Particularly in developing nations, high-salt, processed noodles have become a popular inexpensive meal, but nutritionists warn of the potential health risks.
Between 2018 and 2022, Nigeria – which was already by far Africa’s largest consumer of instant noodles – saw a 53% jump in demand, from 1.82bn servings to 2.79bn, according to data from the Japan-based World Instant Noodles Association. While countries such as Kenya had a far smaller existing customer base, demand there during the same period grew by 160% from 50m to 130m servings. It also rose by 150% in Colombia, and 110% in Egypt.
The popularity of Korean pop culture has also boosted demand for Korean foods in richer countries and among the middle classes in developing countries. According to data released by South Korea in November, the country exported a record $785m (£618m) instant noodles in the first 10 months of this year – up almost 25% up on the same period last year.
In order to shorten cooking times and enhance texture, instant noodles have higher salt content than regular noodles. Additionally, the accompanying seasoning sachets contain a significant amount of salt.
The amount of money required for NCDs, which are often slow-moving and incapacitating illnesses, is not being invested or donated in low-income countries. While communicable disease threats continue to receive attention, the death toll from cancer has long outpaced that from malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined.
Ramen noodles are undoubtedly delicious and practical, but a closer look at their nutritional content is warranted.
To save consumers’ cooking time, the noodles are pre-cooked, having first been steamed and then air dried or fried.
Plus, those who frequently ate instant noodles consumed significantly fewer vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meat and fish (13).
While product nutrition varies, most instant ramen noodles are low in calories but deficient in important nutrients.
Adverse effects have been linked to inadequate sodium consumption, but excessive sodium consumption can also have detrimental effects on health.
