Instant Noodles Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Instant Noodles Market Report is Segmented by Category (Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian), Serving (Single-Serve Packs and Multi Packs), Packaging Type (Cups/Bowl and Packets), Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, and More), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Tons).

Instant Noodles Market Size and Share

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Compare market size and growth of Instant Noodles Market with other markets in Food & Beverage Industry

Instant Noodles Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The global instant noodles market stands at USD 50.97 billion in 2025 and is set to reach USD 79.67 billion by 2030, reflecting a vigorous 9.34% CAGR over the period. Instant noodles have evolved from a low-cost staple to a strategic meal solution, reflecting a significant shift in the convenience-food market. Demand remains concentrated in rapidly urbanizing regions seeking cost-effective and quick meal options. However, even mature markets are experiencing increased adoption of premium-tier products, driven by innovations such as sodium reduction, enhanced protein content, and the incorporation of authentic regional flavors. The expansion of digital commerce has further accelerated this trend, with quick-commerce platforms enabling near-instant delivery, effectively bridging the gap between consumer demand and product availability. Additionally, the global popularity of Korean food, continues to drive demand for spicier and texture-rich product variants, contributing to higher average selling prices.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, non-vegetarian dominated with a 43.41% share of the instant noodles market in 2024, whereas vegetarian is climbing at a 9.75% CAGR through 2030.
  • By serving size, single-serve packs held 61.65% of 2024 revenue; multi-packs are forecast to expand at 10.32% CAGR through 2030.
  • By packaging, packets represented 63.44% share of the instant noodles market in 2024, and cup formats are advancing at 10.65% CAGR through 2030.
  • By distribution channel, supermarkets/hypermarkets dominated with a 42.57% share of the instant noodles market in 2024 turnover, while the online segment is rising at 10.98% CAGR through 2030.
  • By geography, Asia-Pacific commanded 75.46% of the instant noodles market in 2024 and is growing at an 11.27% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Vegetarian Variants Drive Future Growth

Non-vegetarian SKUs dominated revenue with a 43.41% share in 2024, demonstrating the lasting pull of meat-based broths. Yet vegetarian products are advancing at 9.75% CAGR, the fastest pace within the instant noodles market. Demand emanates from flexitarians, religious communities, and environmentally aware consumers who equate plant protein with a lower ecological footprint. Brands are investing in soy and pea protein concentrates that replicate umami depth while maintaining favorable cost-to-nutrition ratios. Ingredient suppliers are scaling fermentation-based flavor enhancers that raise perceived quality while meeting “no MSG added” expectations.

The premium segment is witnessing substantial growth as consumers increasingly prioritize high-quality products that incorporate non-GMO vegetables and clean-label seasonings. This growing willingness to invest in premium offerings has prompted retailers to strategically introduce dedicated plant-based shelves. These initiatives aim to enhance the visibility and accessibility of vegetarian noodle products, aligning with evolving consumer preferences and driving further market expansion.

Instant Noodles Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Serving: Multi-Packs Gain Momentum Through Economic Optimization

In 2024, single-serve units contributed 61.65% of revenue, highlighting the sustained demand for individual convenience. However, multi-packs are anticipated to grow at a 10.32% CAGR, driven by pantry-stocking behaviors influenced by pandemic-related purchasing patterns. This trend is particularly evident in markets such as South America and Southeast Asia, where bulk buying reduces the cost per unit and supports household budget management.

Retail promotions, including “buy three, get one free” offers, effectively drive larger basket sizes. Warehouse clubs are leveraging this strategy by positioning 24-unit packs as cost-effective solutions to mitigate inflationary pressures for consumers. Additionally, manufacturers are optimizing cube efficiency and minimizing secondary packaging, which lowers logistics costs per unit and enhances the profitability of multi-packs.

By Packaging: Cups Capitalize on Premiumization Trends

Packets delivered 63.44% of the instant noodles market size revenue in 2024 due to their film-light weight and high pallet density, which lower shipping costs. Yet cup packaging is expanding by 10.65% CAGR, driven by office snacking, travel convenience, and willingness to trade up for mess-free eating. 

Cup packaging offers value-added features such as integrated forks, thicker soup matrices, and layered ingredient presentation, enabling brands to justify higher price points. Growing sustainability concerns are accelerating the transition from polystyrene to recyclable materials like polypropylene and paper-lined alternatives. Nestlé’s commitment to 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025 is expediting supplier adoption of mono-material lids and sleeves. Brands leveraging these sustainable packaging solutions are gaining traction among environmentally conscious consumers and corporate cafeteria buyers.

