So, you are a noodle connoisseur looking for the top noodle brands in India. Here is your chance to be in the know of all things noodles, from market size to top brands.
When hunger strikes, you crack open a pack of instant noodles. Well, you are not alone in doing so. Per the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA), about 121,200 million people helped themselves to instant noodles in 2023. That’s 3020 million servings more than in 2022.
Fortune Business Insights puts the global instant noodles market at USD 54.60 billion in 2022 and expects it to touch USD 81.84 billion in 2029. The compound annual growth rate is impressive, at 5.95%. Interestingly, the market saw a growth of 10.08% during the pandemic.
The Indian noodle market is also going from strength to strength.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the market will be USD 1.84 billion strong in 2023 and will be worth USD 3.49 billion in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 13.69%. As WINA tells us, 7,580 Million servings happened in 2023. If Mintel, a market intelligence agency, is to be believed, noodles were, surprisingly, the breakfast of 38% of Indians in the current year. Conversely, 20% consumed it as a snack between meals.
Country-vise Servings in Millions in 2022 and 2023
| Country | Servings in 2022 | Servings in 2023 |
| China & Hong Kong | 43990 Million Servings | 45,070 Million servings |
| Indonesia | 13,270 Million Servings | 14,260 Million servings |
| Vietnam | 8,480 Million servings | 8,560 Million Servings |
| India | 7,560 Million Servings | 7,580 Million servings |
| Japan | 5,850 Million Servings | 5,980 Million servings |
Factors Driving the Top Noodle Brands in India
Whether as a snack, side dish, or light meal, noodles are a quick and convenient way to delight taste buds and satiate hunger. No wonder, they are popular among the younger population with hectic lifestyles. According to Mintel, about 41% of Indians aged 18-34 prefer noodles to save time and effort.
India’s love for the masala flavors is another key growth driver. The top noodle brands are addressing this big time. As per Mintel, 42% of all noodles hitting the market had masala flavors. Guess what? About 53% of buyers are ready to shell out more for new flavors.
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Top Noodle Brands in India to Satiate Your Hunger
Now you have the hang of the instant noodle market, it’s time to focus on the top noodle brands in India. Team Worldlywiser spent time and effort on getting to the bottom of noodle brands while keeping things unbiased and authentic. We did the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to. Worldlywiser is about your wise decisions.
Worldlywiser Methodology to Determine Top Noodle Brands in India:
We researched everything that matters for informed decisions, including
- Online Lists from reputable online sources, including Wikipedia
- Market Research Reports from reputable market intelligence providers like Mintel, Mordor Intelligence, Fortune Business Insights, and more.
- Industry Publications, such as the World Instant Noodles Association
- Official Brand Websites for products, markets, and other details
- Social Media and Review websites for reviews and ratings on noodle brands’ popularity, buyer sentiment, and quality focus.
- Consumer Surveys for consumer preferences and brand popularity
- Insights from Industry Experts on various aspects of trending noodle brands and products
Top Noodle Brands in India by Market Share
Without further ado, let’s dive into our listing.
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1. Maggi:
- Since: 1884 (139 years ago)
- Founder: Julius Maggi
- Headquarters: Switzerland
- Owned By: Nestlé
What comes to mind upon hearing instant noodles? Of course, Maggi.
“Maggi is to instant noodles what Google is to search engines.” Here’s why.
According to Nestle’s Annual Report for 2022, Maggi is the company’s biggest brand worth USD 235 million (1500 crore INR), accounting for 32.2% of its sales. Before the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India imposed a ban in 2015, the noodle brand had a 90% market share of India’s packaged noodles market. In 2022, it is still impressive at 60%.
A foodie, Julius Maggi, came up with Maggi in Switzerland in 1884. Nestle, a Swiss multinational food corporation, acquired the brand in 1947. India had to wait until 1983 for its launch. But once here, the noodle brand changed the way Indians eat.
Maggi tastes great, is easy and quick to prepare, and supports 15% of our daily sodium requirements. Its starting price (INR 2.50 per 100gm) also contributed to its popularity. Even the Canary Yellow and Pigment Red color combination is pleasing to the eye and increases appetite.
Trivia:
Maggi is not just a noodle brand but an emotion. According to Brand Equity, Nestle India MD Suresh Narayanan came across an email at 3 a.m. from a Haryana boy who exhausted his quota of Maggi during the pandemic. Suresh responded by dispatching a few packets.
