Instant noodles
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Instant noodles are dried and/or precooked noodles fused with oil, usually eaten after being cooked or soaked in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. A flavor packet is almost always included with a packet of instant noodles. The product may also be consumed uncooked from the packet, as the noodles are already cooked, usually by frying.
Instant noodles originate from instant versions of the Japanese dish ramen.
[edit] History
The idea of instant noodles can be traced back to the Chinese Qing Dynasty, when yimian noodles were deep-fried which allowed them to be stored for long periods and then prepared quickly. Similarly, "Chicken Thread Noodles" (deep-fried thin noodles served with boiling water and optionally an egg) were available in China and Taiwan since the Qing Dynasty.
Modern instant noodles were invented in Japan by Taiwanese Wu Bai Fu (吳百福), Japanese name Momofuku Andō (安藤百福), the founder of Nissin Foods, one of the biggest manufacturers of instant noodles today. His noodles were boiled with flavoring, deep-fried with palm oil to remove moisture, and dried into a noodle cake. Other preservation methods have been tried, including preservation with salt and smoke, but Andō concluded that palm oil is the most efficient.
In 1958, Nissin launched the world's first instant noodle product, Chikin Ramen (chicken-flavored instant ramen) in Osaka. Another milestone was reached in 1971 when Nissin introduced the Cup Noodle, instant noodles in a waterproof styrofoam container that could be used to cook the noodles. Further innovations include adding dried vegetables to the cup, creating a complete instant soup dish.
According to a Japanese poll in the year 2000, instant noodles were the most important Japanese invention of the century. Karaoke came second, with the Compact Disc only coming in fifth.[1] As of 2005, approximately 85 billion servings of instant noodles are eaten worldwide every year. [2] China consumes 44 billion packs of instant noodles per year, or 51% of the world, Indonesia consumes 12 billion, Japan 5.4 billion. Per capita, South Korean people eat the highest number of instant noodles, 69 packs per year.
Instant noodles are not only popular with college students, they can also be an economic indicator. In 2005, the Mama Noodles Index was launched to reflect the sales of Mama noodles, the biggest manufacturer in Thailand. [1] The index was steady since the recovery from the East Asian financial crisis, but sales jumped by around 15% in the first seven months in 2005 on a year-to-year basis, which was regarded as a sign of recession. People could not afford more expensive foods, hence the increase in the purchase of ramen, as ramen is seen as an inferior good.
[edit] Health concerns
| Instant noodles (raw) Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy 450 kcal 1900 kJ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| One package is 80 g Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: usda |
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Ramen and similar products are often criticized as being unhealthy or junk food. A single serving of instant noodles is high in carbohydrates but low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Noodles are typically fried as part of the manufacturing process, resulting in high levels of saturated fat and/or trans fat. Additionally, if served in an instant broth, it typically contains high amounts of sodium, usually in excess of 60% the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (1,200-1,440 mg). Some brands may have over 3,000 mg of sodium in extreme cases.
The most recent controversy concerns dioxin and other hormone-like substances that could theoretically be extracted from the packaging and glues used to pack the instant noodles. As hot water is added, it was reasoned that harmful substances could seep into the soup. After a series of studies were conducted, various organizations requested changes in the packaging.[3]
Another major concern on the health drawback of consuming the instant noodles is that the products can be manufactured with oxidized fat and oils if the process is not better managed. Oxidized fat and oils are health hazard substances which induce neurotoxins and which make neurocells hypoactive.[4][5][6]
[edit] Instant noodles worldwide
Instant noodles have become a popular food in many parts of the world, though they have undergone changes in flavor to fit local tastes.
[edit] In Argentina
In Argentina instant noodles are gaining popularity, and can be found in most major cities in supermarkets. The brand is usually Sapporo Ichiban. The problem is basically that the cost is still high (about 0.90 dollars). Due to the recent Chinese immigration wave, specialized Chinese supermarkets offer a wide variety of ramen brands. The Brand Maruchan can also be found now at Disco supermarkets, coming in different flavors such as shrimp, beef, chicken or cheese.
[edit] In Australia
While the most popular brand of instant noodles in Australia was Maggi noodles (pronounced ma-jee) for some time, many other brands have emerged and taken over the market. For Cup-Noodles the most popular brand is Fantastic Noodles. For packet Noodles there are 2 popular choices, Indomie Mi Goreng (Fried Indonesian noodles served without broth), Nissin's Demae Ramen, and Nong Shim's Shin Ramyun served with broth, although (due to a strong advertising campaign) Maggi noodles continue to be highly popular despite being amongst the highest-priced packet noodles. Almost every popular brand of Korean, Japanese and Indonesian noodles are available in Australian supermarkets and convenience stores, due to the cultural mesh of Asian cuisine (due to geographical location) in Australian life.
[edit] In Brazil
Instant noodles are extremely popular in Brazil. It can be found in every market and supermarket and, unlike neighbor country Argentina, it's extremely cheap (it can be found for less than $0.50 in most markets). It's especially popular among students and children, since it's easy and fast to prepare. It's mostly known under the name "Miojo", a Nissin brand. While Nissin is the market leader in the country (Miojo, one of its brand, is how instant noodles are referred to), Maggi is also popular.
