Product Launch (Blog)

Mar, 20 2025

Leading Players in Instant Noodles Market: Innovation and Gourmet Transformation of a Global Staple

The global instant noodles market has experienced significant growth, with consumption reaching approximately 118 billion servings in 2021. Asia remains the dominant market, with China accounting for over one-third of global consumption. Per capita consumption is notably high in countries like Vietnam (88 servings), South Korea (74 servings), and Nepal (55 servings). In recent years, the market has seen a shift as younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are elevating instant noodles from a budget-friendly option to a gourmet experience. This trend, fueled by social media platforms like TikTok, has led to a 50% increase in instant noodle sales on platforms like Ocado, with consumers adding ingredients such as spring onions, Kewpie mayonnaise, and shiitake mushrooms to enhance flavor. However, health considerations have emerged, with warnings about the high sodium content in some instant noodle products, highlighting the need for moderation.

The Global Instant Noodles Market size was valued at USD 55,282,300.00 thousand in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 84,071,326.35 thousand by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

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Below are the Top Forestry Equipment Companies with a Significant Market Share:

Rank

Company

Overview

Product Portfolio

Sales Geographical Coverage

Developments

1.

Nestlé S.A.

Nestlé is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with a diverse portfolio that spans nutritional products, beverages, and packaged foods. In the instant noodles market, Nestlé is best known for its Maggi brand, which is a household name globally, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, and Europe. Maggi offers a wide variety of instant noodles and noodle-based products, with a focus on convenience, flavor, and affordability. Nestlé's instant noodles are available in various flavors and packaging formats to cater to diverse consumer preferences. The company’s commitment to quality and sustainability has helped it maintain its leadership position in the global instant noodles market.

  • Maggi

North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In January 2024, Nestlé S.A. launched the "Maggi Hot Mealz" subscription service in India. This service delivers pre-portioned instant noodle kits with various flavors directly to consumers' homes, catering to the growing demand for convenient and personalized meal solutions, particularly in developing markets.

2.

PT INDOFOOD SUKSES MAKMUR Tbk

Indofood Sukses Makmur is one of the largest food companies in Indonesia, and it holds a dominant position in the instant noodles market through its Indomie brand. Indomie is one of the leading instant noodle brands worldwide, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, known for its wide variety of flavors. The company offers a range of affordable, quick-to-prepare noodle products with a focus on local taste preferences. Indofood has expanded its product line to include ready-to-eat meals and snacks, capitalizing on its well-established brand. The company’s success in the instant noodles market is attributed to its high-quality production, innovative flavors, and deep understanding of consumer needs in diverse markets.

  • Indomie
  • Supermi
  • Sarimi
  • Sakura
  • Pop Mie
  • Mie Telur Cap 3 Ayam

Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific,

In December 2024, Indofood emphasized its commitment to consumer health by ensuring all instant noodles produced in Indonesia comply with food safety standards set by the Indonesian National Agency for Drug and Food Control (BPOM RI) and the Codex Standard for Instant Noodles.

3.

NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO., LTD

Nissin Foods is a pioneer in the instant noodles industry, best known for its Cup Noodles brand, which revolutionized the instant food sector. The company’s instant noodles are available in a wide variety of flavors and formats, and they are sold globally, with a strong presence in Asia, North America, and Europe. Nissin Foods has maintained a competitive edge through continuous innovation in flavors, packaging, and convenience. The company also focuses on sustainability by incorporating more environmentally friendly practices and ingredients in its production. Nissin is committed to expanding its product offerings to meet changing consumer tastes, including healthier and more nutritious options.

  • Chicken Ramen
  • CUP NOODLE
  • CUP NOODLES CHICKEN
  • Cup Noodles
  • Demae Iccho
  • He wei Dao (Cup Noodles)
  • Nissin Premium Bag Korean Hot Chili Chicken
  • Cup Noodles Mazedaar Masala
  • Soba

North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In September 2023, A new plant in Greenville, South Carolina, aiming to meet the increasing demand for premium instant noodles in the U.S. market. The construction starts in December 2023, scheduled for completion in August 2025, aligning with the company's strategy to enhance production efficiency and expand premium product offerings. This move supports the Nissin Foods Group's goal of achieving growth, with a focus on overseas business in its Mid to Long-term Business Plan.

4.

Unilever

Unilever is a global leader in consumer goods, with a broad portfolio that includes food & beverages, health & wellness, and home care products. In the instant noodles market, Unilever is represented by its Knorr and Lipton brands, which offer convenient and flavorful noodle-based products. Unilever has leveraged its strong distribution network and global presence to reach consumers across various markets, especially in Asia and Latin America, where instant noodles are a staple. The company focuses on providing high-quality and affordable products, with an emphasis on innovation, convenience, and nutrition in its noodle offerings. Unilever’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its efforts to improve the nutritional content and environmental impact of its food products.

  • POT Noodles

North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In October 2023, Unilever invested €19.4 million in its Poznan factory in Poland to bolster production capacity and meet the rising demand for instant noodles in Europe. This investment aimed to increase efficiency and cater to the growing consumer appetite for convenient meal options.

5.

Kellanova

Kellanova, previously known as the Kellogg Company, is a multinational food company focused on creating snacks, cereal, and convenience foods. In the instant noodles market, Kellanova has a presence with its Pringles and Kellogg's brands. While the company’s core focus has been on snacks and breakfast foods, it has been expanding its portfolio to include instant food solutions. Kellanova’s emphasis on innovation and its vast distribution networks allows the company to cater to evolving consumer preferences for convenient and quick-to-prepare meals, including instant noodles. The company is also focused on creating products that meet modern nutritional needs, with an eye on healthier, more sustainable options.

  • Kellogg's Instant Noodles Durban Curry Flavour
  • Kellogg's Instant Noodles Veg Curry Flavour
  • Kellogg's Instant Noodles Cheese Flavour
  • Kellogg's Instant Noodles Beef Flavour
  • Kellogg's Instant Noodles Chicken Flavour

North America, South America, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe

In August 2024, Mars, Incorporated agreed to acquire Kellanova for $35.9 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in the global snacking and food sectors. This acquisition is expected to further enhance Kellanova's capabilities in the instant noodles market, leveraging Mars' extensive distribution networks and resources.

Conclusion

The global instant noodles market continues to thrive, driven by its widespread consumption, especially in Asia, and an evolving trend among younger consumers who are elevating the product from a simple meal to a gourmet experience. While the market remains robust due to its affordability and convenience, the increasing health awareness regarding high sodium content is encouraging manufacturers to explore healthier options. Social media platforms like TikTok have played a significant role in boosting sales by encouraging creative ways to enhance the noodle experience. As demand rises, the market is expected to continue evolving, catering to both traditional consumption and the growing interest in more innovative, health-conscious offerings.


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