TESTING 1-2-3: Asian noodles for the microwave

Those of you who lived on little more than ramen noodles and peanut butter while in college might not believe that you can get a fairly healthy and delicious microwaveable noodle bowl these days.

We tested three noodle bowls easily found in local grocery stores, and while some of them were healthier —- and better tasting —- than others, all were under $2.

Two of the bowls tested featured dried noodles that were reconstituted by adding water before cooking, and one used precooked, soft noodles.

The results follow.

Thai Kitchen hot and sour rice noodle soup bowl

$1.89 for 2.4 ounces at most grocery stores

First look: The white plastic bowl comes in a red-and-black cardboard wrapper with a photo of colorful rice noodle soup on the cover. Inside the bowl, you’ll find dried rice noodles and three small envelopes holding powdered seasoning, hot oil and dehydrated vegetables.

The rundown: All the bowls tested came pretty much with the same instructions. Simply add water and the contents of the packets to the noodles, then microwave for a couple of minutes. Thai Kitchen noodle bowl provides one serving and contains 250 calories, 4.5 fat grams and 1,650 milligrams of sodium. Ingredients include rice noodles, sugar, salt, red chili peppers, and dehydrated green onions and cilantro.

Upside: It’s easy and quick to prepare. While the soup is cooking it gives off a heady garlicky aroma. When cooked, the noodles end up tender but not mushy, and the broth offers up a rich flavor with a good chili bite.

Downside: Some of the dried green onions were still a little chewy after the noodle bowl was prepared. While it provided some heat, the sour component was pretty wimpy and nearly nonexistent. Contains the most sodium of the three noodle bowls we tested.

Bottom line: Flavorwise, this noodle bowl came out on top.

Kroger spicy Kung Pao noodle bowl

$1.99 for 8.5 ounces only at Kroger stores

First look: This clear plastic bowl comes with a snap-on lid and includes a clever folding plastic fork. Unlike the other two bowls tested, Kroger’s featured soft, precooked noodles. The label lets you know that this is a vegan meal.

The rundown: Because the noodles are already cooked, you need to add only two tablespoons of water to the bowl along with the package of dehydrated vegetables and the ginger-spiked sauce, which resembled caramel. A small packet of crushed peanuts is included as a garnish. Each bowl serves one and contains 540 calories, 10 grams of fat and 1,190 milligrams of sodium. Ingredients include wheat flour, rice bran oil, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, soy bean paste, dehydrated carrots and cabbage.

Upside: This noodle bowl is the only one tested that offers up 4 grams of fiber. We liked that it included a lid and fork, making it portable.

Downside: It packs the most calories and fat of the three bowls tested. The soft, flabby noodles stayed clumped together after the bowl was prepared according to directions. The thick sauce tasted of ginger but not much else.

Bottom line: Even bad Chinese takeout is better than this.

Trader Joe’s spring onion rice noodle soup bowl

99 cents for 2.5 ounces only at Trader Joe’s stores

First look: This soup comes in a white plastic bowl, and the label says that the product is imported from Thailand.

The rundown: Like the others, Trader Joe’s noodle soup bowl is quickly prepared by combining the seasoning packets with the dried rice noodles and some water, then microwaving for a few minutes. Unlike the others, Trader Joe’s bowl serves two, and each serving contains 130 calories, 2 fat grams and 625 milligrams of sodium. Ingredients include rice noodles, sugar, salt, onion and garlic powders, dried garlic flakes, spring onion powder and dehydrated spring onion flakes.

Upside: The noodles are tender but not too soft. The soup has a mild, fresh flavor with a slightly sweet finish. This was the least expensive soup bowl we tested.

Downside: First of all, not only is it a messy proposition to divide those slippery noodles and broth into two servings, but it really isn’t very practical. But if you do split one of these noodle bowls, don’t expect to get full. This soup is a little bland. Trader Joe’s makes a garlic version that’s much more flavorful.

Bottom line: The price is right, but the serving size is a joke.