Udon is a thick, white Japanese noodle, and its primary ingredient is wheat, making it a high-carbohydrate food. It's listed on menus at most Asian diners, and you may find its chewy texture a welcome change from traditional noodles. The noodles may also seem more filling because of their thickness and ability to soak up more of the moisture and flavor around them. The noodles are normally served cold or in a broth with vegetables or protein.

Both udon noodles and spaghetti pasta usually have a serving size of 2 ounces. Dry udon noodles contain about 180 to 200 calories for a 2-ounce serving. Sodium is another item that can fluctuate wildly with brands. Standard dry whole-wheat spaghetti noodles pack similar calorie amounts, ranging from 180 to 220 in similar servings. Most noodles come in packages with four to eight servings. Moderation is key when enjoying this type of noodle.