Instant Noodles Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2032

Instant Noodles Industry Prospective:

The global instant noodles market size was worth around USD 56.38 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 93.09 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.73% between 2024 and 2032.

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Instant Noodles Market: Overview

Instant noodles are a part of the broader ready-to-eat food products. They are also known as ramen noodles and are sold commercially in precooked format.

Almost all instant noodle-providing companies offer additional seasoning or spices for every block of packet of instant noodles. Over the years, consumers have shown higher interest in the consumption of instant noodles since it is easy to cook and does not take long preparation time.

On the other hand, the industry has been plagued with several questions and doubts about a non-healthy snack due to the addition of additives and preservatives required to extend the product’s shelf life.

However, in recent times, market players have managed to mitigate these concerns with the launch of healthier options in the form of diet-friendly raw materials.

During the forecast period, the industry for instant noodles can benefit from the rising investments in grocery delivery applications offering door-step product delivery.

In addition to this, the rapid rate of urbanization and increasing purchasing power of emerging economies may further escalate the overall revenue in the instant noodles industry. Excessive competition could result in extreme market fragmentation, causing diluted revenue over the forecast period.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global instant noodles market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.73% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global instant noodles market size was valued at around USD 56.38 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 93.09 billion by 2032.
• The instant noodles market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the rising rate of urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles.
• Based on raw material, the wheat segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on packaging, the cup noodles segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Instant Noodles Market: Growth Drivers

Rising rate of urbanization and changing consumer lifestyle will drive the market demand rate

The global instant noodles market is expected to grow due to the growing rate of urbanization. People are moving to urban cities and regions due to the higher availability of job opportunities as well as better standards of living.

However, most urban populations find limited time for themselves due to excessive working hours or poor work-life balance. In such cases, the demand for instant food products or ready-to-eat meals witnesses higher growth since these food options are easy to cook.

Traditional meals made of cooked noodles may require extensive preparation time which may not be suitable for the busy lives of the urban population, especially people who are living alone or students.

In addition to this, the consumption of instant noodles is also growing due to increased demand among the rural population, mainly due to changing consumer lifestyles. Food & beverage companies have adopted strategic advertising and marketing initiatives leading to improved consumer awareness.

The rising disposable income among the population of emerging economies could further contribute to increased demand for instant noodles.

Emergence and proliferation of grocery delivery applications will aid the market growth rate in the future

The emergence and quick proliferation of food or grocery delivery applications have managed to change the landscape surrounding ready-to-cook meals. These applications offer significant advantages over traditional ways of grocery shopping.

For instance, grocery delivery applications save buyers time and resources by delivering groceries to the doorstep in a limited time. Companies offering grocery delivery services have been consistently adopting novel ways of improving customer reach and satisfaction, thus simultaneously benefiting the global instant noodles market.

For instance, in October 2024, Bolt and Starship Technologies announced the launch of a new food delivery service. The partnership between the two major giants is the first of its kind in Europe.

The companies have combined their offerings by using cutting-edge robots by Starship and rapid expansion into delivery technology by Bolt. The eco-friendly services will be available to more than 180,000 residents in the Tallinn, Estonia region.

Instant Noodles Market: Restraints

Health concerns associated with food products will limit the industry’s growth rate

The global industry for instant noodles is projected to be restricted by the growing questions of the health impact of excessive consumption of food items.

According to industry analysis, instant noodles are high in preservatives and sodium. In addition, the quantity of other chemicals used during the production of instant noodles is equally high making it one of the unhealthiest ready-to-eat food products in the commercial market. Excessive consumption of instant noodles is related to an increased risk of heart-related disorders.

Instant Noodles Market: Opportunities

Product and packaging innovation to generate more growth opportunities during the projection period

The global instant noodles market is projected to generate growth opportunities due to growing investments in product innovation. Market players are offering healthier options to mitigate the questions over health-related concerns of consuming instant noodles frequently.

