Are Noodles Vegan?

With so many different kinds of noodles out there, it’s not always obvious which may or may not be vegan. Luckily, the sheer variety of noodles you can easily buy from Asian supermarkets means there are plenty suitable for a range of diets, including vegans.

Which Noodles Aren’t Vegan?

When it comes to the noodles themselves, the main thing you’ll want to look out for when discerning whether they're vegan or not is if they contain eggs. Egg noodles are one of the most common noodle types to cook with, but as the name suggests, they are made with eggs, so they are not vegan.

Even if the noodles aren’t necessarily classed as ‘egg noodles’, look out for things like egg powder or egg protein on the ingredients list. Some noodles may also use lecithin, which can be taken from a number of vegan and non-vegan sources, including egg yolks, so look out for this too.

Are Instant Noodles Vegan?

Typical ramen and instant noodles are wheat-based, so many are vegan! However, with instant noodle packs, you’ll also have to contend with the flavourings or seasoning sachets, many of which will use animal products, depending on the flavour. These days, there are many tasty vegetable-flavoured instant noodle flavours that are suitable for vegans to enjoy.

While traditional ramen noodles are not made with egg, some instant noodle packets or cups may add it to give the noodles a different colour or texture, so double-check the packs you’ve got your hands on.

Are Soba Noodles Vegan?

Yes, soba noodles are typically vegan.

Soba noodles, also known as buckwheat noodles, are made with buckwheat flour, water and salt, so they do not contain any animal products.

These noodles are often served cold with a dipping sauce or in tasty noodle soups.

Are Udon Noodles Vegan?

Yes, udon noodles are typically vegan.

Udon noodles are made with wheat flour and water. They are thicker and have a chewier texture than many other noodles, making them a hearty addition to stir-fries and soups.

Are Rice Noodles Vegan?

Yes, rice noodles are typically vegan.

Rice noodles, also known as rice sticks, vermicelli or glass noodles, are made with rice flour and water. Sometimes tapioca or corn starch may also be added sometimes. Rice noodles are fantastic additions to all kinds of dishes, including things like stir-fry, soup and curry.

Are Samyang Noodles Vegan?

Samyang is one of the most popular brands for instant noodles; they’re especially known for their super spicy ramen. While the noodles themselves are vegan as they don’t contain any egg, most Samyang noodles contain animal products in the seasoning and soup packets.

So, ultimately most Samyang noodles, especially their most popular spicy chicken range, are not vegan.

This being said, the 2x hot chicken flavour Samyang noodles actually ARE vegan as they use artificial chicken flavouring rather than animal products. If you’re vegan and want to try some of the spiciest noodles around, these are certainly the ones to go for!

Are Buldak Noodles Vegan?

Buldak noodles are becoming increasingly popular after they featured in the viral Fire Noodle Challenge. This flavour is based on a Korean dish consisting of spicy BBQ chicken covered in cheese.

With flavour influences coming from both chicken and cheese, most buldak noodle packets tend to contain at least some animal products, even if it's along with artificial flavourings. Ultimately, whether buldak noodles are vegan-friendly will depend on the kind you get, but generally, this flavour is unlikely to be vegan.

While we’ve mentioned that many noodles are vegan, this, of course, comes with the caveat that you should make sure you check particular products to ensure nothing unexpected has been added to them.

Hopefully, we’ve shown just how many possibilities there are when it comes to noodles, no matter your dietary requirements! For more information on all things noodles, check out our guide on which noodles are gluten-free.