serving of udon noodles differs dramatically based on whether they are cooked or dry. The total calories hinge on added ingredients, sauces, and preparation style.

Key Points

Cooked vs. Dry Calories: 200g of cooked udon has about 270-280 calories, whereas 200g of dry udon is much higher, at approximately 656 calories.
Water Absorption Matters: The significant difference in calorie count is due to cooked noodles absorbing water, which adds weight without adding calories.
High-Carb, Low-Fat Profile: Udon noodles are primarily composed of carbohydrates, with modest protein and very little fat.
Toppings Are Key: The final calorie count of your udon dish depends heavily on the broth, sauces, and other toppings added.
Healthier Preparations: You can create a low-calorie udon meal by using light broth, adding lots of vegetables, incorporating lean protein, and controlling sauces.

The Calorie Count of 200g Udon

Understanding the calorie content of udon noodles requires a critical distinction: the difference between cooked and dry weight. Udon noodles, like most pasta and noodle varieties, absorb a significant amount of water during the cooking process. This absorption increases their weight while their total calorie count remains constant, meaning the calorie-per-gram measurement decreases dramatically after cooking.

For 200 grams of cooked udon noodles, you can expect the calorie count to be in the range of 270 to 280 calories. This is because the dry noodles have swelled, and the final 200g serving is mostly water. For reference, a 100g serving of boiled udon has approximately 136 calories.

In contrast, 200 grams of dry udon noodles contain a much higher calorie count, typically around 656 to 660 calories. This represents the full caloric value of the wheat flour and other ingredients before any water is added. It's a common mistake for individuals to miscalculate their nutritional intake by using the dry weight instead of the cooked weight, so always be mindful of the preparation state.

Udon Noodles Nutrition Profile

Udon noodles are a Japanese staple made primarily from wheat flour, salt, and water. Their nutritional composition is largely dominated by carbohydrates, with moderate amounts of protein and very low fat content. A standard serving offers a quick source of energy but lacks a wide range of micronutrients unless paired with other ingredients. While udon is not inherently unhealthy, its nutritional value depends heavily on its preparation and the additional elements in the dish.

Comparison Table: Cooked Udon vs. Other Noodles


Noodle Type	Calories (per ~100g cooked)	Protein (per ~100g cooked)	Notes
Udon Noodles	~135-140 kcal	~3.5-6.5g	Thicker, chewier texture; high in carbs
Cooked Ramen Noodles	~140-170 kcal	~4-6g	Thinner, often fried; instant versions are very high in sodium
Cooked Soba Noodles	~110-120 kcal	~4.5-5g	Made with buckwheat, sometimes with wheat; slightly higher fiber
Standard Cooked Spaghetti	~158 kcal	~5.8g	Traditional Italian pasta; similar nutritional profile to udon

How Preparation and Toppings Affect Calorie Count

Plain, boiled udon noodles are relatively low in calories, but the final dish can have a drastically different nutritional impact. The ingredients you add are the primary determinant of the overall calorie content.

Broth: A simple dashi-based broth is light and low in calories, while a rich, creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, often found in ramen, will be significantly higher in fat and calories.
Toppings: High-calorie toppings like tempura (deep-fried vegetables or seafood) or fried tofu will increase the calorie count rapidly. In contrast, adding fresh vegetables, boiled eggs, or lean proteins like chicken breast will offer nutritional benefits without excessive calories.
Sauces: Be mindful of sauces. A simple low-sodium soy sauce will add minimal calories, but thick, sugary teriyaki sauces or heavy peanut-based dressings can pile on extra calories quickly.

Tips for a Lighter Udon Meal

For those who are calorie-conscious, there are several ways to enjoy udon noodles while keeping the overall meal light and healthy.

Use whole-wheat udon: Opting for whole-wheat varieties increases the fiber content, which helps with satiety and offers more nutritional value.
Bulk up with vegetables: Add plenty of low-calorie, high-volume vegetables like bok choy, carrots, onions, and bell peppers to your dish. This increases nutrients and makes the meal more filling.
Incorporate lean protein: Pair your udon with lean protein sources such as tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp. Protein helps you feel full and supports muscle health.
Control the sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce or a light miso broth instead of heavy, processed sauces. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or ginger can add flavor without calories.
Consider a noodle alternative: If you're very focused on low calories, you can substitute traditional udon with konjac noodles, which are virtually calorie-free.

Conclusion

To summarize, the number of calories in 200 grams of udon noodles is not a single, fixed number. For cooked udon, the calorie count is a modest 270-280 kcal, making it a reasonable component of a balanced meal. However, a 200g portion of dry udon contains over 650 kcal, a crucial distinction when calculating nutritional intake. The most significant factor influencing the final calorie count is not the noodle itself, but the preparation method and the additions of broths, sauces, and toppings. By focusing on light broths, plenty of vegetables, and lean proteins, you can create a satisfying and healthy udon meal. For further nutritional details, you can consult reliable resources like Nutritionix.

Optional Outbound Link: Nutritionix

Frequently Asked Questions

The difference is due to water absorption during cooking. Dry udon is a concentrated source of calories, but once boiled, it swells with water. This increases the total weight, so a 200g serving of cooked udon is mostly water, diluting the calories per gram.

To reduce calories, use a light broth instead of a rich, creamy one. Incorporate lots of fresh, low-calorie vegetables and lean proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Also, be mindful of high-sugar sauces and opt for low-sodium soy sauce instead.

No, while most are made from wheat flour, water, and salt, there are variations. Some healthier options, like whole-wheat udon, exist and provide more fiber. The thickness and specific ingredients can also vary by brand.

For similar quantities, plain boiled udon and ramen noodles have comparable calorie counts. However, the preparation is key. Instant ramen often comes with high-sodium packets and is sometimes fried, while restaurant ramen often has rich, fatty broths, making it significantly higher in calories than a typical udon dish.

Udon can be a part of a weight-loss diet if prepared correctly. By controlling portion sizes and loading your dish with vegetables and lean proteins rather than heavy sauces or fatty toppings, you can create a satisfying, low-calorie meal.

The calorie count is based on the ingredients, not the form. A 200g serving of cooked udon will have similar calories whether it started as fresh, frozen, or dry noodles, assuming similar recipes. However, the most significant factor is the starting state: cooked vs. uncooked weight.

Yes, konjac noodles are a great, nearly calorie-free substitute for udon. They offer a similar texture and can be used in your recipes to drastically reduce the calorie count of the meal.