Wheat Instant Noodles Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Chicken, Vegetable, Sea Food, Beef, and Others), By Packaging (Bag and Cup), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, and Online Retail), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global wheat instant noodles market size was valued at USD 32.14 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 34.12 billion in 2025 to USD 52.89 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.46 % during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the wheat instant noodles market with a market share of 85.91% in 2024.

Nissin Foods Holdings, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Nestle S.A., ITC Limited, Unilever Plc., and others are some prominent players in the global market.

Wheat instant noodles are a type of instant noodles made from wheat flour. The product’s demand has been primarily driven by rising number of convenience food products, increasing disposable incomes, rising urban population, and rising popularity of prepared foods. In today’s era, consumers are living a hectic lifestyle, which has surged the demand for ready-to-prepare, ready-to-eat food products such as instant noodles. Wheat is one of the key ingredients in preparing instant noodles, and a larger number of noodle manufacturers utilize wheat flour in producing instant noodles due to its functional benefits.

Wheat Instant Noodles Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 32.14 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 34.12 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 52.89 billion
• CAGR: 6.46% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Asia Pacific dominated the wheat instant noodles market with an 85.91% share in 2024, driven by high per capita consumption, urbanization, and the presence of key manufacturers like Nissin Foods, Ajinomoto, and ITC Limited.
• By type, the beef segment held the largest market share in 2024, supported by strong global preference for savory, protein-rich flavors. The vegetable segment is expected to be the fastest-growing due to the rising trend of plant-based diets.

Key Country Highlights:

• China: Holds ~40% of Asia Pacific market share, driven by strong noodle consumption and continuous product innovations.
• United States: Urban lifestyle and preference for convenience foods support growing wheat noodle demand; projected urban population at 80%.
• India & Indonesia: Rising vegetarian population fuels demand for plant-based wheat instant noodles.
• Brazil: Growth driven by affordability, convenience, and rising consumption (2.55 billion servings per WINA data).
• Germany & France: Growing demand due to convenience, Asian cuisine influence, and clean-label preferences.

WHEAT INSTANT NOODLES MARKET TRENDS

No-Sodium Trend in the Industry to Uplift Market Growth

Increasing consumer health concerns and a focus on overall well-being are significantly driving the demand for no-or-low-sodium food products, including instant noodles. Furthermore, additional sodium consumption may increase health-associated complications, including hypertension and cardiovascular disease. For instance, in February 2023, A-Sha Foods, one of the noodles manufacturers, launched Mandarin Noodles with 40% reduced sodium. The newly launched products are available across Texas and California. Such development worldwide is likely to drive the market in the upcoming years.

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MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Supportive Functional Benefits of Wheat Make it More Ideal for Instant Noodles Industry

Wheat flour contains gliadin and glutenin, which are collectively referred to as gluten. These contents offer an elastic and chewy texture to food products, including instant noodles, bakery products, and others. The functional properties of wheat flour, such as elasticity, extensibility, and strength, directly influence the texture and processing formation of instant noodles. Its gluten matrix offers elasticity during production processes such as rolled, cut, and shaped noodles, preventing them from breaking or crumbling. This functional benefit assists in offering or maintaining noodles' shape, firmness, and stability during cooking. Therefore, manufacturers often prefer wheat flour over its substitutes, such as rice, oats, and other starches, in order to produce instant noodles. Therefore, the global wheat instant noodles market share is increasing within the overall instant noodles industry space.

Rising Popularity of Instant Noodles in Key Wheat Manufacturing Countries to Drive Market Growth

In the past few years, the demand for instant noodles has been growing exponentially. Although instant noodles are of Asian origin, their popularity and adoption are emerging in Western countries, including the U.S., Germany, France, and Canada. According to the World Instant Noodles Association, the consumption of instant noodles in the U.S. has increased from 4,630 million servings in 2019 to 5,100 million servings in 2023, an increase of approximately 10% from 2019-2023. It is driven by changing consumer preferences with a growing inclination toward convenience and packed RTE food products. Industry players consider use wheat to prepare packed instant noodles for its unique functional, nutritional, and processing properties.

Additionally, the U.S., Canada, and Russia are key wheat producers in the world. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Russia, the U.S., and Canada contributed 10%, 7%, and 4%, respectively, to the global wheat production in 2024 and 2025. Increasing the production of wheat offers an adequate raw material supply at stable prices to local noodles manufacturers. Therefore, the surge in demand for the product across key wheat-producing countries is anticipated to contribute significantly to the global wheat instant noodles market growth.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Emerging Gluten-free Trend to Slow Down Market Growth

