MARUCHAN RAMEN NOODLES ARE 7 FOR A DOLLAR AT FAMILY FARE. I just bought work lunch until late April for less than $3.50.

I've found that crushing the dry noodles, adding hot water, microwaving for 40 seconds, and letting it sit for 3-4 minutes gets me the best results. I use only half of the flavor (salt) packet.

This stuff makes instant oatmeal (another favorite work lunch of mine) look expensive.