Instant Noodles Market Assessment, By Product Type [Fried, Non-fried], By Ingredient Type [Wheat, Rice, Others], By Category [Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian], By Packaging [Bag, Cup, Others], By End-user [Commercial, Residential], By Distribution Channel [Onl

Instant Noodles Market Assessment, By Product Type [Fried, Non-fried], By Ingredient Type [Wheat, Rice, Others], By Category [Vegetarian, Non-vegetarian], By Packaging [Bag, Cup, Others], By End-user [Commercial, Residential], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global instant noodles market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.25% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 60.95 billion in 2023 to USD 91.77 billion in 2031. The factors driving the growth of the instant noodles market are the convenience of the product for on-the-go consumption, the minimum requirement for preparation and ease of cooking, and youngsters’ preference for fast and gourmet food options. According to the World Instant Noodles Association data, more than 100 billion servings of instant noodles are consumed annually globally.

The market is also growing since they are cost-effective and convenient options for students and young professionals who have migrated from one city to another. Additionally, the rise in urbanization and consumers' busy lifestyles have resulted in the rise in demand for convenient, easy-to-cook, and ready-to-eat fast foods such as instant noodles, which require minimal preparation time.

Moreover, the availability of a wider variety catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian consumers, health-conscious consumers, and fast-food-loving consumers has extended the appeal of instant noodles. Furthermore, the availability of instant noodles in different flavor options has further augmented the market's growth.

Ramen instant noodles are driving the market's growth as spicier noodles are becoming increasingly popular among youngsters. For instance, in Korea, the local instant noodle producers compete to introduce spicier products to attract more consumers. Additionally, Nongshim which is the largest Korean instant noodle making firm, is extending its range of spicy products.

Organic and vegan instant noodles are surfacing the market to cater to vegan and health-conscious consumers. For instance, in July 2022, Foodle Noodle launched organic clean label instant cup noodles with the aim to capture the young consumers.

Asia-Pacific Region to Dominate the Market

Asia Pacific has been a dominant region in the instant noodles market as the top 5 countries that create the demand for instant noodles lie in this region only. As per the data of World Instant Noodles Association, in 2022, China stood first in the global demand for instant noodles with 45,070 million servings, which makes Asia-Pacific a dominant region worldwide. Additionally, the second, third, fourth, and fifth have been occupied by Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Japan, respectively.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific holds dominance in the market, owing to the origination of noodles in Japan and the size of the population in the region. Additionally, cultural preferences and traditions are significant in making the region dominant in the instant noodles market, as they are staple food in various Asian cuisines. Moreover, the widespread availability of a wide variety of brands and flavors cater to the diverse tastes and preferences across the region.

Monosodium Glutamate Free Food Supporting the Growth

The surging demand for monosodium glutamate free products is significantly impacting the growth of the instant noodles market. This is because consumers’ rising concerns regarding the potential health risks and adverse reactions have induced the consumers to increasing demand monosodium glutamate free alternatives, driving the growth for monosodium glutamate free instant noodles.

The manufacturers of instant noodles are responding to this surging trend and reformulating their offerings to align with the preferences of the consumers and offer them with reduced or eliminated quantity of monosodium glutamate in their offerings while maintaining the flavor of the noodles. By offering monosodium glutamate free instant noodles, the brands are catering to the health-conscious consumers who are seeking cleaner and more natural food items.

For instance, in May 2022, Naked, an instant noodle brand owned by Symington Limited, launched the lineup of its Ultimate Noodles, which are MSG-free and completely vegan. They have been introduced in three bold varieties, namely, Chinese Style Duck Flavor, Korean Style Beef flavor, and Japanese Style Chicken flavor, which are made with Asian-inspired flavors.

Healthy Instant Noodles Fostering the Growth

Healthy instant noodles are gaining popularity due to the increase in the awareness of consumers for nutritional food items that maintain their overall health and well-being. Consumers are gradually shifting towards non-fried, oil free and healthier noodles which are made from healthier flour. These healthy instant noodles are also formulated with natural ingredients, lower sodium content and no additional artificial preservatives or flavorings. For instance, in September 2023, Slurrp Farm launched their latest instant noodles, which is free from preservatives and ultra processed all-purpose flour. They are also air dried and not fried.

Furthermore, adding whole grains and vegetables enhances the nutritional value of the noodles, making them a preferred option for health-conscious consumers. Moreover, eliminating frying noodles and replacing all-purpose flour with healthy flours appeal to consumers, driving the growth of the market.

For instance, in May 2022, WhatIF Foods, a Singaporean startup, reinvented its instant noodles to make a healthier version. They are using Bambara ground nuts, which are both healthy and environmentally friendly. The company also replaced the deep-frying process with air frying and avoided the usage of palm oil. Also, the noodles are more fibrous and richer in protein than conventional wheat-based instant noodles.

Innovation in Packaging Fueling the Growth

Innovation in the packaging and adoption of environmentally friendly packaging is driving the growth of the market. The positive trajectory can be witnessed due to consumers’ rising preference for sustainable and convenient packaging which keeps the instant noodles fresh and crunchy. In February 2024, Maggi, a brand of Nestle S.A. introduced the latest range of instant cup noodles which are designed to be prepared at home in a mug and hence leads to the reduction in plastic packaging by 83 percent. This move by the company is expected to reduce the CO2 emissions as well.

Advancements such as resealable pouches, microwave safe containers and environmentally friendly packaging appeal to consumers, by providing them ease in usage, catering to their busy lifestyle. For instance, in March 2024, Nissin Foods Group’s brand, Cup Noodles, announced its instant noodles' latest paper cup packaging in collaboration with Craig Robinson. It replaced its old polystyrene packaging with sustainable packaging, which is microwave safe.

Moreover, innovation in packaging technology helps extend the shelf-life of instant noodles, preserving flavor and texture and ensuring the freshness of the product.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The instant noodles market has been witnessing growth and will continue to grow in the forecast period as well. This is because the key players are continuously innovating their products and offering the consumers with wider variety of products in different flavors, ingredients and methods of preparation, keeping the consumers hooked to their latest offerings, and driving the market growth further.

For instance, in September 2023, Nissin Foods Group launched caffeinated-infused cup noodles in Japan in garlic and black pepper flavors. These noodles contain ingredients present in energy drinks.

Wan Thai Food Industry Co., Ltd., parent company of Yum Yum instant noodle brand, introduced Thai flavored noodles especially for Thai consumers with the flavor of Spicy Lobster and Sood Ded.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market are helping the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers, and catering to their evolving needs.

The instant noodle market is rising and is expected to grow exponentially in the forecast period. Key players invest in their production facilities and product innovation to generate profits in this ever-growing market.

For instance, in October 2023, Unilever PLC invested 20.64 million to boost noodle production at its Poznan factory in Poland. The company planned to optimize physical and digital automation along with the production process. With the investment, the productive capacity and efficiency of the automated lines are expected to operate more than twice as efficiently as before.