Vietnam is the country with the highest per capita consumption of instant noodles, averaging 81 servings per person annually.
HANOI, VIETNAM (Business Northeast) – In 2023, the global instant noodles market is expected to reach an estimated value of around US$57.73 billion, with Asia playing a crucial role by contributing approximately US$49.54 billion—representing 85% of total sales. Among the top consumers of instant noodles by volume, China, Indonesia, and India lead the way. However, Vietnam stands out as the highest per capita consumer, with an impressive average of 81 servings per person annually.
Data from the World Instant Noodles Association indicates that global consumption has reached 120.21 billion servings in 2023, with the top five consuming nations being all Asian: China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, and Japan. Vietnamese consumers particularly excel in their consumption habits, enjoying instant noodles about once every four days. This frequency underscores Vietnam’s position as the world’s most prolific consumer of instant noodles on a per capita basis.
Vietnam’s remarkable per capita consumption of instant noodles highlights its cultural affinity for this convenient food option. As a key player in the global instant noodles market, Vietnam not only reflects significant consumption patterns but also indicates a robust demand that may continue to grow. This trend positions Vietnam as a vital market for instant noodle manufacturers and reinforces its status in the global food landscape.
Vietnamese people consumed about 4.3 billion servings of instant noodles in 2009, which will increase to more than 8.1 billion servings in 2023, a nearly 2-fold increase. In addition to the variety of flavors, convenience, and easy preservation, the price is more economical than other foods, which is why Vietnamese people love to eat instant noodles. In Vietnam, affordable instant noodles priced at 3,000 to 5,000 VND per pack are widely consumed, but a bowl of cheap vermicelli costs about 15,000 VND, and a bowl of pho exceeds 25,000 VND. The vast price difference makes instant noodles a popular food.
There are more than 50 companies operating in the instant noodles field in Vietnam, among which Acecook Vietnam ranks first with a revenue share of 35.4%, followed by Masan (27.9%) and Uniben (12.2%). Since there are many manufacturers, new flavors are introduced in the instant noodle market. In addition to the diverse flavors, many products use rice noodles, one of the characteristics of Vietnamese instant noodles.
According to statistics from the MyBest website, the most delicious instant noodles in Vietnam in 2024 are ranked first by “Hao Hao Spicy and Sour Shrimp Noodles” produced by Acecook Vietnam, and second by “Omachi Five Fruits and Ribs Noodles” produced by Masan. Ms. Ruan, who shopped at WinMart, said restaurant dining is too expensive. My family loves spicy and sour shrimp noodles because it tastes great. Add onions, lemons, and red pepper when cooking, which is a cost-effective and rich dish.
Vietnamese instant noodles continue to be loved by Vietnamese people and are gradually being favored by overseas markets. The European Union has recently removed Vietnamese instant noodles from the food safety control list, which will increase their sales in the European market. In addition, the year-on-year increase in tourist tourists and the demand from overseas Vietnamese for the taste of home will help the global sales of Vietnamese instant noodles.
