How many calories are in a package of udon? The definitive guide

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a standard package of fresh udon noodles contains between 250 and 280 calories, though this can vary significantly by brand and type. Understanding the base nutritional information is key to knowing precisely how many calories are in a package of udon and managing your intake for a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a package of udon depends on its type and preparation method. Fresh udon typically contains 250-280 calories, but toppings and broth significantly increase the final total.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in a package of udon depends on whether it is fresh, dried, or instant.
Fresh Udon: A standard fresh udon package (around 200g) typically contains 250-280 calories.
Dried Udon: Dried udon is more calorically dense by weight; a 100g uncooked serving is about 337 calories.
Toppings and Broth Impact: The biggest calorie changes come from additions like fatty broths and fried toppings, which can increase the total significantly.
Healthy Swaps: To reduce calories, opt for light, dashi-based broth, lean proteins (chicken, tofu), and plenty of vegetables.
Udon vs. Other Noodles: Udon is generally lower in calories than a typical restaurant ramen bowl but often slightly higher than plain instant noodles.

Understanding the Nutritional Basics of Udon

Udon noodles are a popular Japanese staple known for their thick, chewy texture and mild flavor. They are traditionally made from three basic ingredients: wheat flour, water, and salt. This simple composition means that, in their unembellished form, udon noodles are primarily a source of carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein and very little fat. However, the way they are packaged, sold, and prepared significantly influences their final nutritional profile and calorie count.

Udon can be purchased in several forms, which directly impacts the number of calories in a package of udon. Dried udon is similar to dried pasta, fresh udon is pre-cooked and sold in vacuum-sealed packages, and instant udon comes with flavoring packets. Each of these forms has a different caloric density, which is a crucial detail for anyone tracking their diet.

Factors Affecting Udon's Caloric Content

Several factors cause the calorie count to fluctuate. The first is the form of the noodles, as water weight plays a big role. Another is the inclusion of a broth or sauce, which can dramatically increase the overall caloric intake. Lastly, the choice of additional ingredients, from vegetables to proteins, will also change the final total.

Fresh Udon vs. Dried Udon: A Calorie Comparison

The most significant difference in caloric content comes from the udon's form. Dried noodles are more calorically dense by weight because they lack water. Once cooked, their calorie count per serving decreases as they absorb water. Fresh or pre-cooked udon packages, by contrast, already contain moisture, so their total package calories are more representative of the prepared serving.

Typical Caloric Breakdown (per 100g)

Dried Udon (uncooked): Approximately 337 calories. The total calories per package will be much higher before cooking.
Fresh Udon (cooked): Around 127 calories per 100g or 190 calories per 150g serving. A standard 200g pack might contain 250-280 calories.

How Preparation and Additions Impact Calories

While the base noodle is the starting point, the final dish's calorie count is often determined by the other ingredients. Traditional Japanese dishes can vary from very light to quite rich.

Broth: A simple dashi-based broth is very low in calories, while a rich, fatty broth like a tonkotsu or a creamy curry base will add hundreds of calories. Using a low-sodium broth or a vegetable-based stock is an easy way to keep calories down.
Toppings: High-fat toppings such as tempura or fried meats will increase the calorie total significantly. Choosing lean proteins like chicken breast, seafood, or tofu, along with plenty of vegetables, can create a more balanced and lower-calorie meal.
Sauces: For dishes like yaki udon (stir-fried udon), the type of sauce used matters. Using light soy sauce instead of heavy, sugar-laden sauces helps control calories.

Udon vs. Other Noodles: A Calorie Comparison Table

When considering your noodle options, it is helpful to compare udon to other common alternatives. Soba noodles, for instance, are known for being a healthier, lower-calorie option, while certain instant ramen preparations can be surprisingly high in fat and sodium.


Noodle Type (per 100g, cooked)	Approximate Calories	Approximate Fat (g)
Udon	127	0
Soba	Lower than Udon	Minimal
Instant Noodles (plain)	106	4
Ramen (restaurant)	700-1200+ (incl. broth)	Higher (esp. tonkotsu)

Tips for a Healthier, Lower-Calorie Udon Meal

To enjoy udon without excessive calories, focus on what you add to it. Here are some simple, practical tips:

Build a better broth: Opt for a light, dashi-based broth over rich, fatty alternatives. Using vegetable or low-sodium chicken broth can also help manage your sodium intake.
Fill up on veggies: Load your udon with a variety of vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and spinach. This adds volume, nutrients, and fiber without a significant calorie increase.
Choose lean proteins: Add grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu instead of tempura or fatty cuts of meat. These options provide a satisfying boost of protein without excess fat.
Watch the sauce: If making yaki udon, be mindful of the sauces you use. Light soy sauce and mirin in moderation are good choices. For more precise nutritional info, check resources like Nutritionix.
Experiment with konjac noodles: For a very low-calorie alternative, consider using konjac noodles in place of udon.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Udon's Calorie Count

Ultimately, the number of calories in a package of udon is not a fixed number. The label on the package provides the base calorie count for the noodles alone, but the final meal's nutritional impact depends heavily on your culinary choices. By understanding the differences between fresh and dried varieties and being mindful of your broth and topping selections, you can easily control the calorie content of your udon dish. Enjoying udon can fit into a healthy lifestyle with smart, simple adjustments to your recipe, proving it can be both a delicious and diet-friendly meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Udon noodles in themselves are not inherently fattening; a plain serving is a moderate source of carbohydrates and protein with very little fat. The calorie count increases with the broth, oil, and toppings used. To keep it low-calorie, choose light broths and lean protein sources.

The calories in instant udon can vary significantly by brand and the included seasoning packets. Some instant udon products, like those containing a spicy carbonara sauce, can have around 159 calories per 100g, while others may be lower.

The calorie content of udon broth varies. A light dashi broth is typically low-calorie, but rich, fatty broths or those with added oils can increase the calorie count substantially. Choosing a simple, clear broth helps control calories.

The calorie count per gram of uncooked (dried) udon is much higher because it contains no water. When cooked, the noodles absorb water, increasing their weight and decreasing the calorie density per serving. A 100g serving of uncooked udon has significantly more calories than a 100g serving of cooked udon.

To make a low-calorie udon dish, use a clear, dashi-based or vegetable broth instead of creamy or fatty options. Add plenty of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bok choy. Include a lean protein such as chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp, and use minimal oil for stir-fried versions.

Udon is generally lower in calories than a typical restaurant ramen meal. Ramen can be significantly higher in calories due to its rich, often fatty broth (like tonkotsu), while udon is frequently served in a much lighter, dashi-based broth.

The total calorie count of a packaged udon meal includes the noodles, seasoning packets, and any additional ingredients. Instant noodle packets, for example, can have high sodium and fat content in their flavoring powders, increasing the meal's overall calories.