List of instant noodle brands

This is alist of instant noodle brands.Instant noodlesare a dried or precookednoodleblock, usually sold with a packet of flavoring powder and/or seasoning oil. Dried noodles are usually eaten after being cooked or soaked in boiling water, while precooked noodles can be reheated or eaten straight from the packet/cup. The instant noodle was invented byMomofuku AndoofNissin Foodsin Japan.They were launched in 1958 under the brand nameChikin Ramen.
Instant noodles are a popular food in many parts of the world, undergoing changes in flavor to fit local tastes. In 2018, theWorld Instant Noodles Association(WINA) reported that 103,620 million servings were consumed worldwide.China(andHong Kong) consumed 40,250 million servings andIndonesiaconsumed 12,540 million, the three areas dominating world instant noodle consumption.South Korea tops the world in per capita consumption at 75 servings per year. It is followed by Vietnam at 54 servings, and Nepal at 53.
The most popular manufacturer of instant noodles in Australia isSan Remo Macaroni Company, whose Fantastic and Suimin brands hold a 30% market share.Other brands includeIndomie,Indomie Mi Goreng,Maggi, Mr Lee's Noodles,Wai Wai,Nissin's Demae Ramen, andNongshim'sShin Ramyun. Instant noodles are often referred to as "two-minute noodles" in Australia, a reflection of their preparation time.
According to industry trade group World Instant Noodles Association,Chinais the world's largest instant noodle market, with demand reaching 40.25 million servings in 2018.
Instant noodles were introduced to Colombia in 2010 byNissin Foods.On 13 September 2013, Nissin Foods opened its commercial office inBogotá, investingUS$6 million in its corporate offices.
Cantonese peoplehave a long history of cookingyi mein, a noodle invented in theQing Dynasty.However, modern instant noodles were only publicly introduced toHong Kongin the late 1960s by Winner Food Products Ltd. as "Doll Noodles" (Chinese:公仔麵).Although the company was bought out by Nissin in 1984, and other brands from many different countries have become widely available, the name "Doll Noodles" remains ubiquitous and has since become asynonymfor instant noodles, irrespective of brands.
Most supermarkets offer a broad selection of both domestic and international brands, includingShin Ramyunof South Korea,Nissin ChikinandDemae Itchoof Japan,Indomieof Indonesia,Kokaof Singapore, andMamaof Thailand. Besides instant wheat noodles, supermarkets also sell instant rice noodles and Cantonese egg noodles.
Some noodles are also marketed as a snack that does not need to be cooked; consumers eat the noodles directly out of the packaging, similar tocrisps.
Hungaryis 43rd in the world in consumption of instant noodles, according to the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA), having consumed 20 million packages/cupsof noodles in 2014.
Thai President Foods, manufacturer of MAMA noodles, opened an instant noodles factory in Hungary in 2013. The Hungarian factory's two production lines have a capacity of 4.5 million noodle packs per shift per month. It produces "Thai Chef" and "Asia Gold" brand noodles for the European market.
According to World Instant Noodles Association (WINA), in 2018, India was the third largest consumer of instant noodles after China/Hong Kong and Indonesia. This segment had total sales of $1,040.4 million in 2019 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of around 5.6 per cent to $1,293.7 million in 2023.
On 5 June 2015, theFood Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI) banned all nine approved variants ofMaggiinstant noodles from India, terming them "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption.
As per FSSAI, Nestlé had launched the products without completing the process of risk assessment, and Nestlé committed three violations:
Despite a six-month ban on Maggi in 2015 for high monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead content, Nestlé India regained strength and rallied 149 percent from lows of Rs 5,011 per share hit in March 2016.
India is Nestlé Maggi's largest market. Other brands of instant noodles in the country includePatanjali Ayurved,Ching's Secret,Knorr, Sunfeast Yippee,Top Ramen,Indomie, Joymee,Nissin,Maruchan,Horlicks,Wai Wai,Yumiraa Instant Noodleand several domestic and regional names.Many brands from East and Southeast Asia, such asKoka, Picnic,Nongshim,Samyang, Jin Ramen, and Yum Yum also started flooding the Indian market after variousfree-trade agreements.
According to WINA,Indonesiais the world's second largest instant noodle market after China, with demand reaching 12.54 billion servings in 2018.
