Global instant noodle consumption hits record high

Due to the impact of inflation on people's pockets, the world consumed 121.2 billion packets of noodles last year, an all-time high.

The new figures were released by the World Instant Noodles Association, headquartered in Osaka, Japan. The data was calculated based on estimates of instant noodle exports in 56 economies. Compared to 2021, instant noodle consumption last year increased by 2.6%.

Global instant noodle consumption has been increasing steadily for the past seven years. By 2022, China, including Hong Kong, will be the largest market, with Indonesia coming in second, followed by India, Vietnam and Japan.

Global instant noodle consumption growth (billion packets). Graphics: Nikkei

In 2020, when many people were locked down due to the pandemic, global demand for instant noodles increased by 9.5%. The increase slowed to 1.4% in 2021, but then increased again in 2022. This was because food prices in many countries skyrocketed due to inflation, prompting consumers to turn to instant noodles as a budget-friendly option.

The instant noodle market is expanding particularly strongly in Mexico, where demand jumped 17.2% in 2021 and maintained double-digit growth last year, reaching 11%. In contrast, the North American market declined 1.4% in 2021, before recovering 3.4% in 2022. Instant noodles are popular throughout Asia, where noodle dishes are a long-standing part of the food culture, but they are also becoming increasingly popular in places like the United States and Mexico.

According to instant noodle maker Nissin Foods, middle-class consumers who previously did not eat instant noodles are now incorporating them into their diets due to inflation. Along with Nissin Foods, another instant noodle company, Toyo Suisan, also saw a significant increase in profits from overseas operations in the fiscal year ending March 2023.

Both companies plan to set up production facilities in the United States by 2025 to meet growing demand there and in Mexico. "The number of consumers who regularly eat instant noodles is increasing, and we will increase the variety of flavors in the future," Toyo Suisan said.

The world's largest instant noodle markets (billion packets). Graphics: Nikkei

In Japan alone, major instant noodle companies raised prices by about 10% last year and again in 2023 to cope with rising ingredient and packaging costs. A 10% increase two years in a row is unusual, but sales have not fallen significantly.

In addition to affordable products, consumers are now looking for products that save them time and still provide nutrition. Therefore, instant noodle manufacturers are working hard to improve their products by making them more nutritious and using better ingredients.

Phien An ( according to Nikkei )

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