Emerging awareness of gluten-associated health risks, such as celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergies, may lead consumers to shift from or avoid gluten-containing products such as wheat instant noodles. In order to commercialize the gluten-free foods trend, several industry players and new entrants are developing new instant noodles made from gluten-free flour, such as rice and oats. For instance, in March 2024, Lotus Foods, a global manufacturer of rice-based noodles, launched a new product, Organic Wide White Rice Ramen, a gluten-free, extra-wide, rice-based instant noodles in the U.S. Such industry developments may create more options in gluten-free categories and hamper the market growth.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Increasing Fortified Food Trend to Drive Market in Near Future

The globally evolving fortification trend is posing a significant opportunity for wheat-based instant noodles market. Wheat-based instant noodles allow manufacturers to add vitamins, minerals, and protein ingredients for fortification without affecting or creating further technical challenges. As consumers are inclined toward enhanced nutritional value in processed and packed foods, fortification is one of the emerging options for industry players. Additionally, industry-specific research institutes are developing new technologies to design innovative fortified instant noodles. It will further drive the demand for the global wheat instant noodles market. For instance, in 2024, Innovation Partner for Impact, an industrial research organization aiming to contribute new technologies to industry players, developed a new technology to develop functional instant noodles fortified with shrimp shells. To develop this tech-driven product, they used wheat flour and shrimp shells as the main ingredients.

Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Wide Product Availability and Taste Contributing to Beef Type Segment Growth

Based on type, the market is divided into chicken, vegetable, sea food, beef, and others.

The beef segment held a prominent share of the global market in 2024. Beef is a common source of protein and is widely adopted in traditional cuisines across Asian and Western countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, and the U.S. As consumers prefer the familiar taste and nutritional facts in packed and prepared foods, the demand for beef-infused instant noodles is growing significantly in the market. Additionally, most instant noodle manufacturers are offering beef-based instant noodles, along with regional spices and flavors. More accessibility and familiar taste will drive the segment’s prominence in the global market.

Vegetable wheat instant noodles are emerging as the fastest-growing category in the global space. A rising plant-based diet and evolving consumer lifestyle are primarily contributing to the segment’s growth. Additionally, consumers from developing countries such as India and Indonesia are following a vegetarian diet due to religious practices. Vegetable types of instant noodles are catering to consumers' needs in such countries. As a result, the segment is projected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment.

By Packaging

Cost-Effectiveness Drives Demand for Bag-Packed Instant Noodles

Based on packaging, the market is bifurcated into bag and cup.

The bag segment held the dominant share in 2024, mainly because of the widespread availability of the product category across several retail channels. Bag packaging offers multiple servings to consumers. As a result, individuals purchase instant noodles in bag packaging. Furthermore, bag packaging is more cost-effective for industry players. Thus, it is widely accessible on retail shelves.

Cup-type packaging is anticipated to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecast period. Noodles, seasoning, and broth are proportionately integrated in cup noodles and offer more convenient serving options to consumers. Furthermore, new tech-driven cup-type packaging often allows users to put the cups directly into the microwave during noodle preparation. As a result, the segment is anticipated to grow at a steady rate.

By Distribution Channel

Easy Accessibility and Wide Variety of Products to Drive Growth of Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment

Based on distribution channel, the market is classified into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and online retail.

The supermarket/hypermarkets segment emerged as the leading channel in the global space. This channel offers a wide variety of wheat instant noodles under one roof. It offers flexibility to consumers in order to choose different brands, flavors, and types. Furthermore, supermarkets and hypermarkets offer the product in different packaging sizes, including single-serve to multiple-serve. It will further attract price-conscious and bulk purchasers globally.

The online retail channel is expected to witness the fastest growth in the global market. Online retail channels offer a more convenient purchasing experience to users. Additionally, several players offer exotic offers, including combo offers, buy 1 get 1, gift vouchers, and discounts. Thus, consumers often prefer to purchase wheat instant noodles from online retail channels. Thus, the segment’s popularity is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate.

Wheat Instant Noodles Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific dominated the global market with an 85.15% share in 2024. Noodles originated from Asian countries, and are one of the staple food options in China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries. Emerging disposable income, stable economic conditions, growing urbanization, and hectic lifestyles are positively influencing the adoption of quick meal solutions among users in the region. Additionally, key players such as Nissin Foods Holdings, Ajinomoto, and ITC Limited have processing plants across the region as they can access a stable raw material supply, low production costs, and significant product demand. As a result, the regional market is expected to reach its next height in the near future.

China is a key player in the Asia Pacific wheat instant noodles market, holding approximately 40% of the market share. Significant per capita consumption of wheat instant noodles is primarily responsible for the market's dominance. Increasing new product developments and innovations are additionally driving the market growth in the country.

North America

North America is one of the attractive markets for wheat instant noodles in the upcoming years. A larger proportion of consumers are living in urban cities across the region, including the U.S. and Canada. According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately 80% of the U.S. population will be living in urban cities by the end of 2020, an increase of nearly 6% between 2010 and 2020. Many individuals living in urban cities, particularly young professionals and students, often prefer easily prepared meals such as instant noodles. Thus, the demand for convenient food products such as wheat instant noodles is likely to grow in the upcoming years. Additionally, several key players are expanding their geographical presence to expand their consumer base across the region.

