Why one pack of pancit canton can feel ‘bitin’ and two ‘sobra,’ according to science

The familiar ‘pancit canton dilemma’ explained.

It’s merienda time. Your stomach is growling, craving that one comfort food almost every Pinoy loves: pancit canton.

But as you open the cupboard, a sudden dilemma hits: Should you cook one pack or two?

It’s a relatable struggle many Filipinos know by heart. One pack can feel bitin, but two packs can feel sobra.

The reason behind this familiar scenario may be linked to nutritional science and physiology.

First is calorie intake. A standard 80-gram pack of pancit canton contains about 300 to 400 calories, depending on the brand and flavor. Since energy needs vary from person to person, one pack may not be enough to satisfy your hunger.

And two packs, totaling 160 grams, offer an estimated 600 to 800 calories, turning a quick snack into a much heavier meal.

A phenomenon known as sensory-specific satiety may also play a role. It refers to the decrease of satisfaction and desire for a particular food as you continue eating it.

Pancit canton contains a mix of seasoning, salt, oil, and umami-rich flavors that keeps you wanting more. As you continue eating however, its taste may become less pleasurable, contributing to that “umay” feeling.

Additionally, your body needs time to register kabusugan. While you can finish a pack in under five minutes, it may take around 20 minutes or longer for the brain to determine that you’ve eaten enough.

Hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and ghrelin are also involved in regulating hunger and satiety. Eating quickly can make it more difficult to notice when you’re already full.

While these factors help explain why one pack of pancit canton may feel bitin and two may feel sobra, the experience still varies depending on a person’s appetite, activity level, and previous meals.

How to make it ‘sulit’

Instead of preparing two servings, one way to make your pancit canton more satisfying is to cook one pack and pair it with other ingredients.

Adding eggs—whether boiled, scrambled, or poached—provides proteins and fat.

If you have bread, you can turn your pancit canton into a sandwich. The bread can also soak up some of the excess sauce and oil, adding carbohydrates and calories to your meal.

For a more balanced meal, cook the pancit canton with cabbage, carrots, onions, and other vegetables for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Popular brands Lucky Me! and Payless also appear to have solved this kitchen crisis with their 120-gram “Kasalo” and “Xtra Big” packs, offering a middle ground for those who find one pack bitin and two packs sobra.

While marketed for sharing, these larger portions have been known to satisfy solo eaters with bigger appetites.

Must still be eaten in moderation

Keep in mind that while pancit canton is a go-to snack for many, it’s best not to consume it daily.

One reason is its sodium content. A single pack of instant pancit canton can contain around 600 to 900 milligrams of sodium, depending on the brand and flavor.

Research has also linked frequent instant noodle consumption to potential health risks. A 2014 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, involving 10,711 South Korean adults, found that women who ate instant noodles at least twice a week had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of risk factors that includes high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and abnormal blood fat levels.

Meanwhile, a 2019 study of Indonesian adults published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health found an association between regular instant noodle consumption and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, a blood marker of inflammation, among women.

However, both findings are observational and do not establish that instant noodles directly cause these health effects.

To be clear: You’re still allowed to eat pancit canton.

But when you do eat it, one pack should be enough. Get creative with your recipe to make it more satisfying and enjoyable—without the need for a second pack.

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