Viral video shows bugs in instant noodles under microscope. Here’s what we know

A video showing bugs crawling on instant noodles under a microscope is going viral on social media. In the clip, tiny insects can be seen moving across the noodle surface, raising concerns among viewers.

However, the video is not new. It was originally shared by the account Fascinating World on X (formerly Twitter) in May last year.

The footage has sparked alarm and humor in equal measure. “What the hell ARE they? Throwing away those 'emergency packs' in my cupboard,” wrote one user. Another joked, “Oh, so that’s where the 8.6g of protein comes from.” Others dismissed the concern with comments like, “Hot water solves the problem,” and “Does the scary music go away when you boil them at 100°C?”


But not everyone is convinced the video is genuine.


One user pointed out that the original post mentioned old or expired noodles. Meanwhile, a disclaimer from X flagged the video as misleading, alleging that bugs may have been placed on the food before filming. “A lot of times, they’re bugs that can’t even grow or survive in those products,” the note added.

A fact-check by Snopes echoed the uncertainty: “Although the video shows what appears to be mites on instant noodles, there isn’t enough evidence to rule out the possibility that it was staged or digitally manipulated.”

Sri Lankan fact-checking site Fact Crescendo also weighed in, calling the claims unlikely. Their report explained:

• Dry environment: Instant noodles are dehydrated, which makes it hard for mites or parasites to survive.
  
  
• Sealed packaging: Airtight packaging prevents contamination.
  
  
• High-temperature processing: The noodles are typically steamed or fried at high heat, killing any potential pests.
  
  
• Quality control: Reputable manufacturers have strict hygiene protocols.
  
  

They also cited a 2022 study in Malaysia that tested six brands of ramen—none were found to be contaminated by bugs or parasites.

Fact Crescendo further noted that the viral video lacks context. The noodles are not shown in their original packaging, and reusable gloves used during filming could have introduced external contaminants like dust or mites.

So, Are Packaged Noodles Safe?

While packaged instant noodles are generally safe from bugs if unopened and properly stored, they’re not exactly healthy. They’re often considered “empty calories” due to low nutritional value.

In fact, last year, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog found that 90% of instant noodle samples contained carcinogenic contaminants.

So while bugs in factory-sealed noodles are unlikely, moderation is still key when it comes to eating them.