Flavors:
Thus far, the brand has unleashed 12 flavors in India at different points in time:
| Maggi 2-Minute Noodles | Maggi Special Masala Noodles | Maggi Veggie Masala Noodles | Maggi Vegetable Spinach Atta Noodles |
| Maggi Chicken Noodles | Maggi No Onion No Garlic | Maggi Atta Masala Noodles | Maggi Oats Masala Noodles |
| Maggi Amritsari Achari | Maggi Mumbaiya Chatak | Maggi Super Chennai | Maggi Bengali Jhaal |
Brand Ambassadors:
- Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Madhuri Dixit, Sanya Malhotra, Rajkumar Rao
Popular Taglines:
- “Mummy Bhook Lagee – Bas Do Minute”
Useful Links:
- Maggi Recipies
- Maggi Nutritional Value
- Interesting Facts about Maggi
- Maggi Noodles Safety Concerns in India
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2. Sunfeast Yippee:
- Since: Sep 2010 (13 years ago)
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Owned By: Indian Tobacco Company (ITC)
Sunfeast Yippee is second only to Maggi in popularity and brand value. Owned by the Indian Tobacco Company (ITC), the brand made its way into the market in Sep 2010 and achieved a nationwide presence in the same year. In 2016, it stormed into the INR 6000 Crore club, and by 2020, it hit the INR 1,000 crore sales mark, according to Hungry Forever.
As of 2023, Sunfeast Yippee has a share of 22% of the Indian noodle market, as per the Economics Times. However, in certain markets, it can be 37%. That makes it one of the top noodle brands in India.
Team Woldlywiser found Yippee healthy, tasty, and quick to prepare. Within 4 to 5 minutes, a bowl of lip-smacking noodles is ready for slurping. The noodle brand packs a punch with protein (18%), iron, and calcium.
We also liked its round shape, large strands, and non-sticky nature. Our testing shows that Yippee, unlike Maggi, does not become clumpy after half an hour or so.
The brand stands out for its “Magic Masala,” a unique blend of spices, seasonings, and real dehydrated veggies like carrots, cabbage, and ring bean. The noodles come with no preservatives or synthetic coloring.
As a side note, ITC owns Classmate, one of the top stationery companies in India, and Ashirwad Atta, the leading atta brand.
Flavors:
| Magic Masala Noodles | Mood Masala Noodles | Power Up Atta Noodles |
| Saucy Masala Noodles | Quik Meals Chicken Delight | Quik Meals Veggie Delight |
Popular Tagline:
- “It’s Better, Oh Yeah!”
Brand Ambassador:
Useful Links:
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3. Wai Wai
- Since: 1972 (1983 in India)
- Headquarters: Kathmandu
- Owner in India: Chaudhary Group
Per Total Solutions, a mystery audit and market research firm, Wai Wai’s 18% market share and INR 880 crore annual turnover make it one of the top noodle brands in India. If Economics Times is to go by, Wai Wai grew at 20% year-on-year from 2013 to 2018.
Total Solutions also tells us that the noodle brand has a strong presence in UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala. The brand is focusing on regions where its market share is 15 % or below.
As per Worldlywiser testing, Wai Wai tastes different from anything on the market. They are drier and browner and come with three seasonings, including an oil sachet to support different tastes. We found them to pair well with sauces, vegetables, meats, and seafood.
Wai Wai is nutritious with carbohydrates (60%), Fat (30%), and Protein (10%). However, it contains MSG, making it unsuitable for infants below 12 months.
Owned by Thai Preserved Food Factory Co., Ltd, Wai Wai has been a Thai brand since 1972. Chaudhary Group of Nepal has been using the brand name to produce and market noodles in 32 countries across 5 continents since 1983. The brand has 3 modern production units that deliver 2.3 billion packets a year, according to the official website.
Trivia:
How Wai Wai entered India is a story in itself. Nepali nationals visiting India easily smuggled packets of Wai Wai, as border restrictions were nonexistent in the 1980s.
Flavors:
| X-Press Spinach | X-Press Masala Delight | X-Press Fusion | X-Press Fish Curry |
| X-Press Tomato Peprica | X-Press 3 Grain Cheese Masala | Jain Masala | Quick Chicken |
| Atta Noodles | Chicken Masala | Chicken Curry | Veg Masala |
Brand Ambassadors
Chinky and Minky, Ayushmann Khurrana, Purnima Shrestha
Popular Taglines:
- “Kya Twinning Hai”
- “WAI WAI Wala Taste”
Useful Links:
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4. Top Ramen
- Since: 1970
- Owner: Nissin Foods
- Headquarters: Gardena, California
Top Ramen’s market share of about 9% places it among the top noodle brands in India. With newer noodle brands making it to the market, the brand has enjoyed better days in the 90s when it was second only to Maggi in sales and popularity.
