Instant Noodles Market Growth Analysis Report - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global instant noodles market reached a value of nearly USD 61.11 Billion in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of around USD 107.39 Billion by 2034. The market can be attributed to the growing demand for convenience foods, the rising trend of health and wellness, the surging demand for gourmet instant noodles, the increasing emphasis on sustainability, and technological advancements.

Global Instant Noodles Market Growth

The growing vegan population and the rising popularity of plant-based diets are driving the instant noodles demand growth. Manufacturers are developing vegan-friendly instant noodles by using plant-based flavours, protein sources, and broth and eliminating the use of meat-based ingredients. For instance, Unilever’s Pot Noodle brand offers vegan miso-flavoured instant ramen that is low in sugar and fats and contains no cholesterol.

The robust growth of the e-commerce sector is driving the instant noodles market development. Reportedly, the US Department of Commerce announced that the estimate of U.S. retail e-commerce sales for Q3 reached USD 300.1 billion, an increase of 2.6% from the previous quarter. With the thriving e-commerce sector, consumers are increasingly purchasing instant noodles online due to their convenience of doorstep delivery and accessibility to global brands and international flavours. Attractive discounts, competitive pricing, customer reviews, and personalised recommendations offered by online retailers are further online sales of instant noodles.

Manufacturers are attempting to enhance the nutritional value of instant noodles by fortifying them with ß-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and calcium. Besides, innovations aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of instant noodle packaging, coupled with the increasing use of sustainable materials in packaging by key players, are anticipated to boost the instant noodles market revenue in the forecast period.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Rising trend of health and wellness; increasing demand for gourmet instant noodles; growing focus on sustainability; and flavour innovations are favouring the instant noodles market expansion.

January 2025

Instant noodle brand Maruchan announced the expanded distribution of its premium Maruchan GOLD line to more than 1,500 Walmart stores across the United States. Through this, the brand aims to expand the availability of its instant noodles and meet the growing demand for affordable and convenient meal options.

December 2024

Winn Foods unveiled the Winn Hakka Noodles Curly Chow, expanding its product portfolio and redefining the instant noodle experience with a healthier and tastier alternative. The instant noodle is crafted using an air-drying technique that preserves the natural texture and flavour of the noodles while reducing fat content. The product is free from MSG, oils, preservatives, trans fats, artificial colours, and flavours.

January 2024

Maggi launched Maggi Mug Noodles, reducing plastic packaging by 83%. The Mug Noodles are available in four-packs, in popular chicken and beef flavours.

August 2023

Nissin Foods USA launched GEKI™, its new brand serving up the first chilli-infused noodles available in the USA. The brand’s first offering, GEKI Fiery Hot Chicken, introduced an advanced manufacturing technology developed by the company, infusing real chilli flakes directly into the round noodles to generate an enhanced level of spiciness.

Growing trend of health and wellness

Amid rising health consciousness and the growing prevalence of diseases such as hypertension, there is an increasing demand for no-sodium or low-sodium instant noodle options. Brands are also capitalising on the increasing health-consciousness by offering noodles made from quinoa, whole grains, or other fibre-rich ingredients.

Rising demand for gourmet instant noodles

The rising demand for gourmet instant noodles that offer exotic and sophisticated taste profiles is aiding the market. Key players are incorporating high-quality ingredients and using natural and organic components to enhance the nutritional and flavour profile of instant noodles.

Increasing emphasis on sustainability

With the growing focus on sustainability, brands are focusing on responsibly sourcing ingredients, including non-GMO ingredients and sustainably grown crops. They are also increasingly adopting eco-friendly packaging materials like biodegradable and recyclable materials to enhance the sustainability profile of their products.

Flavour innovations

Increasing flavour innovations by key players are surging the instant noodles market value. Spicy instant noodles incorporating flavours like chilli crab, kimchi, spicy seafood, and sriracha, among others, are gaining popularity. The growing popularity of Asian cuisines is also prompting companies to include Asian-inspired ingredients and spices such as pho, tom yum, Japanese ramen flavours, and miso in instant noodles.

Global Instant Noodles Market Trends

The rising focus on sustainability is prompting manufacturers to adopt energy-efficient manufacturing practices such as optimising energy consumption and utilising renewable resources. Growing concerns regarding water scarcity are also pushing players to minimise water usage and recycle water within their facilities.

With the growing disposable incomes of customers, there is a rising demand for instant noodles infused with innovative and sophisticated flavours such as lobster bisque, fresh herbs, truffle, smoked salmon, roasted garlic, and beef bourguignon. Moreover, brands are offering customisable noodle experiences by including dried vegetables, separate seasoning packets, and flavour boosters, offering a personalised eating experience to customers.

Global Instant Noodles Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global Instant Noodles Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Fried
• Non-Fried

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialist Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global Instant Noodles Market Share

As per the instant noodles market analysis, fried instant noodles are pre-cooked and undergo a frying process, which surges their fat content. Due to their mass production, they are more affordable than their non-fried counterparts. Fried noodles also boast high shelf stability and quick preparation times. Meanwhile, non-fried instant noodles, a healthier alternative to fried instant noodles, are gaining traction among health-conscious customers. Typically organic, gluten-free, and made with healthier ingredients, non-fried instant noodles are marketed as a premium product.

Competitive Landscape

Key instant noodles market players are introducing healthier variants of instant noodles to cater to the growing trend of health and wellness. They are also expanding their product portfolio to include innovative flavours of instant noodles. Moreover, instant noodle companies are increasing the usage of plant-based ingredients in instant noodles to meet the needs of the rising vegan population.

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd.

Nissin Foods Holdings Co. Ltd., founded in 1958, is a pioneer in the field of instant noodles. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company actively invests in research and development activities to gain a competitive edge and ensure sustainable growth.

Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd

Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Consumer Products, has emerged as one of the fastest growing food companies in India. Some of its leading brands include Ching’s Secret and SMITH & JONES. The company actively partners with international food companies to expand its product portfolio and drive innovation.

NONGSHIM CO.,LTD.

NONGSHIM CO.,LTD., established in 1965, is a South Korean food company that is known for its wide range of high-quality snacks and instant noodles. With the growing demand for low-fat and low-calorie food, the company has launched a new category of non-frying noodles such as “Kal Guk Soo” and “Sacheon Baek Champong”.

Samyang Foods Co., Ltd

Samyang Foods Co., Ltd, established in 1961 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a pioneer in the Korean food industry. Since entering the overseas market in 1969, the company is renowned for its Buldak brand of noodles. Its domestic factories are located in Iksan, Wonju, and Miryang.

Other key players in the instant noodles market include Nestlé S.A., Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Unilever Plc, ITC Limited, Acecook Vietnam, PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk, Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, Campbell Soup Company, Mamee-Double Decker Sdn. Bhd., Kohlico Brands UK Ltd, and AICO Foods Limited, among others.