How Much Sugar Is in Udon Noodles?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite being a carb-heavy food, udon noodles contain a surprisingly low amount of sugar, with some products reporting less than 1 gram per serving. This low sugar content is due to the simple preparation method, which typically includes only wheat flour, water, and salt. The real nutritional consideration for those watching their intake isn't the sugar, but the overall carbohydrate load and its effect on blood sugar levels.

Quick Summary

Udon noodles are low in simple sugars, but their primary nutritional component is carbohydrates, which can impact blood sugar. This article clarifies the actual sugar content, explains the difference between sugar and carbs, and offers strategies for incorporating udon into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Low Sugar Content: Traditional udon noodles contain very little to no simple sugar, often less than 1 gram per serving.
High in Carbs: The main nutritional component of udon is carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose by the body.
Blood Sugar Impact: Due to high carbs and low fiber, udon can cause a blood sugar spike, especially for individuals sensitive to carbohydrate intake.
Balance Your Meal: To manage blood sugar, pair udon with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Broth and Sauce Matter: Any significant sugar in an udon dish typically comes from the sauce or broth, such as mirin, rather than the noodles themselves.
Ingredient Transparency: The basic recipe for udon uses only wheat flour, water, and salt, making the nutritional profile relatively straightforward.

Unpacking the Nutritional Profile of Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine, beloved for their thick, chewy texture and mild flavor. But for many people, especially those monitoring their sugar or carbohydrate intake, questions about their nutritional makeup arise. The good news is that the core ingredients of traditional udon—wheat flour, water, and salt—naturally result in a low-sugar product. The simple carbohydrates present are the primary concern for those watching their glycemic response, not simple sugars.

The Lowdown on Udon's Sugar Content

When examining the nutritional information for udon noodles, you'll find that the total sugar count is consistently very low. For example, some uncooked udon varieties contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams. In many cooked udon preparations, the amount of total sugar per serving is often reported as 1 gram or even 0 grams, depending on the brand and how it's prepared. This means that the noodles themselves are not the source of sweetness. Any significant sugar in an udon dish would come from the accompanying sauce or broth, such as mirin, which is a sweet rice wine used in traditional Japanese cooking.

The Role of Carbohydrates and Glycemic Response

While low in sugar, udon noodles are high in carbohydrates, just like most pasta and noodle products. The body digests these carbohydrates, breaking them down into glucose, which is what fuels the body. The speed at which this process occurs is measured by the glycemic index (GI), with udon noodles typically falling into the medium range. For individuals sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations, like those with diabetes, the high carbohydrate content and relatively low fiber can lead to a blood sugar spike.

To help manage this, it's recommended to pair udon with protein and fiber-rich foods. This slows down the digestion of the carbohydrates and moderates the impact on blood glucose levels. Here are some strategies for a balanced meal:

Add Lean Protein: Include ingredients like grilled chicken, tofu, or lean beef to increase protein content.
Incorporate Fiber-Rich Vegetables: Pile on vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms. Fiber helps slow digestion and adds nutritional value.
Use Healthy Fats: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, or some avocado can add healthy fats, further aiding in blood sugar management.
Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of serving sizes to manage overall carbohydrate intake.

Udon vs. Other Common Noodles: A Comparison

To put the sugar content into perspective, let's compare udon with other popular noodle types. This helps clarify why udon is not a "sugary" food but rather a high-carbohydrate one that requires balanced pairing.


Feature	Udon Noodles	Soba Noodles	Ramen Noodles	Egg Noodles	Instant Noodles (packet)
Main Ingredients	Wheat flour, water, salt	Buckwheat flour, wheat flour, water	Wheat flour, water, salt, eggs, kansui	Wheat flour, eggs, water	Wheat flour, salt, palm oil, flavorings
Sugar Content	Very low (often <1g per serving)	Low	Can be low, but flavoring packets can add sugar	Low, but varies by brand	Can be low, but seasoning packets often contain added sugar
Carbohydrate Content	High	High (often lower than udon due to buckwheat)	High	High, similar to pasta	High
Fiber Content	Lower fiber than whole-wheat options	Higher fiber due to buckwheat	Low	Low	Low
Fat Content	Very low	Very low	Variable, depending on broth/toppings	Variable, higher than udon due to egg	High, especially from palm oil

Different Types of Udon and Variations

There are many regional variations of udon, and while the basic noodle ingredients remain similar, the preparation methods and accompanying sauces can affect the overall sugar and carbohydrate count of the final dish. A simple kake udon served in a light dashi broth will have minimal impact on the sugar content, whereas a thicker, sweeter curry udon or a stir-fried yaki udon with a teriyaki-style sauce could add extra sugars. This highlights the importance of considering the entire dish, not just the noodles themselves, when assessing nutritional impact.

For example, Ise Udon features extra-soft, thick noodles served with a dark, rich sauce primarily made with tamari, a type of soy sauce, and a dashi base. While the sauce itself isn't necessarily sweet, it can contain ingredients that alter the overall nutritional profile. On the other hand, Sanuki Udon from Kagawa prefecture is known for its chewy texture and is often served in a light dashi broth, keeping the overall nutritional load quite simple.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Udon Sugar

The simple answer to "how much sugar is in udon noodles?" is very little, especially in their plain form. The primary nutritional component to consider is their high carbohydrate content, which the body converts to glucose. For a balanced and healthy meal, udon is best enjoyed in moderation and paired with ingredients rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help manage blood sugar response. By being mindful of serving sizes and the sauces used, udon can be a delicious and relatively healthy part of a well-rounded diet.

For more detailed nutritional information on udon and other ingredients, you can explore resources like the Nutritionix database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Udon noodles are high in carbohydrates and can cause a blood sugar spike, making them less ideal for those managing diabetes. However, they can be enjoyed in moderation by carefully controlling portion sizes and balancing the meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate. While udon noodles contain very little simple sugar, their overall carbohydrate content is high. The body breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, impacting blood sugar.

Yes, udon noodles can be part of a low-sugar diet, as their simple sugar content is minimal. The key is to manage the overall carbohydrate intake and be mindful of any sugary sauces, such as those made with mirin, that might be used in the dish.

Most traditional udon noodle brands have low sugar, as the core ingredients don't include it. However, always check the nutritional label, especially for pre-packaged or instant versions, as some seasonings or additives might contain added sugars.

To reduce the blood sugar impact of udon, you can take several steps: eat smaller portions, add a source of lean protein like chicken or tofu, and load up on fiber-rich vegetables. Incorporating healthy fats can also help slow down digestion.

Generally, yes. Traditional udon noodles are made with simple ingredients (wheat flour, water, salt) and are lower in fat than many instant noodles, which are often deep-fried in palm oil. Instant noodle seasoning packets also frequently contain high amounts of sodium and added sugars.

The broth can be a source of sugar in udon dishes. For example, a basic kake udon broth uses dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Mirin is a sweet rice wine, so it will add some sugar to the dish. Richer broths or those with sweeter sauces will contain more sugar overall.