According to the Indian Brand Equity Forum, Top Ramen had a 20% market share and net sales of USD 8.61 million in 2005, growing at a CAGR of 31% from 2002-2005.
In the 2021 report by Consumer Voice, an initiative of the government of India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Top Ramen got the maximum score followed by Maggi and WAI WAI.
Nissin Foods is the foundation of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles. He came up with the brand Top Ramen in 1970 in Japan and branched out to the US two years later. It was only in 1988 that Top Ramen debuted in India and went on to emerge as one of the best noodle brands in India.
Many of our team members who grew up in the 90s preferred Top Ramen for nostalgia. Moderately spiced and garlicky flavored, Top Ramen Curry Noodles are the most loved option followed by chicken flavor. The curry variant is also easy and quick to prepare, within 5 to 6 minutes.
On the downside, the noodles failed to soak up the masala in our trial.
So, how does Top Ramen hold up against Maggi? Well, consider the review on Quora by Nikhila Somu:
“Top Ramen is tasty. But I can’t eat it daily. If I eat for a few days in a row, I get bored of it. On the other hand, I can eat Maggi on a regular basis. There is something comforting about Maggi:) Taste-wise, I like Top Ramen better.”
That sums it up.
Trivia:
History credits Nissin’s founder Momofuku Ando with inventing Cup Noodles in 1972 to cater to the American market.
Flavors:
| Masala | Chicken | Fiery Chilli |
| Curry (Veg) | Atta | Chettinad Chicken Curry |
Popular Taglines:
- ‘Be the Champion’
Brand Ambassador
Useful Links:
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5. Ching’s Secret Noodles
- Since: 1995 (27 years ago)
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Owner: Capital Foods
After tasting success with Desi Chinese sauce and Smith & Jones Ginger Garlic Paste, Capital Foods launched Ching’s Secret Noodles in 2008 as the “only brand with Desi Chinese flavors to compete with instant masala noodles.” It quickly struck a chord with the Indian noodle eaters to emerge as one of the top noodle brands in India.
Ching’s Secret ranks fifth with a 3.5% portion of the instant noodle market, as of 2023.
Aggressive marketing with Ranveer Singh as brand ambassador, helped Ching’s grow. According to CNBC TV, the brand’s revenue surged from INR 115 Crores in 2010 to INR 350 Crores in 2015. By 2019, it touched the 700 Crore mark and had a strong presence in 11 states.
Worldlywiser found Ching’s Secret Hot Garlic long, non-sticky, and coated with delectable spices. It is the second most spicy option after Schezwan and features a bold garlicky flavor.
A review on Abillion had this to say,
“This instant noodle is a sure treat. I have always loved Chings products and Schezwansauce is my favorite. I would suggest adding some actual Schezwan sauce of Chings to this to up the flavor. Given that as always the masala for noodle packet is never enough.”
Chings Secret Range:
Brand Ambassador:
Trivia:
Maggi isn’t the only noodle brand in India to have “failed a quality test.” According to Wikipedia, a newspaper in 2015 made that very claim against Ching’s Secret.
Useful Links:
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6. Patanjali Noodles
- Since: November 2015
- Headquarters: Haridwar, India
- Owner: Patanjali Group
Following the infamous Maggi-ban, the Patanjali Group launched “healthy noodles,” as its 101st product. Made of atta, not maida, Patanjali Noodles gained 1.3% of the instant noodle market share within two years of its launch, as per Economics Times. On the last count, its market share hovers around 2%.
The Consumer Voice 2021 report recommended “Top Ramen” as the best Atta Noodle overall and Patanjali as the best “Value for Money” option. Lead, arsenic, aflatoxin, and other harmful metals were there but within the specified limits.
Worldlywiser testing reveals that Patanjali Noodles have more fats, proteins, and carbs than most top noodle brands in India. However, they have a higher concentration of transfats and sodium content. Also, most calories come from fat, making it “high in fat” and, thus, undesirable for eaters watching their weight.
Amit Arora, a buyer on Amazon opines,
“The Chatpata flavor from Patanjali is good to taste, Atta noodles are good for health and safe to eat for kids as well as compared to the normal maida Maggi. However, the masala provided with the pack is very spicy and kids do not eat it very nicely. Had to use home spices and salt while making these noodles for kids.”
