Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Instant noodles have become one of the world’s most popular convenience foods, loved for their affordability, easy preparation, and wide variety of flavors. For many, instant noodles have become a daily staple, often enhanced with ingredients such as meat, spices, eggs, and vegetables to create more flavorful meals.
According to the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) 2023 report, Indonesia ranks among the top three consumers of instant noodles globally. In 2023, Indonesians consumed a staggering 14.54 billion servings of instant noodles.
However, China, including Hong Kong, leads the world in instant noodle consumption, with a total of 42.21 billion servings consumed annually. Trailing behind Indonesia, India ranks third with 8.68 billion servings.
Surprisingly, the United States emerges as the highest-ranked non-Asian country on the list, consuming 5.1 billion servings and securing the sixth position globally.
Top 10 Instant Noodle Consumers Worldwide (WINA 2023):
- China/Hong Kong: 42.21 billion servings
- Indonesia: 14.54 billion servings
- India: 8.68 billion servings
- Vietnam: 8.13 billion servings
- Japan: 5.84 billion servings
- United States: 5.1 billion servings
- Philippines: 4.39 billion servings
- South Korea: 4.04 billion servings
- Thailand: 3.95 billion servings
- Nigeria: 2.98 billion servings
How Much Instant Noodles Are Safe to Eat?
While there are no strict guidelines on how frequently instant noodles can be consumed, experts recommend moderation.
“There’s no specific rule because noodles are essentially carbohydrates, similar to rice,” explained Professor Zullies Ikawati, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Gadjah Mada University, as reported by Detik Health. “The difference is that rice comes from grains, while noodles are made from wheat. But both are sources of carbohydrates.”
However, Prof. Zullies advises against frequent consumption due to the high sodium content and preservatives in instant noodles. She suggests adding protein and fiber-rich ingredients, like vegetables and eggs, to balance the meal’s nutritional value.
Australia Recalls Three Indomie Noodles Variants Over Undeclared Allergens
Additionally, oncologist Dr. Denny Handoyo Kirana from Siloam Hospital MRCCC Semanggi reassures consumers that instant noodle on the market are generally safe, as they meet regulatory standards. As in Indonesia, the standard was set by Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).
“Occasionally eating instant noodles, about once or twice a week, is still okay. But consuming them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day is not advisable,” Dr. Denny noted, as reported by Detik.
Therefore, experts recommend carefully checking the ingredients and nutritional information before consuming instant noodle, to make more informed choices.
While instant noodles remain a beloved comfort food worldwide, especially in Indonesia, experts agree that moderation and mindful preparation are key to enjoying them as part of a balanced diet. Whether as a quick meal or a creative culinary dish, instant noodle will likely continue to hold their place across the globe.
(Raidi/Agung)