In July 2024, Nissin Foods, a leading food & beverage company, announced the launch of a limited-edition flavor of cup noodles. The new launch has been described as sweet and gooey. The company has launched a s’mores flavor to attract a new batch of customers and establish its foothold in the US market.

In December 2023, the company announced a chili-infused range of instant noodles under the name Hot & Spicy Fire Wok. The packets were available in two flavors that were Screamin' Sichuan Beef and Torched Teriyaki Chicken.

In October 2024, Veeba, a popular seller of dressing and Sauces in the Indian market, launched a new range of instant noodles, diversifying from its original product portfolio.

The company has launched WokTok’s novel range of instant noodles along with pan-Asian and Chinese dressings and sauces. Veeba is targeting the new generation of instant noodle consumers while offering healthier options to make a long-term impact.

Instant Noodles Market: Challenges

Extreme market competition and the presence of several alternatives to dilute the industry’s revenue rate

The global industry for instant noodles is projected to be challenged by the presence of intense competition. Currently, several companies are offering instant noodles at domestic and international levels leading to market fragmentation.

In addition to this, instant noodles receive tough competition from other forms of ready-to-eat meals that are healthier. Such factors are likely to reduce the industry’s overall profit margin in the future.

Instant Noodles Market: Segmentation

The global instant noodles market is segmented based on raw material, type, packaging, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the raw material, the global market divisions are wheat, rice, oats, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the wheat segment.

According to market analysis, producers of instant noodles are experimenting with wheat-based flavors to improve customer appeal. The abundant production and availability of wheat further facilitates overall segmental revenue.

Additionally, wheat instant noodles offer healthier options, attracting a large number of buyers. Around 800 million tons of wheat was produced in 2023.

Based on type, the global instant noodles industry is divided into seafood, chicken, vegetables, and others.

Based on the packaging, the global market segments are cup noodles and packet noodles. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the cup noodles segment.

These variants do not require additional utensils for cooking. Cup noodles consist of premixed and precooked ingredients. Consumers are only required to add hot water and wait for a few minutes before consuming.

Additionally, cup noodles are preferred among travelers due to the convenience of cooking and eating. According to market research, more than 110 billion servings of cup noodles are made per year.

Based on this, the instant noodles industry divisions are specialty stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, and others.

Instant Noodles Market: Report Scope

Instant Noodles Market: Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific was the leading revenue generator in the previous year

The global instant noodles market will be led by Asia-Pacific during the forecast period. In 2023, the region dominated the global outlook, with countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia delivering exceptional results. The regional market dominance is led by the extreme popularity of noodles across major Asian countries.

For instance, noodles are staple food items in the Chinese diet. The consumption of noodles in China can be traced back thousands of years.

Furthermore, the presence of a large and growing consumer group in Asia-Pacific is facilitating extensive growth in the region. India, for example, is an emerging market with a high urbanization rate. The demand for ready-to-cook meals is at an all-time high in India and other Asian countries.

Furthermore, market players are extensively experimenting with new flavors and packaging, thus attracting a larger number of buyers. In November 2023, Ishimaru, one of Japan’s top noodle brands, announced that it would launch vegetarian dry noodles in India, thus expanding its global presence.

Similarly, in September 2023, Nissin Foods launched a new pufferfish-flavored instant noodles range in Japan expanding its product portfolio.

Instant Noodles Market: Competitive Analysis

The global instant noodles market is led by players like:

• Maggie (Nestlé)
• Nissin Foods
• Wang Korea
• Sapporo Ichiban
• Tao Kae Noi
• Indomie
• Uni-President Enterprises Corporation
• Samyang Foods
• Tingyi
• Maruchan
• Lotte
• Nongshim
• Acecook
• Vifon
• Wai.

The global instant noodles market is segmented as follows:

By Raw Material

• Wheat
• Rice
• Oats
• Others

By Type

• Sea Food
• Chicken
• Vegetables
•  Others

By Packaging

• Cup Noodles
• Packet Noodles

By Distribution Channel

• Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa