Instant Noodles; a Type of Pre-Cooked Noodle, Sold In Packets or Cups and Bowls

Instant noodles, also known as instant ramen, are noodles sold in a precooked and dried block with flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil. Instant ramen noodles are made with wheat flour, salt, water, and kansui, an alkaline water that adds elasticity to the noodles. Other ingredients added in noodles’ dough include starch, edible oil, and stabilizers. They contain several micro-nutrients such as manganese, iron, and vitamin B. Instant noodles are something that are hard to turn down when cooked with maximum perfection. They are gaining popularity worldwide due to factors such as easy to cook, easy portability, and longer storage capability.

Instant noodles were invented in Japan by Momofuku Ando of Nissin Foods and were launched under the brand name Chikin Ramen in 1958. Moreover, Japan is among the leading consumer of noodles in the world. Japanese noodles come in Japanese flavors such as soy sauce, or pork broth. Instant noodles have almost no taste but are very convenient, quick, and cheap compared to normal noodles. They are marketed under several brand names around the world. They come in a variety of flavors and cooking styles, and flavoring is usually packaged separately. There are numerous noodle flavors sold throughout the world.

Instant noodles usually sold in individual packets, cups, or bowls. With the main ingredient is wheat flour, instant noodles have the role of providing energy (350kcal average for 1 packet of instant noodles 75g), and 3 groups of nutrients are protein, liquid (fat), & carbohydrates. Other ingredients include stabilizers, starch, and edible oil, it may depend on the consumer’s flavor preferences. Convenient food products, such as instant noodles, are popular among consumers, as they offer a number of benefits such as wider availability, longer shelf-life, different flavors, affordable prizing, and instant appetizers.

In moderation, including instant noodles in the diet likely won't come with any negative health effects. However, they are low in nutrients, so don't use them as a staple in the diet. A majority of instant noodles are low in calories, but are also low in both fibre and protein. Unfortunately, instant noodles have earned a reputation for being a non-healthy snack option. Ramen noodles are most healthy when combined with other ingredients to create a nutritious meal.

Thus, over the years, the demand for instant noodles has increased due to the increasing demand for convenient or ready to eat food products, as they are easy to cook. Moreover, the emergence of COVID-19 has also increased the demand for instant noodles. Now, consumers prefer ready to eat food products or instant foods, such as instant noodles, and this tendency is expected to persist in the post-pandemic period as well. Due to increasing demand, several companies are investing in this segment to strengthen their foothold/position in the instant noodles market. Instant noodles witnessed a significant boost in sales during the pandemic.

Maggi, go-to option for instant noodles, saw a significant boost in sales during the pandemic. Sales of Maggi shot up by around 25% during the pandemic and thus, company ramped up the manufacturing across its five Maggi factories during the lockdown. Instant noodles were one of the most sought-after consumer items in response to the coronavirus outbreak.