Summary feedback
We do not believe that instant noodles are a healthy meal replacement. However, amongst instant noodles in India, we believe that Nestle Maggi is probably amongst the safest brands with a high standard of safety and hygiene.
Many people consider Nestle Maggi as a healthy meal replacement, influenced by the aggressive advertisements on TV. The product has very little protein or micronutrient diversity and is not a good meal replacement. When eaten as a complete meal, it should be eaten along with good sources of protein and with abundant non starchy vegetables.
As a meal replacement, it is not suitable for people who need to avoid or reduce simple starches due to the risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
The foodnetindia rating for this product :-
foodnetindia safety rating: 4 – (On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unsafe to very safe)
While we believe the product to be quite safe, we are forced to reduce its rating due to the unsafe manner in which people consume it. In India, instant noodles are widely used as a meal replacement without added vegetables and protein. This makes it unsafe due to the lack of balance and nutrition, becoming a possible cause for lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, non alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertension.
foodnetindia wholesomeness rating: 5 -(On a scale of 1 to 10 from very unbalanced nutrition profile to excellent nutrition profile)
Maggi Oats Masala noodles could be a grain replacement in a meal and little else. It’s wholesomeness and nutrition would be comparable to any grain and therefore while acceptable as a part of a meal, it does not constitute a wholesome meal by itself.
Ingredients in Maggi Oats Noodles which are a concern
- Edible Vegetable Oil
- Wheat Gluten
- IN 150(d)
- Permitted Natural Colour
- Salt
- Added Nature Identical Flavouring Substances
Edible Vegetable Oil
Maggi does not specify which edible vegetable oil has been used. We believe that it is not responsible behaviour for a brand to avoid clearly stating what ingredients have been used.
Certain vegetable oils contain very large amounts of biologically active fats called Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could be harmful in excess. Excess polyunsaturated fats may react with oxygen and oxidised Omega-6 fats can damage body functions and perhaps even vital structures like DNA. In addition, consumers need clear information about the type of vegetable oil used, so that they can take action to maintain a healthy balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid consumption.
Wheat Gluten
Maggi Oats noodles contains gluten, a significant proportion of the population is gluten intolerant, either because they suffer from Celiac disease (1% of the population) or gluten sensitivity, which is quite common. Many people who suffer from gluten intolerance may be asymptomatic and may be unaware that they suffer from systemic and chronic inflammation due to their gluten intolerance.
Gluten intolerance has also been linked to autoimmune diseases, cancers, intestinal inflammation, degeneration of the intestinal lining and has even been linked to several mental illnesses (either as a cause or exacerbating factor) the most serious being cerebellar ataxia, a serious disease of the brain that involves an inability to coordinate balance, movements, problems talking, etc. Persons diagnosed with schizophrenia, autism, Alzheimer’s, etc., have been known to respond well to a gluten free diet.
Salt
High sodium diets have been known to be the cause of high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. The recommended daily intake of salt is between 1-3 grams.
IN 150d
The complex brown colour mixture is made by dry heating and burning of sugars in the presence of alkali, ammonia, sulphite or combinations thereof. Caramel color is one of the oldest and most widely used food colorings, and is found in many commercially produced foods and beverages. Caramel color is widely approved for use in food globally but application and use level restrictions vary by country.
Caramel colour produced with ammonia may be associated with blood toxicity and may result in a reduction of white cells and lymphocyte count. It is not clear whether Maggi uses caramel color produced with ammonia. Comments from the brand would be welcome.
Permitted Natural Colour
We believe that it is irresponsible for a brand to not write the chemical names and quantities of added flavoring substances or colors. In this case, the brand fails to mention the names or quantities of the colours added.
Added Nature Identical Flavouring Substances
This food product does not specify which flavours or flavouring substances have been used. The flavours should be specified as some of them have serious side effects and may not be suitable for infants, pregnant women or people who are allergic. We believe that it is not responsible behaviour for a brand to avoid clearly stating what ingredients have been used.
By not specifying what these flavours and substances are, we are forced to consider what they are hiding and why would they be so reluctant to mention what they have used in the food product!
By this behaviour, these manufacturers expose people to possible allergens or toxins that could be avoided if consumers knew what they were.
Ingredients present in Maggi Oats Noodles which are not a concern
Noodles:
- Multigrain flour: Oat Flour, Wheat Flour, Maize Flour
- Thickeners: IN 508, IN 412
- Acidity Regulators: IN 500(i), IN 501(i)
- Humectant: IN 451(i)
Masala Tastemaker with Garnishing:
- Mixed Spices: Coriander seeds, Turmeric, Chilli, Aniseed, Fenugreek, Ginger, Clove, Nutmeg, Green Cardamom
- Hydrolysed Groundnut protein
Noodle powder: Wheat Flour, Stabilizer [IN170(i)], Thickeners: IN 508, IN 412, Acidity Regulators: IN 500(i), IN 501(i), Humectant: IN 451(i), Green Bell Pepper, Carrot Flakes,Onion Powder, Onion Flakes, Garlic, Acidity Regulator: IN 330, Flavour Enhancer: IN 635, Soyabean
Disclaimer – The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. foodnetindia encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
The ingredients list of the products may have changed since this page was published. Consumers are encouraged to read warnings, labels, ingredient lists, etc.
Replies, if any, from the brand, will be published here ‘As is’