Europe

Europe is one of the key markets for processed, packed, and RTE food products such as frozen meals, instant noodles, and snacks. The demand for packed foods will influence the market growth in the region. Additionally, factors such as convenience, time saving, affordability, and emerging Asian cuisines and culinary acceptances are driving the demand for wheat instant noodles in the region. Additionally, European consumers are actively seeking clean-label, additive-free foods, plant-based quick meal solutions, and sustainable products. Wheat instant noodles are one of the ideal packed products that meet all consumers' expectations. It is further contributing to the market growth in the region.

South America

Demand for wheat instant noodles in South American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile, is emerging lucratively. According to the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) estimation, instant noodles consumption in Brazil, Peru, and Argentina has reached 2,550, 180, and 10 million servings, respectively. Consumption volume is relatively low in the global instant noodles market. However, factors such as cost-effectiveness, affordability, convenience, and key players' penetration activities are significantly contributing to the industry growth during the forecast period. 

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa's wheat instant noodles market has experienced steady growth over the years. Individuals' adoption of Asian cuisines and opening to new tastes are likely contributing to the growth. Additionally, key players such as Nissin Foods, Nestle, Unilever, and others are expanding their market reach through various channels, ranging from store-based retail channels to online marketplaces, to expand their clientele base.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Emphasizing New Product Launches to Stay Competitive in the Industry

The global wheat instant noodles market is highly competitive, with companies focusing on implementing product launch, portfolio expansion, acquisition, partnership, investment, capacity expansion, and business sustainability strategies to increase their product sales and strengthen their position in the global market. For instant, in December 2023, Nissin, one of the leading instant noodles brands, launched Nissin Geki Hot & Spicy Korean Noodles, a new Korean Flavour Instant Noodle brand under its product portfolio. The newly launched brand offers wheat-based instant noodles in Korean Veg and Korean Chicken flavors on selected online retail channels.

Nissin Foods Holdings, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Nestle S.A., ITC Limited, Unilever Plc, and others are some of the major players in the global market. Nissin Foods Holdings stands out as a dominant participant due to its significant worldwide presence, diversified product portfolio, and geographical product reach. Ajinomoto Co. Inc. exhibited a second-leading global market share in 2024. Its considerable share is attributed to its robust brand image in the global retail market.

LIST OF KEY WHEAT INSTANT NOODLES COMPANY PROFILED

• Nissin Foods Holdings (Japan)
• Nestle S.A. (Switzerland)
• ITC Limited (India)
• Capital Foods Pvt. Ltd. (India)
• Ajinomoto Co. Inc. (Japan)
• Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company (Vietnam)
• The Campbell Soup Company (U.S.)
• Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk (Indonesia)
• Toyo Suisan Kaisha Ltd. (Japan)
• Tat Hui Foods Pte Ltd. (Singapore)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• March 2025 – Wow! Momo, one of the emerging instant noodles brands, entered the FMCG cup noodle segment by introducing Wow! Noodles wrapped in desi Asian flavors. The company offers these products in Thukpa, Khao Suey, Manchurian, Korean, and Chinese Bhel flavors.
• March 2025 – General Mills Inc., a global food manufacturing company, launched new Ramen flavor noodles. The newly launched products are available in Old El Paso Ramen Noodles – Fajita, Old El Paso Ramen Noodles – Beef Birria, Totino’s Ramen Noodles – Cheese Pizza, and Totino’s Ramen Noodles – Buffalo-Style Chicken Pizza.
• October 2024 – VRB Consumer Products, one of the instant noodles manufacturers, launched a range of products in India under its brand WokTok. The new product range included Chinese and Pan Asian sauces, dressings, and five instant cup noodles designed for the Indian market.
• September 2023 – Slurrp Farm, an Indian celebrity-backed instant noodles brand, launched its new healthy instant noodles made from fiber-rich millets and wholegrains such as wheat. The newly launched products are available in Yummy Masala and Mild Masala.
• August 2023 – Nissin Foods USA, one of the key instant noodle manufacturers, introduced its first chili-infused “extreme” spicy Japanese-style instant noodles in the U.S. under its brand HEKI. The newly launched GEKI Fiery Hot Chicken will be available on Amazon.com.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report analysis provides global wheat instant noodles market share, size & forecast by all the segments included in the report. It includes details on the dynamics and trends expected to drive the market in the forecast period. It offers information on the prevalence of the product in key regions/countries, key industry developments, new product launches, and details on partnerships, mergers & acquisitions in key countries. It covers the global industry analysis, a detailed competitive landscape with information on the market share, and profiles of key players.

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Report Scope & Segmentation