An early instant noodle brand in Indonesia was "Supermi", introduced in 1969 by PT Lima Satu Sankyo (later renamed PT Super Mi Indonesia in 1977 and PT Lambang Insan Makmur in 1989). After the success of Supermi, other instant noodle brands appeared: "Indomie", introduced in 1972 by PT Sanmaru Food Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and "Sarimi", introduced in 1982 by PT Sarimi Asli Jaya. In 1994, these brands (as well as factories) were merged intoIndofood Sukses Makmur, one of the largest instant noodle producer in the world.
At least twenty instant noodle companies compete in the Indonesian market, with Indofood, Wings Group, Olagafood, ABC Holding, Jakarana Tama (Gaga and Arirang), Mayora, Lemonilo (Unifam), Tiptop, and Suprama thriving in the top nine. In 1999, the figure was about 90%; their market share declined following the introduction of "Mie Sedaap" byWings Foodin 2003. Strong local preferences contribute to the low volume of sales of Japanese and other foreign instant noodles in Indonesia.
Popular instant noodle flavours in Indonesia includechicken curry, onion and chicken,bakso(beef meatball),mie goreng, andchicken soto, a traditional Indonesian chicken soup. In the past, Indomie tried to produce thirty different flavours to reflect various traditional dishes ofIndonesian cuisine, but the product line was discontinued after disappointing results, with only a few variants remaining in production. Indonesians usually add ingredients such as boiledChinese green cabbage, boiled or friedeggs,corned beef, bottledsambalchili sauce, pepper, or fried shallots to their meals.
Most of the market share is owned by the productIndomie Mi goreng, a dry instant noodle meant to replicate traditional Indonesian mie goreng, or fried noodles. In November 2019,LA Timesnamed Indomie Barbecue Chicken flavour and Indomie Mi Goreng as among the best-tasting ramen in the world.
Although originally targeted at families eating at home, nowadays instant noodles are also served inwarung(simple shops).These shops serving instant noodles are customarily calledwarung indomieorwarmindo, despite the fact that the brands of instant noodles served there are not necessarily Indomie.
Japan is the country of origin of instant noodles, and the dish remains a "national" light food. The average Japanese person eats forty packs of instant noodles per year.
After their invention by Momofuku Andō in 1958, instant noodles became very common in Japan. In the 1970s, makers expanded their flavors to include such examples asshio(salt),miso, orcurry. Beginning in the 1980s, manufacturers also added dried toppings such as shrimp, pork, or eggs. Today, instant noodles are divided into two groups: "traditional" cheap (¥70 to ¥200) noodles with few toppings and expensive (¥150 to ¥350) noodles with many toppings, which are often packed into a pouch. Various kinds of instant noodles are produced, includingramen,udon,soba,yakisoba, andpasta.
Major instant noodle brands in Japan include:
Ramyeon(라면), is the Korean equivalent of instant noodles. The first ramyeon brand in South Korea wasSamyangandShin Ramyun(신[辛], literally "spicy") is the bestselling brand in South Korea.The leading manufacturer of ramyeon in South Korea isNong Shim([農心], literally "Farmer's Heart"), which exports many of its products overseas.
In 2004, over 600,000 boxes ofShin Ramyunwere sent to North Korea as part of the aid relief program when theRyongchŏn train station exploded, injuring many people. Insider sources have said that most of the noodles were sold onblack markets, making their way toPyongyanginstead of being distributed as aid. North Korean visitors to China also frequently purchase South Korean ramyeon, where Shin Ramyeon is known as "Korean Tangmi Ramyeon."
Local production of ramyeon in North Korea began in 2000. The first brand was "Kkoburang guksu", which literally means "curly noodles" in. Later, a joint venture between North Korean and Hong Kong-based companies began producing "Jŭksŏk guksu" (Korean:즉석 국수, 卽席 국수), which literally means "instant noodles". Ramyeon is popular among North Koreaneliteswho live in Pyongyang andNampo. In contrast to hot and spicy South Korean noodles, North Korean varieties have a much milder and brothier flavor.