By Distribution Channel: Online Retail Transforms Market Access

In 2024, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for a 42.57% market share, leveraging established consumer habits of weekly shopping. Meanwhile, the online segment is expanding at a 10.98% CAGR, fueled by same-day delivery capabilities and AI-driven inventory management. Data from platforms indicate that quick-commerce applications process four to five noodle orders per urban household each month.

Online retail environments offer an extensive SKU assortment, surpassing the limitations of physical store shelves, enabling niche flavors to reach targeted audiences without incurring slotting fees. Companies optimize product thumbnails and keyword tagging to enhance visibility in algorithm-driven searches, driving impulse purchases. Subscription bundles, which provide households with a variety of flavors at discounted prices, facilitate stable production schedules and minimize the risk of stockouts during seasonal demand fluctuations.

Instant Noodles Market: Market Share by Distribution Channel
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments will be available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific commands 75.46% of the instant noodles market share in 2024 and is accelerating at 11.27% CAGR toward 2030, a rare instance of size and speed combination. Region-wide adoption stems from established cultural affinity for broth-based meals and local sourcing of wheat and seasoning inputs. South Korea exemplifies this momentum. In April 2025, South Korea's instant noodle exports surged to USD 108.6 million, marking a notable 46.8% increase from the previous year, according to data from the Korea Customs Service.

North America represents a mature yet profitable market, where health-focused product reformulations command premium pricing. The United States Food and Drug Administration's sodium reduction initiative is driving recipe innovation, and brands that comply are rewarded with prime placement in natural-food aisles. Similarly, European markets are shaped by regulatory frameworks, such as EU Regulation 2023/915, which imposes contaminant limits and benefits companies with strong compliance capabilities. Growth in ethnic food aisles, particularly for Korean and Southeast Asian flavors, is a key driver in both regions.

Emerging markets in South America, the Middle East, and Africa exhibit strong growth potential. In Brazil, rising disposable incomes in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are driving increased pantry stocking, while economic constraints make multi-pack options appealing. In South Africa, consumers are shifting from budget-friendly options to premium products, creating opportunities for cup formats and authentic regional spice blends. However, currency fluctuations remain a critical factor, affecting raw material procurement and final retail pricing.

Instant Noodles Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The instant noodles market is highly fragmented and competitive due to the strong presence of global and regional companies such as Nestlé S.A., The Campbell's Company, Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd, Unilever PLC, and ITC Limiteda mong others. The leading players focus on increasing their product offerings, thus producing a more comprehensive range of instant noodles. Additionally, these companies are increasing their investments in research and development to develop products that are in line with customer needs.

Korean competitor Samyang Foods is capitalizing on social media virality, demonstrating how strategic brand storytelling can outperform traditional advertising approaches. Regionally, producers such as PT Indofood, an Indonesian instant noodles manufacturer, maintain dominance in their domestic markets through extensive distribution networks but are increasingly challenged by imported Korean and Japanese premium variants.

Advancements in technology are widening the performance gap between market leaders and smaller players. Leading firms leverage enterprise resource planning (ERP)-integrated demand sensing to mitigate stock-outs during surges in demand for viral flavors, while smaller companies continue to rely on manual forecasting methods. Additionally, sustainability initiatives, ranging from solar-powered manufacturing facilities to recycled-content cup sleeves, enhance brand reputation and reduce long-term operational expenses, further strengthening the competitive edge of established players.

Instant Noodles Industry Leaders

  1. Nestlé S.A.

  2. Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd

  3. Unilever PLC

  4. ITC Limited

  5. The Campbell's Company

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Instant Noodles Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: Cup Noodles unveiled its newest limited-edition flavor, Cup Noodles Dill Pickle. This flavor melds the sharp zest of dill pickles with the satisfaction of noodles, offering a delightful tangy twist. The product is available on online stores and in stores, including Walmart, Albertsons, and other major retailers.
  • March 2025: Wow! Momo entered the high-growth cup noodles market with a variety of Asian and Indian flavors. The company, Wow! Momo Foods has outlined a strategic objective to achieve INR 100 crore in revenue from its newly launched product line, Wow! Noodles, within the next 24 months.
  • November 2024: Nissin introduced caffeinated cup noodles in Japan, incorporating key ingredients commonly found in energy drinks, such as caffeine, arginine (an amino acid that supports protein synthesis), and niacin (vitamin B3).
  • September 2024: Batchelors introduced a new product to its portfolio, the Super Noodles Chilli and Lime Pot. This latest offering is available at leading United Kingdom retailers, including Sainsbury’s, Farmfoods, B and M, and Home Bargains.

