Instructables Hosts A Spectacular Failures Contest

These might be cheap for all and might be good to some, but they contain so much sodium that eating them probably shortens your life span a few minutes with each bite.

We sometimes have some for lunch. At about 20¢ per package, the cost of water, and heating on the stove, it can't be beat. I'm 79 and it hasn't harmed me.

My cousin and I used make Top Ramen sandwiches - buttered toast with ramen on them. And chocolate milk for the drink of choice. We still talk about those days.

I take them backpacking. Fast, easy, and especially good if it's cool or wet. Not uncommon in the North Maine Woods.

They also make a great side dish. Cook the noodles, drain well, stir in the spice packet.

Other similarly cheap, quick and easy meals which don't require refrigeration include: boxes of mac & cheese, instant rice, stuffing, powdered potatoes, peanut butter crackers, cans of beans... etc

I only went without refrigeration for a brief period, but it left an indelible impression. It's always on my mind how much of my food will need to be trashed if my refrigerator quits suddenly, and I prefer shelf stable versions of foods (eg canned rather than frozen) where possible.