New Simply Asia noodle bowls get less-than-favorable reviews

Pass the Simply Asia noodle bowls … pass them with your shopping cart.

The Spokesman-Review reader food panel members said they won’t be buying the new microwavable noodle bowls anytime soon.

The biggest complaint was about the texture of the noodles. Some people said the noodles in the Spicy Kung Pao noodle bowl were too sticky. Others complained that the Sesame Teriyaki noodles were too firm.

“I’d call this G&G noodles: gluey and gloppy. I’ll pass,” said Tina Johnson, of the Kung Pao noodles.

Larry Inman said the Sesame Teriyaki noodles were too firm. “The noodles are too chewy – a little too dry.

The pre-cooked Asian noodles come in a vacuum-sealed pouch with sauce and toppings. A bowl and fork are included in the package. The noodles and sauce must be warmed in the microwave for two minutes.

The Kung Pao noodles received a two-and-a-half star rating from panel members. That’s somewhere between poor and fair on our scale. The Sesame Teriyaki flavor ranked slightly lower with two stars.

Tasters weren’t that impressed with the flavors in the sauce either.

“Ick, my dog wouldn’t eat this! Tastes stale, even the nuts taste stale. This recipe is a waste of good noodles,” said Nancy Robinson, of the Kung Pao flavor.

“Wow! That’s bad. The noodles are glue and taste like a chemical experiment,” Peggy Kazanis said.

A few panel members had something nice to say.

“Pretty good noodles, but I really enjoyed the flavor of the sauce on them – I just wish it was a little more powerful,” said Matt Quesnell.

Kazanis panned the Kung Pao flavor but said the teriyaki was worth trying. “My kids would love to slurp these up, and they aren’t mushy.”

Simply Asia Spicy Kung Pao Noodle Bowl

Price: $3.23 for 8.5 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 216 calories, 5 grams fat (no saturated fat, 21 percent fat calories), 6 grams protein, 38 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, 3 grams dietary fiber, 812 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • • 1/2

Value: • 1/2

Comments: “More sweet than spicy; I felt the flavor definitely needed more spice in it, but I tend to like things hot.” – Matt Quesnell

“I like the spice flavor, but the texture of the noodles is not good. I wouldn’t buy this product.” – Larry Inman

“We were told this was spicy – not! Too gluey, as well, and whatever that sour note is, it’s way off.” – Donald Clegg

Simply Asia Teriyaki Noodle Bowl

Price: $3.23 for 8.5 ounces

Nutrition per serving: 198 calories, 2 grams fat (no saturated, 10 percent fat calories), 6 grams protein, 40 grams carbohydrate, no cholesterol, less than 1 gram dietary fiber, 719 milligrams sodium.

Taste: • •

Value: • 1/2

Comments: “Yuck.” — Tina Johnson

“Other than sodium (and lots of it), there’s not much flavor in it.” – Skip Hubbard

“The noodles are too chewy. A little too dry.” – Larry Inman