Product Range:
| Patanjali Atta Noodles Classic | Twisty Tasty Noodles |
| Patanjali Atta Noodles Desi Masala | Patanjali Atta Noodles Chatpata |
| Patanjali Atta Cup Noodles Yummy Masala | Patanjali Atta Noodles Yummy Masala |
Brand Ambassador:
Popular Taglines:
- ‘Jhatpat banao, befikar khao’
Useful Links:
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7. Knorr Noodles
- Since: 2010 (13 years ago)
- Headquarters: Heilbronn, Germany
- Owner: Unilever (Ajinomoto in Japan)
We primarily associate Knorr with soups but it is also one of the top noodles brands in India with about 2% market share. Knorr is Unilever’s top brand, with annual sales of over €3 billion.
Knorr initially preferred Chinese-styled soupy noodles over the standard masala flavor. The brand blended noodles, vegetables, soup, and Indian spices and herbs to stand out. While other best noodle brands in India were available for INR 10, Knorr noodles were priced at INR 15.
We liked the Knorr’s rich consistency and balanced spicy and sweet taste. The tastemaker sachet is larger than any top noodle brand, which speaks for the difference in taste, aroma, and consistency. Plus, it’s easy to cook, taking roughly 5.30 minutes.
On the downside, Knorr noodles are highly processed with 1.09 gm of salt in 70 gm per serving. That makes it unsuitable for anyone suffering from hypertension and cardiac issues.
Here are two reviews on Mouthshut that sum up Knorr Noodles
Review 1:
“I have always liked Knorr Soupy Noodles more than Maggi for the following reasons:
1) Gravy – This can be made into noodles or noodle soup. (It has a big packet of masala hence even with more water noodles don’t become bland)
2) Texture – It has a smooth texture like Top Ramen which I loooooovvvvveeeeee.
All in all, it is an awesome product. Just go for it.”
Review 2:
“Knorr soupy noodle is a horrible combination of soup and noodles. The product neither stands in the soup category nor in noodles. You will be confused about what you are eating. The taste maker taste’s is also not so good and it does not give any good or mouth-watering fragrance. Overall, Knorr’s soupy noodles are not all different from other noodles other than its soupy concept, which is totally disastrous.
Product Range:
| Category | Product |
| Soupy Noodles | Mast Masala |
| Italian Noodles | Cheese & Herbs |
Popular Tagline:
- ‘Khake Ke Piyo Ya Peeke Ke Khao’
Brand Ambassador:
Useful Links
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8. Saffola Oodles
- Since: 2021
- Headquarters: Mumbai, India
- Owner: Marico Limited
Saffola, the top edible oil brand with a staggering market share of 81%, made forays into the instant noodle market in 2021 with Safolla Oodles. In a market dominated by Maggi, Yippee, and Top Ramen, it quickly emerged as one of the top noodle brands in India.
Although Saffola Oodles’ market share is 1%, these are early days for it. The brand will grow alongside the noodle market. Initially sold through e-commerce platforms, the noodle brand is now available in supermarkets and neighborhood grocery stores.
Grown-ups eat Saffola Oodles for health while kids love their ring shape that swells upon cooking. The major ingredient is oat flour (39.4%), which aids weight loss, lowers blood sugar levels, and brings down the risk of heart disease. Unlike most noodle brands, Saffola uses healthier oils like rice bran oil and sunflower oil.
The tastemaker is tasty and healthy, containing spices and condiments (onions, cumin, turmeric, clove), dehydrated vegetables (onions and carrots), sugar, natural colors, and added flavors. It contains no MSG or artificial ingredients and is low in cholesterol and sugar.
However, we found the tastemaker a bit too thick and spicy. So, we recommend using it judiciously, especially when preparing for kids.
According to a user on Hometester:
It is a “Fine product, OK to eat -didn’t like it much – But good to know that it is healthy.”
Brand Ambassadors:
- N/A
Popular Taglines:
- “Make snack-times Yummmazingg”
- “Freedom from Maida”
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- Saffola Oodles Reviews
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9. Horlicks Foodles
- Since: 2009 (14 years ago)
- Headquarters: Brentford, United Kingdom
- Owner: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
Horlicks, a prominent health drink brand, ventured into the competitive Indian noodle industry with Foodles in 2009. It was a risky move since Horlicks was a “health brand” while noodles had earned the unhealthy tag. However, the gamble paid off as Foodles evolved into one of the leading Indian noodle brands.
Launched in 2009, Foodles gained a market share of 6% in the South and East within the first six months, as per Economics Times. Foodles positioned itself as a healthy option through clever marketing and brand credibility. However, its market share soon came crashing down due to several factors.
After Maggi, Foodles was under fire for “slightly higher” lead levels than the permissible limit, according to Indian Express. As of October 2023, the brand has vanished from supermarkets and is available only at e-commerce stores like Amazon and Big Basket.