Per capita consumption of instant noodles inNepalis the third highest in the world, at 53 servings.In the early 1980s, Gandaki Noodlesof Pokhara city introducedRara, an instant noodle brand named after the largest lake in Nepal. It was a success among urban populations. Around 1985, Chaudhary Groupsentered the market withWai-Wai, aThaibrand of instant noodles, which became a big hit.Over the years, the popularity of instant noodles has grown and consist of a major part of the dry foods sold in Nepal.
Since its introduction in 1988,Indomieis the most popular instant noodle brand inNigeria.Instant noodles are now eaten in most households across the country.By 2008, nine other brands of noodles had appeared in Nigeria. Affirming Indomie's hold on the market, Christopher Ezendu, a distributor at the popular Oke-Arin market onLagos Island, reported that these other brands are aspiring to be like the market leader.In 2013, a wholly-owned and managed Nigerian company based in Abuja, Royal Mills and Foods limited, launched a new brand of instant noodles, De-Royal Instant Noodles, with two flavors, chicken and onion chicken.
According to the World Instant Noodle Association, Nigeria was the eleventh largest consumer of instant noodles in the world in 2019.
Instant noodles are not a traditional part of Pakistani cuisine but have become popular in flavors such as masala and chicken.There are three prominent brands of instant noodles in Pakistan:Nestlé'sMaggiwas the first to enter the market in 1992, followed byKnorrofUnileverin 1993; in 2012,Shan Food Industriesintroduced "Shoop".Knorr is the leader, with 55% market share; Maggi's market share is 45%.
Instant noodles were introduced in 1989 byMonde Nissin, with the introduction ofLucky Me!, the leading instant noodle brand in the Philippines.A year later,Zest-O Corporationalso introduced their own instant noodle brand, Quickchow in 1990,followed by Payless in 1995 and Ho-Mi in 2002.
In 1997,Universal Robinapartnered with Japanese companyNissin Foodsto form the joint venture Nissin-Universal Robina Corporation withNissin Cup Noodlesas their first product.
Instant noodles began appearing on Polish store shelves during the early 1990s. Despite being called "Chinese soup", the first brands on the market were produced in Vietnam and had a somewhat spicy, garlic-flavored taste. The noodle packages contained pouches of flavored soup base, spicy oil, dried vegetables, or even minuscule shrimps.
The product gained particular popularity among students due to its affordability and convenience. "Kaczka łagodna" ("Mild duck"), "Kurczakowa łagodna" ("Mild chicken"), and "Krewetkowa ostra" ("Spicy shrimp") were the most common flavors. Today, the local Kim Lan and internationalKnorrbrands offer varieties ranging from cheese-and-herb-flavored noodles to local Polish specialties likebarszcz czerwonyorżurek.
Ngoc Tu Tao, who emigrated toPolandfromVietnamand established the Tan-Viet Group in 1990, is credited with introducing instant noodles to Poland. His Vifon brand holds a 35% share of the Polish instant soup market, selling over 100 million packages a year. Ngoc Tu Tao has appeared inWprostmagazine's annual ranking of the 100 most wealthy Polish citizens.
Russia's most popular instant ramen are from local brand Rollton and the KoreanDoshirak. Instant noodles have been popular in Russia's eastern regions since the late 1980s and made their way west in the early 1990s. In Russia, like most noodle products, they are still considered a lesser-quality option to turn to in lean economic times and are popular among college students.
A variety of instant noodles are available in Sri Lanka and appeal to local tastes. Examples include rice noodles orkurakkan noodles, as well ascurry-flavoured andkottu-flavoured noodles.
Over 8,000 tonnes of instant noodles are consumed in Sri Lanka each year.Maggi, Sera, Harischandra are some the biggest brands in Sri Lanka.
Instant noodle inventorMomofuku Andowas born inJapanese Taiwan. According to statistics from the InternationalRamenManufacturers Association, Taiwan is the world's twelfth-largest instant noodle market, with an annual NT$10 billion (US$300 million) in sales. This translates into an annual total of 900 million packs, or forty per person.Uni-President (aka President or Tong-Yi, 統一) takes the largest market share of instant noodles in the country, and is a major player in the global instant noodle market.
