Meet the New Generation of Instant Foods

Just add water. What comes to mind when you read those instructions? Perhaps a Styrofoam cup of freeze-dried noodles evoking late-night study sessions or a foil pouch of dehydrated vegetables destined for space travel. If antiquated images like these happen to be your reference points, we’re happy to report that the world of instant foods that just need a pour of water has come a long way. The biggest improvements? Variety and taste. Now you can start your day with a rich, dark cup of morning joe from a mere tube of paste or a gut-friendly oatmeal more flavorful than the usual super-sweet instant packets. For meals, you can feast on a traditional Korean seaweed soup that reconstitutes in just two minutes or a spiced kitchari whose deep flavor belies its speedy cooking time. These convenient products push the notion of what instant meals can be—with no dilution (no pun intended) in quality.

Quite Nice Prebiotic Oatmeal (12 Pack)

Most mornings I’m running out the door and want to have a nourishing breakfast at my desk that I still look forward to. Quite Nice’s breakfast oats save the day here. The single-serving packets contain oats packed with fiber and protein, plus add-ins like chia seeds and hulled buckwheat for a hearty, chewy texture. You can enjoy them instantly by adding hot water, or make overnight oats by stirring in cold water or milk and chilling them in the fridge while you sleep. —Kate Kassin, editorial operations manager

This Swiss coffee brand is great for outdoor adventures on the go, letting you enjoy a quick cup without the hassle of brewing equipment. I just mix a teaspoon with half a cup of hot or cold water, and voilà. The dark roast offers delightful notes of chocolate, and the beet sugar gives the extra kick you need for that morning hike. Although it’s fantastic for the outdoors, I’ve also started drinking it at home and squeezing it into my favorite smoothies. —Hazel Zavala, art director

I always keep a box of this kitchari stashed in my pantry. With about a 30-minute cook time, no need to rinse or presoak the beans or rice, and a short ingredient list (basmati rice, mung beans, and spices such as cumin, turmeric, and cardamom), it’s my quick ticket to a warming meal that tastes rich and complex but requires zero thought on my part. It works as a side for a larger meal, but I also love eating it on its own with a spoonful of chili crisp or the brand’s jarred tarka oil drizzled on top. —Alaina Chou, commerce writer

Korean seaweed soup is a cozy dish long heralded for its nutritive properties. These dehydrated miyeokguk cubes are made with natural seaweed and beef bone broth. Unlike many sodium-filled instant soups, Oma’s (named after the Korean word for mother) tastes as close as you’ll get to homemade: balanced, well-seasoned, and utterly comforting. After rehydrating the block with a cup of boiling water, let it sit covered for two minutes before stirring. Add steamed rice for the full Korean effect. —H.A.