We found the noodles appetizing and tasty. They cook well, smell good, and come with a “health maker” sachet with 5 essential nutrients. However, there’s nothing much that distinguishes it from other popular noodle brands.
A review on Mouthshut says it all:
“The noodles were thick and up on boiling they just melted very fast which made the consistency of the noodles very bad and both the masala were not good enough or at least not up to the mark that I had expected from Horlicks to be.
I was not satisfied with the flavor of these noodles and I made sure I would not purchase them again. The packaging of the product was ok but the overall quality of the product was not.”
Product Range:
| Mast Masala | Crazy Curry | Ala Masala | 4 Grain |
Brand Ambassador:
- N/A
Top Noodle Brands: Key Links
Lesser-Known Noodle Brands in India with 2% Collective Market Share
Besides, some lesser-known noodle brands collectively share 2% of the Indian instant noodle market. These include
10. Joymee
- Since: 2008
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Owner: MAYORA India (formerly INBISCO India)
Joymee secures a spot among India’s top noodles brands, despite modest sales. Its delicious non-sticky noodles offer a tangy Indian curry taste, enhanced by crunchy onions and veggies. Known for quality, these noodles boast natural ingredients, providing health benefits.
We tried two Joymee variants, Masala and Curry. Both were smooth, non-sticky and carried real vegetables and 5 vitamins.
Product Range:
| Masala | Curry |
Top Noodle Brands in India: Key Links
11. MasterChow
- Since: 2013 (10 years ago)
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Owner: MasterChow Foods Pvt. Ltd.
MasterChow, a relatively new entrant since 2013, offers authentic restaurant-style Chinese flavors for the adventurous Indian palate. Although priced higher than regular noodle brands, it’s easy to cook, provides a lip-smacking taste, and has 100% natural ingredients. In addition to noodles, MasterChow also offers a range of delightful sauces and condiments.
Flavors:
| Wholewheat | Udon noodles | Ramen noodles | Hakka noodles | Soba noodles |
Cup Noodles:
| Korean 2X Spicy | Chowmein Cup Noodles |
Each cup has noodles, a sauce sachet, a veggie pouch, a topping pouch, and a fork.
Top Noodle Brands: Key Links
12. FirstCrop
You are forgiven for thinking of FirstCrop as a ripoff of Maggi. It resembles the iconic taste and presentation of Maggi but has a personality of its own. The brand offers the same delightful blend of spices and seasoning, ease of cooking, and yellow packaging associated with Maggi.
Interestingly, some on Team Wordlywiser prefer FirstCrop over even Maggi. It is delectable, flavorful, and comforting and cooks in about 2.30 minutes. However, the tastemaker leaves room for improvement.
Users on different online platforms had extreme positions on FirstCrop. Sample these.
“It’s tastier than Maggi (my point of view) and it is Atta noodles at the same price as Maggie noodles. Love the product.”
“THIS IS LIKE THE BIGGEST RIPOFF EVER. The consistency is horrible, it tastes bad and I would not recommend it to anyone – when you cook it it becomes so sludgy!”
Flavors:
| Masala Noodles | Atta Noodles | Hakka Noodles |
Popular Tagline:
- Proud to be Picked
Top Noodle Brands: Useful Links
- Maggi 2-Minute Instant Noodle vs First Crop Instant Noodles Review | Best Noodles In India.
- First Crop Veg Hakka Noodles Recipe: Hakka Noddles at Home #cooking #hakkanoodles #recipe #tasty
Conclusion:
The Indian noodle market is on a tear, growing at a CAGR of 13.69%. The growth has lured some of the top FMCG companies into joining the bandwagon. With brands comes variety, which means every comfort foodie has something suiting his/her taste.
As the leading noodles brand, Maggi continues to dominate the market with its iconic flavors and brand loyalty. Likewise, Yippee, the second noodle brand by market share is employing innovative marketing strategies and unique flavors to lure the younger demographic. With natural ingredients, Patanjali’s Atta Noodles has positioned itself as a healthier alternative.
Additionally, the emergence of Wai Wai and MasterChow highlights the diversity of flavors within the Indian noodle landscape. They cater to specific regional tastes while offering authenticity and variety. These brands demonstrate that taste innovation and quality ingredients are key drivers in capturing the Indian consumer’s palate.
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A wordsmith, avid traveler, rationalist, brand loyalist, sports-freak, and an independent researcher, Rohit has authored 18000 writeups for some of the leading online and offline publications in the past 10 years. He digs into information, weaves narratives, and distills complex subjects into engaging content.