When cooking as a student it can be tempting to cut corners, but this might be detrimental to your nutrition. Sure, you might have certain quick and easy go-to meals that you can throw together with your eyes closed, but it's important to get a balanced diet and ensure you are eating healthily, providing you with the energy to succeed.

Why noodles?

Noodles tend to be a student staple - you can buy them in bulk, they're cheap, and there are endless possibilities for additional ingredients and seasonings.

In moderation, noodles can offer nutritional benefits. For example, eating egg noodles as part of a well-rounded diet can offer a rich source of protein if paired with chicken, fish, or tofu. You can also add fibre-rich vegetables, which can bulk up the portion and leave you feeling more satisfied after eating.

Vegan pho jar noodles

Vegano

This vegan noodle recipe is a great lunchtime alternative to a sandwich. The pho jar noodles contain carrots, which are a source of both vitamins A and C, and bell pepper, which can work wonders for your immune system¹. The noodles used in this recipe are rice noodles, which are gluten-free and therefore a tasty substitute if you suffer from gluten intolerance/coeliac disease².

Get the recipe here.

Sweet Chilli Stir Fry

Vegano

Stir fried noodles is a classic student meal and this sweet chilli one is packed with flavour. This one is vegan and includes a homemade sauce. This recipe is also gentle for those suffering from IBS or those who are gluten-intolerant³.

Get the recipe here.

Easy ramen noodles

Turn a packet of instant noodles into an explosion of taste and flavour in less than 30 minutes, with plenty of freedom to experiment with ingredients. You can add a variety of leafy greens to your ramen noodles, whether you're a spinach fan, or prefer chopped cabbage or top it with crunchy spring onions. If you eat meat, you can add roasted pork, ham, or chicken breast⁴.

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Chicken noodle soup

Five minutes are all you need for this noodle soup that'll boost your protein intake and provide the energy to see you through your studies. This recipe uses a stock cube, which is a convenient way of making your meals more flavoursome, opt for low salt options for a healthier choice.

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Microwave soy salmon noodles

If you're in the mood for fish, these soy sauce salmon noodles might tickle your tastebuds. This microwave meal is a treat, offering healthy fats and various essential vitamins and minerals. Salmon is rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your risk of contracting disease⁵.

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Sesame lunchbox noodles

These sesame lunchbox noodles cook just by soaking them in boiling water from the kettle and can be made in less than 10 minutes - perfect for those days when you oversleep. Containing broad beans these noodles are high in protein while the frozen peas contain nutrients including vitamin C, folate and vitamin B1. The only extra you'll need is a Tupperware box to put them in.

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Easy pad Thai

If you're craving pad Thai but don't want to fork out for delivery, you can recreate authentic pad Thai noodles at home. This recipe serves two, meaning you can share with a housemate or chill a second portion to take for lunch the following day. The recipe contains two eggs, which will help to raise 'good cholesterol' levels and offer quality protein, with all the essential amino acids⁶.

Get the recipe here.

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2. Patient: What is gluten intolerance?

3. Patient: How to manage IBS without medication.

4. Patient: How much meat should we be eating?

5. Patient: The truth about fat in your diet.

6. Patient: Understanding your cholesterol levels.

As a student, you'll probably want easy, simple, inexpensive recipes that don't require a lot of ingredients and can be made from scratch in minutes, either after a long day of exams or a night out. So, we've got you covered.