Are Udon Noodles Plant Based?

A staple in the Japanese cuisine, Udon noodles are a favorite for their long, chewy form and neutral flavor. They are used in many Korean and Palauan dishes and added to soups, salads and other recipes. Let us talk about the inclusion of Udon noodles in a plant-based diet. 

So, are Udon noodles plant based? Yes, Udon noodles are plant-based. Though they are a type of noodles, Udon noodles don’t contain eggs and are made out of wheat flour and water. Udon noodles may contain some plant-based stabilizers and binding agents to give desired texture and taste.

Below, let us discuss more about how you can add Udon noodles to your plant-based diet. 

Why Are Udon Noodles Plant Based?

The main reason why Udon noodles are plant based is that they are one of the noodle varieties made without using eggs. The gluten in wheat flour eliminates the need for binding agents like eggs. However, it is possible that some products available in the market contain eggs or other animal-derived ingredients and you should check the label before buying. 

Udon noodles prepared using plant-based broth and soup containing ingredients like tofu are an ideal addition to any healthy diet based on plant products. However, if Udon noodles are made using animal products like seafood, they no longer remain plant based. 

What Are The Main Ingredients in Udon Noodles?

The main ingredient in Udon noodles from high-quality brands is enriched wheat flour that provides nutritious benefits to the dish. Apart from the flour, the product can include salt, water and some type of starch. They may contain some plant-based stabilizers and binding agents to give desired texture and taste. 

Plant-based Udon noodles are typically prepared with a lot of vegetables, vegetable broth and soup with herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, onion and others. It is a good idea to look at the ingredients list before adding the product to a plant-based diet. 

Udon Noodles Nutrition

Udon noodles, when made from whole wheat flour, are quite filling and deliver a good amount of carbohydrates, fiber and other beneficial nutrients when consumed in moderation. They can be prepared and included in the diet in many different combinations for a variety on a plant-based diet. 

These noodles may not be a significant source of minerals and vitamins but, when consumed in moderation, fit well in a balanced diet. A serving size of 2 ounces of Udon noodles provides about 200 calories. They are low in fat content, having just 1 g of total fat in one serving. 

The primary ingredient of Udon noodles being wheat, it is a carb-rich food. A 2 ounce serving of the dish contains 40g of carbs and 1g of dietary fiber. While they are a good source of energy, they are not rich in fiber so may not keep your stomach full for longer. A serving of Udon noodles also contains 7g of protein.

Conclusion

So, Udon noodles are a great choice for a balanced meal plan on a plant-based diet. They are generally made out of a few ingredients, mostly plant-based and blend well with other ingredients to let you enjoy a healthy, delicious meal on a restricted diet.