Major makers Taiwanese instant noodle manufacturers include:
Thailand's instant noodle market in 2019 was estimated to be worth 17 billionbaht. The market leader is the MAMA (Thai:มาม่า) brand, produced byThai President Foods.MAMA got its start in 1972 as a joint venture between Taiwan's President Enterprise and Thailand's Saha Pathanapibul PLC.The brand controls about half the Thai instant noodle market,and "Mama" has become a generic name for instant noodles in Thailand. Thai people consume an average of 45 packs of noodles per person per year, fourth in the world after Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
In second place is theWai Waibrand from Thai Preserved Food Factory at 23–24 percent, followed byAjinomoto's Yum Yum brand at 20–21 percent.
Due to their ubiquity, instant noodles were chosen as a vehicle for dietary fortification by a joint effort of the Federation of Thai Industries, instant noodle producers, and theMinistry of Public Healthabout ten years ago. The vitamins and minerals added are iron, iodine, and vitamin A.
The first time instant noodles appeared in the Ukrainian market in the 1990s, and quickly became iconic food. The first Ukrainian brand of instant noodles was Mivina (Ukrainian:Мівіна) created in 1995 by Technocom (Ukrainian:Техноком) - the company founded in 1993 by Vietnamese entrepreneurPhạm Nhật Vượng. The name of the brand comes fromvietnamese"mì Việt Nam", which translates as "Vietnamese noodles". Due to popularity of the brand,  the name "Mivina" became a household name for instant noodles among Ukrainian consumers.
From the start, instant noodles was often eaten in raw as a snack in Ukraine.It was especially popular among schoolchildren. Knowing that, Mivina created the child-oriented sweet instant noodles withcinnamonandvanillaflavour.Later it was replaced withorange,pineapple,coconut,bananaandstrawberryflavours.Despite its popularity, the sweet Mivina was discontinued, but was returned for short period in 2017 under the name Mivina Fruktel (Ukrainian:Мівіна Фруктель), with banana and strawberry flavours only.
Instant noodles are also often used as an ingredient in various recipes.
In 2010, Technocom and Mivina was sold toNestlé.The diversity of products decreased with time. In the late 2010s the brand became focused on more expensive products.
Other brands available in Ukrainian market are Rollton and Big Bon produced by Mareven Food Europe LLC (Ukrainian:ТОВ Маревен Фуд Європа),Golden Dragon, Tanuki (Ukrainian:Танукі), Rooltick and Ukrainian Star (Ukrainian:Українська Зірка) produced by LLC Kuhovar (Ukrainian:ТОВ Куховар).Most supermarket chains have their own instant noodles brands.
A common form of instant noodles in Britain isPot Noodle, a cup noodle launched byGolden Wonderin the 1977and acquired byUnileverin 1995.
Packet noodles such as Batchelors'Super Noodles, which were originally made by Kellogg's, have been sold since 1979.Bigger supermarkets also sell foreign brands, such asNissin,Koka noodles, andShin Ramyun, which once could only be found in Asian groceries. Larger retail chains may offer their own brand in basic packaging and a variety of flavours, e.g.,Asda,Maggi.Kabuto Noodles, launched in 2010, was the UK's first up-market instant noodle brand,followed by Itsu andMr Lee's Noodles.
In the United States, instant noodles were first made available byNissin Foodsin 1971. In 1972, the company introduced "NissinCup Noodles" in afoam food cup, which led to an upsurge in popularity. Soon after, many other competing companies were offering similar instant noodle products.
Today in the U.S., instant noodles are commonly known as "ramen", afterthe Japanese dishon which they were originally based, and they come in a variety of flavors such asbeef,chicken, andshrimp. Ramen has become synonymous in America for all instant noodle products.Some prominent brands areTop Ramen(originally Top Ramen's Oodles of Noodles),Maruchan, andSapporo Ichiban. A wide range of popular brands imported from other countries are available at many Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets. Instant ramen noodles are popular among students and people of low income, due to their ease of preparation, versatility, and low cost.
According to research by Michael Gibson-Light, a doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona School of Sociology, in theUS prison system, by 2016 ramen packets had become a form ofcommodity currency, comprising a mainstay of theinformal economythere and supplanting cigarettes.
Instant noodles are popular in Vietnam, where they are often eaten as a breakfast food. Per capita consumption in 2018 was 54 servings per year.Both wheat andrice noodlesare common. Acecook Vietnam, Masan Food, and AsiaFoods are leading producers of instant noodles.