Instant foods cook quickly when added to water or milk. Hot or cold, many of these products are high in calories and can help increase weight gain. Many high-calorie, instant foods are high in sodium, sugar and preservatives, so be aware of the nutritional implications of adding them to your diet.
Instant Pudding
Instant pudding mix contains 184 calories per 50g serving, which is enough to create 1 cup. To increase the calorie count, use 2 percent or full-fat milk to make an instant snack containing between 322 and 330 calories. The pudding is made by combining dried milk powders, sugar and pre-gelatinized starch.
Dried, Whole Milk
Dried, whole milk powder contains 159 calories in a ¼-cup serving. Dried whole milk can be reconstituted in water, but you can use it to add extra calories to mashed potatoes, milk, yogurt, pancake batter or cereal.
Ramen Noodles
A package of instant ramen noodles, which cooks when covered with hot water, contains 371 calories. However, the soup also contains over 1,700mg of sodium. The Institute of Medicine recommends consuming 1500mg of sodium or less daily.
Instant Breakfast Powder
Packets of drink mix marketed as instant breakfast contain 130 calories per packet. To make it higher in calorie, mix it into whole milk to add 146 calories or whip it into a milkshake with ice cream and half and half.
Instant Cereal
Instant oatmeal and farina contains between 100 and 170 calories per packet. Choose raisins and spice or maple and brown sugar varieties for the most calories. Reconstitute them with hot whole milk and add dried fruit and nuts for more calories. Be aware that many instant cereals contain significant amounts of added sugar.
Dry Gravy Mix
Dry gravy contains 106 calories per oz. Prepare it with whole milk and butter to increase the calorie content. This serving of gravy contains over 1400mg of sodium.
Member Comments