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How many calories are in Bonchon udon noodle soup?

3 min read

According to official nutrition data, a single serving of Bonchon's standard Udon Noodle Soup contains approximately 430 to 480 calories, with variations existing for different preparations like bulgogi, egg, or seafood. This Korean-inspired soup is a popular choice, but its nutritional profile can shift significantly depending on the added ingredients, which is important for those monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

The calories in Bonchon Udon Noodle Soup vary by preparation, typically ranging from 430 to 660 calories for standard, egg, and bulgogi versions, respectively. The dish is high in carbohydrates and sodium, with varying protein content based on added meats or seafood.

Key Points

  • Standard udon soup contains 430-480 calories: The basic version of Bonchon's Udon Noodle Soup has a moderate calorie count, primarily from carbohydrates.

  • Bulgogi udon is highest in calories: The bulgogi beef variation is the most calorie-dense option, with up to 680 calories per serving.

  • Egg and seafood versions increase protein: Adding egg or seafood boosts protein content, making these versions more filling while having fewer calories than the bulgogi option.

  • All versions are very high in sodium: Regardless of the variation, Bonchon's udon noodle soup is high in sodium, which should be considered for health reasons.

  • Customize your order to reduce calories: To decrease overall calories and sodium, consider eating less broth or adding extra vegetables.

In This Article

The calorie count for Bonchon's Udon Noodle Soup is not a single, fixed number but rather a range that depends on the specific ingredients added. The base soup provides a moderate number of calories, but additions like bulgogi beef, egg, or extra vegetables change the total nutritional value considerably. Understanding these differences is key for managing dietary goals.

Calorie breakdown by variation

Standard Udon Noodle Soup

Bonchon's standard Udon Noodle Soup is the baseline for calorie content. Typically, a serving contains around 430 calories. The nutritional profile for this version is largely composed of carbohydrates from the udon noodles and some protein, with minimal fat. It is often a good source of fiber, but the sodium content is notably high, exceeding a significant portion of the recommended daily value.

Udon Noodle Soup with Egg

Adding an egg to the udon soup increases both the calorie and protein count. The egg variation typically has around 500 to 580 calories per serving. This is a more balanced option, as the egg boosts the protein, making the meal more filling. However, the sodium level remains a key nutritional consideration, and some versions might have slightly more fat due to the egg yolk.

Udon Noodle Soup with Bulgogi

The bulgogi udon noodle soup is one of the highest-calorie options. The addition of marinated, thinly sliced beef adds both fat and protein, significantly elevating the calorie total. A serving of this hearty soup can be up to 660 calories or even higher, according to some reports. The higher calorie count is accompanied by a greater amount of fat and protein, alongside a very high sodium concentration.

Udon Noodle Soup with Seafood

For those who prefer seafood, this variation offers a significant protein boost while remaining more moderate in calories compared to the bulgogi version. A serving of seafood udon noodle soup has about 520 to 600 calories. It provides a good source of protein from the mixed seafood, but it still has a high sodium count and can contain cholesterol from the seafood.

Comparison of Bonchon Udon Noodle Soup variations

Variation Approx. Calories Approx. Protein (g) Approx. Sodium (mg) Main Calorie Source
Standard 430-480 10-24 4110-4300 Noodles & broth
With Egg 500-580 17-32 4180-4320 Noodles, egg, & broth
With Bulgogi 660-680 30-39 4370-4570 Beef, noodles, & broth
With Seafood 520-600 29-44 4240-4330 Seafood, noodles, & broth

What contributes to the calories?

  • Udon Noodles: The thick wheat-flour noodles are the primary source of carbohydrates and a significant contributor to the total calorie count.
  • Broth: The savory broth itself can contain calories from seasonings, oils, and other flavor enhancers.
  • Protein Additions: Optional ingredients like beef, seafood, or egg substantially increase the calorie count, as well as the protein and fat content.
  • Vegetables and Garnishes: While generally low in calories, vegetables like scallions or mushrooms contribute some calories and important nutrients.

How to make a more balanced choice

For those seeking a healthier or lower-calorie meal, consider these modifications when ordering:

  • Ask for extra vegetables: Increasing the vegetable content can add volume, fiber, and nutrients without a major calorie spike.
  • Consider a smaller portion: If available, opting for a smaller size can drastically reduce the overall calories and sodium.
  • Limit the broth: The broth is where most of the sodium resides. Consuming less of the broth can help manage sodium intake.
  • Customize your protein: Opt for the seafood or egg versions for a higher protein content relative to calories compared to the bulgogi option.

Conclusion

While a delicious and filling meal, the calorie content of Bonchon udon noodle soup varies based on its specific preparation. With options ranging from 430 for the standard version to potentially 680 calories for the bulgogi variant, it's a dish that requires a look at the details. The high sodium levels are a consistent factor across all versions and should be considered part of the overall nutritional profile. By understanding these differences and considering potential customizations, diners can better align their meal choice with their dietary needs. For the most precise nutritional information, always consult Bonchon's official nutritional guide.(https://www.bonchon.com/downloads/nutritional-information)

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard Udon Noodle Soup is typically the lowest calorie option, with around 430 to 480 calories per serving.

The sodium content is very high across all variations, with the standard version containing over 4,000 mg, exceeding the recommended daily limit.

While the broth itself and some versions contain meat or seafood, vegetarian options can be customized by requesting no animal protein, though cross-contamination may occur. Check the official menu for the most accurate details.

Adding egg, bulgogi, or seafood significantly increases the protein content, making these versions high-protein. The standard version has a lower protein count.

The calories are contributed by both. The thick udon noodles are a major source of carbohydrates and calories, while the broth contains calories from seasonings and fats, with additional calories from any added protein.

Yes, you can manage the calorie count by choosing the standard version and consuming less of the high-sodium broth, or by adding extra vegetables to increase volume and fiber.

Bulgogi beef adds the most calories and fat, while seafood adds protein with a more moderate calorie increase. Egg also increases protein, adding a modest number of calories and some fat.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.