Table of Contents for Instant Noodles Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Rising demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food
    • 4.2.2 Product innovation and healthier formulations
    • 4.2.3 Increasing popularity of ethnic and exotic flavors
    • 4.2.4 Social media influence and endorsements
    • 4.2.5 Surge in demand for korean noodles
    • 4.2.6 Growing popularity of quick commerce supported the market growth
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Health concerns over high sodium and preservatives
    • 4.3.2 Availablity of counterfeit products
    • 4.3.3 Price fluctuation in raw material
    • 4.3.4 Competition from healthier alternatives
  • 4.4 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.6.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Degree of Competition

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Vegetarian
    • 5.1.2 Non-vegetarian
  • 5.2 By Serving
    • 5.2.1 Single-Serve Packs
    • 5.2.2 Multi Packs
  • 5.3 By Packaging
    • 5.3.1 Cup/Bowls
    • 5.3.2 Packet
  • 5.4 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.4.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • 5.4.2 Convenience/Grocery Stores
    • 5.4.3 Online Retail Stores
    • 5.4.4 Others Distribution Channel
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.1.4 Rest of North America
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 Germany
    • 5.5.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.3 Italy
    • 5.5.2.4 France
    • 5.5.2.5 Spain
    • 5.5.2.6 Netherlands
    • 5.5.2.7 Poland
    • 5.5.2.8 Belgium
    • 5.5.2.9 Sweden
    • 5.5.2.10 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 India
    • 5.5.3.3 Japan
    • 5.5.3.4 Australia
    • 5.5.3.5 Indonesia
    • 5.5.3.6 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.7 Thailand
    • 5.5.3.8 Singapore
    • 5.5.3.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 South America
    • 5.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.4.3 Colombia
    • 5.5.4.4 Chile
    • 5.5.4.5 Peru
    • 5.5.4.6 Rest of South America
    • 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5.1 South Africa
    • 5.5.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.5.5.3 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.5.5.4 Nigeria
    • 5.5.5.5 Egypt
    • 5.5.5.6 Morocco
    • 5.5.5.7 Turkey

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (Includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Info, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Nestlé S.A.
    • 6.4.2 Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd
    • 6.4.3 Unilever PLC
    • 6.4.4 The Campbell's Company
    • 6.4.5 Nongshim Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.6 ITC Limited
    • 6.4.7 Samyang Roundsquare Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.8 Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.
    • 6.4.9 Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    • 6.4.10 Ottogi Corporation
    • 6.4.11 PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk
    • 6.4.12 Ting Hsin International Group
    • 6.4.13 Paldo Co., Ltd
    • 6.4.14 Acecook
    • 6.4.15 Baixiang Food Group
    • 6.4.16 Uni-President Enterprises Corporation
    • 6.4.17 Capital Foods Private Limited
    • 6.4.18 Mr Lee's Pure Foods Co
    • 6.4.19 Tat Hui Foods Pte. Ltd.
    • 6.4.20 Mamee Double-Decker (M) Sdn Bhd
    • 6.4.21 Thai President Foods PCL
    • 6.4.22 CG Foods

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Global Instant Noodles Market Report Scope

Instant noodles, often known as instant ramen, are a form of quick cuisine that consists of noodles that have been precooked, dried, and flavored with powder or oil. Instant noodles that are available in both the packaging format, i.e. cups/bowls and packets, have been considered in our study scope.

The global instant noodles market is segmented by category (vegetarian, non-vegetarian), packaging type (cup/bowls and packets), and distribution channel (hypermarket/supermarket, convenience stores, online retail stores and others. It provides an analysis of emerging and established economies across the world, comprising North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on value (in USD).

By Product Type Vegetarian
Non-vegetarian
By Serving Single-Serve Packs
Multi Packs
By Packaging Cup/Bowls
Packet
By Distribution Channel Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience/Grocery Stores
Online Retail Stores
Others Distribution Channel
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Peru
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Egypt
Morocco
Turkey
By Product Type
Vegetarian
Non-vegetarian
By Serving
Single-Serve Packs
Multi Packs
By Packaging
Cup/Bowls
Packet
By Distribution Channel
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience/Grocery Stores
Online Retail Stores
Others Distribution Channel
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Peru
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Egypt
Morocco
Turkey
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the instant noodles market?

The instant noodles market is valued at USD 50.97 billion in 2025.

How fast is the instant noodles market expected to grow?

It is forecast to register a 9.34% CAGR and reach USD 79.67 billion by 2030.

Which region represents the largest and fastest-growing market?

Asia-Pacific holds 75.46% share and is expanding at 11.27% CAGR.

What segment is growing quickest within product types?

Vegetarian variants are advancing at 9.75% CAGR through 2030.

Page last updated on: June 22, 2025

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