Sainsbury's Basics Chicken Noodles

Instant noodles are pretty much a student food...except in times of credit crunch. I'd be prepared to bet sales have rocketed among ordinary people who are struggling to get by and looking for the cheapest foods. In fact, I'd buy shares in these noodles if I had any spare money.
So, it was poverty - and seeing Tesco value chicken noodles reviewed on Ciao recently - that inspired me to start buying instant noodles again. I haven't eaten them since my student days, a few years ago. Even then, I used to indulge in Bachelor's Supernoodles, at a whopping 40p per packet.
I have to say, I actually prefer these noodles, as the taste is less processed.

*Value for money - clearly the most important aspect, after all, you're buying supermarket value noodles! At 7p they are a bargain - and 1p cheaper than Tesco value chicken noodles.

*Cooking - couldn't be easier, and very quick (5 mins from start to sitting down with a steaming bowl or plate). You can either cook them in the microwave, or in the pan. My preference is for the pan, and my technique, honed after many years of experience, is: boil water (I now know how much to use by instinct, but it tells you how much on the packet) and add noodles. Once the noodles have softened a little bit, break them up with your spoon and add flavouring. Stir pretty much continuously until the noodles are no longer a block but resemble noodles. Leave to simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring a few times. When they look done, they are. Serve.
Dregs can sometimes stick to the pan if you overcook them a tiny bit, but will come off quite easily if you soak the pan before washing up (or putting in the dishwasher if you have one).

*Packaging - as shown in the picture above. It's not classy, but hey, you're not buying supermarket value products for the great packaging. It's not something I personally care about. My only gripe is that the little sachet with the chicken flavouring powder is a bit tricky to open, and when you open it some of the powder often falls out. The best way is to cut right across the top.
It's also hard to ensure you get all the flavouring out. I think they allow for this though, as my noodles have never lacked flavour.

*Taste - pretty good. They actually smell of real chicken when cooking, yes, really. They even taste something like chicken. They have a few little red and green veg bits in, too. They're less processed, salty and artificial generally than I expected, from my memories of Supernoodles. Seriously, you can't expect gourmet food but they do taste quite pleasant.
The portion size is perfect, too. Just enough for a light meal without being too much or leaving you hungry.

Meal ideas:
I sometimes eat them on their own as a light lunch, but they can be added into many main meals.

• Special fried noodles - this is where you basically stir fry whatever vegetables and meat (if applicable) you fancy, and add to the noodles once both are almost done for a final minute. You can even add egg (cook it as you would an omelette, but cut it up).
  Chicken, egg, mushrooms, onions and peppers is my personal favourite for this, but there is much fun to be had in experimenting.
• Serve on the side of a chicken stir-fry.
• Serve with Chinese style chicken dishes (I've found they go with black bean sauce and spicy tomato-based sauces very well).
• Make a noodle sandwich or toasted sandwich.
  Admittedly, this is something I used to do as a student when my waistline could take such abuse, rather than something I would eat now.

Overall - about the most fun you can have for 7p.