This article will discuss the 5 most noodle eating countries in the world. If you want to read our detailed analysis, you can go to the 15 Most Noodle Eating Countries in the World.
5. Japan
Servings as of December 31, 2022: 5.98 Billion
Japan is the fifth most noodle eating country in the world. Japan reported an annual demand of 5.98 billion servings as of December 31, 2022. The Japanese pasta and noodles market size is expected to grow from $7.34 billion, as of 2021, to a valuation of $9.44 billion by 2030, recording a compound annual growth rate of 2.8% from 2022 through 2030. Soup noodles are particularly very popular in Japanese culture, accounting for the majority of the noodles sales in Japan. With increasing health concerns from across the country, Japanese ramen stalls on the streets and restaurants have begun to offer gluten-free and vegan options to consumers.
4. India
Servings as of December 31, 2022: 7.58 Billion
India stands as the fourth most noodle eating country in the world. India reported an annual demand of 7.58 billion servings as of December 31, 2022. The most popular item in India is the veggie masala noodles by Nestle Maggi, primarily due to religious reasons. The instant noodle industry in India is forecasted to grow from a market size valuation of $1.84 billion in 2023 to $3.48 billion in 2028, at a compound annual growth rate of 13.69%. The incidence of an increase in the number of working women has had a profound impact on the need for instant and ready-to-eat meals particularly amongst the working youth in India. This contributes to the popularity of Maggi noodles in India.
3. Vietnam
Servings as of December 31, 2022: 8.48 Billion
Vietnam is the third most noodle eating country in the world. The country reported an annual demand of 8.48 billion servings as of December 31, 2022. The most popular noodle dishes include glass noodles (Miến), Pho (Phở), banh canh (Bánh Canh), hu tieu (Hủ Tiếu), and banh da (Bánh đa) to name a few. Unlike most countries, the Vietnamese prefer their noodles to be flat and cut into small square pieces to replicate rice.
2. Indonesia
Servings as of December 31, 2022: 14.26 Billion
Indonesia is the second most noodle eating country in the world. The country reported an annual demand of 14.26 billion servings as of December 31, 2022. Given that Indonesia is home to one of the largest noodles industries, Samyang Foods is set to invest $3.412 billion in its subsidiary, Samyang Foods Indonesia. Indonesia is also home to one of the largest noodle companies in the world. PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (OTC:PIFMF) is a popular noodles company offering a range of snacking options to its consumers. Indomie is considered to be the most purchased item in the country. The product is also sold in over 90 countries in the world.
1. China
Servings as of December 31, 2022: 45.07 Billion
China is the most noodle eating country in the world. With an annual demand of 45.07 billion servings as of December 31, 2022, the country is home to the largest noodles industry in the world, accounting for 40% of the global population. The Chinese pasta and noodles sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3% between 2021 and 2025. Aligning with global industry trends, the Chinese noodles industry has also begun to experience a shift toward healthier options. This explains the increasing use of whole wheat flour and quinoa in the production of ramen in China.
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