[edit] In Canada
The major brands available in Canada are Sapporo Ichiban and Mr. Noodles. These main-brand packages generally only contain one flavor pouch. Other brands may include a small package of sesame oil. In some major cities, brands imported from Europe are available. The term kimchi is also popular, in reference to imported Korean ramen; this term is particularly popular in the West Coast cities of Vancouver and Victoria.
[edit] In China
China is a fast-growing market for instant noodles. The market is focusing on higher-end products, generally costing more than 1 RMB. The top three brands in this category dominate more than 85% of the market; for the lower end (those below 1 RMB) the leading five hold around 60% of the market share. As of 2005, China outnumbers the production volumes nine times more than Japan.
The dominant brands in the Chinese market are:
- Ting Yi (aka Master Kong or Kang-shi-fu, 康師傅), a PLC listed in Hong Kong Stock Exchange but managed mainly by Taiwanese with a Japanese strategic alliance partner Sanyo Food, the third player in Japanese market. Master Kong now is probably the largest brand with a business scope extended to Beverage (RTD) and Bakeries.
- Uni-President (aka President or Tong-Yi, 統一), a PLC listed in Taiwan. Like Master Kong, it used to have its own businesses in Beverage and Bakeries as well. However, the company recently formed a JV partnership with Hwa-Long and Nissin on the beverage front. Uni-President's home market is in Taiwan but the company is now expanding aggressively in mainland China.
- Hwa-Long (華龍, i.e. Chinese Dragon), a local company allied with Nissin. Given that relationship, Hwa-long has long been regarded as Nissin's agent in the world's largest consumer market. Recently Hwa-long, Nissin, and Uni-President formed a partnership in Beverage business and would like to collectively compete against Master Kong, still considered the leading brand in the industry.
- Bai-xiang (白象, i.e. White Elephant), a local company spun-off based on a former SOE and now still enjoys a strong local customer base. It is a leading brand in lower-end segments in terms of volume.
[edit] In the EU
[edit] Denmark
Virtually all supermarkets sell instant noodles of some sort, but tend to be westernized and come in styrofoam containers, costing upwards of 10 kroner (2 dollars). Ethnic stores and specialty shops offer the most popular alternative, Yum Yum, with prices ranging from 4-6 kroner, but 3 for 10 offers are nearly universal. Its popularity has been sufficient to become a genericized brand name in its own right. Mama, another brand from Thailand, is the second most popular Eastern-type brand, but has a much smaller market share, despite its popularity in its homeland.
[edit] Belgium
Instant noodles in Belgium are overpriced and generally unpopular. The westernized, most common brand is called "Aiki Noodles", costing upwards of €0.75 a pack, a price universally agreed upon to be unfair for the rather revolting taste. A typical feature in both France and Belgium is the 'rejection' of such foreign foods in favour of traditional European meals. Another affecting feature is that instant foods in Belgium are very unpopular, due in part to the poor choice and quality available, and in part to a general distaste for microwavable or instant meals. Relatively large supermarket Delhaize has its own brand of Westernized instant noodles which are cheaper, but sales overall are still low. Authentic Japanese and Thai instant noodles can be found only in Asian specialty stores, and in very limited quantity in some supermarkets.
[edit] Germany
Instant noodles were relatively unknown in Germany until the 1990s, from which they have continually gained in popularity. There are two types of ramen in Germany: the first, generally called Instant-Nudeln (instant noodles) tends to be a mild, Westernized version, in flavors such as chicken, vegetable, beef and button mushroom. The second type is actually called Ramen, and it is quite similar to traditional ramen as it is known in Asia. German Ramen was originally considered an ethnic food and was only available in specialty stores. Since the mid-1990s, however, it has become available at German supermarkets and can usually be found on the instant-food aisle. The most popular brands are Yum Yum, Nissin Cup Noodles and Maggi.
[edit] Poland
Instant noodles found their way to Polish supermarkets in early 90s. Back then, the popular kind was made in Vietnam and had a somewhat spicy, garlic-flavored taste. Yet most brands were called "Chinese soups". Packets were full of little bags with flavorings, spicy oil, dried vegetables or even minuscule shrimps (in shrimp-flavored variety). Then things changed and Yum-Yum or Kim-Lan soups lost their initial appeal to the ramen connoisseurs but gained in popularity among others, especially students. "Kaczkowa łagodna" (Mild duck), "Kurczakowa łagodna" (Mild chicken) or "Krewetkowa ostra" (Spicy shrimp) were probably the most popular flavors 10 years ago. Now with local (Amino) or worldwide (Knorr) manufacturers the varieties range from fancy cheese-flavored noodles to local Polish specialty barszcz czerwony or żurek. Cheap supermarket brands and regular midmarket products don't differ that much in taste and the price can range from PLN 0,60 to PLN1,50 depending on the manufacturer's expectations of how posh a product they sell. Noodles in styrofoam bowls are considerably more expensive and cost from PLN 3,0 to PLN 5,5.
[edit] United Kingdom
The most popular form of instant noodles in Britain is Pot Noodle (a cup noodle founded by Golden Wonder in the late-1970s). These are sold in virtually every major supermarket chain and groceries nationwide. Packeted noodles such as Batchelors' Super Noodles are also popular and synonymous with student life (some supermarket chains offer value noodles for less than 10p). Noodles such as Maggi can also be found in many groceries, but are less widespread.
[edit] In Hong Kong
Cantonese people have a long history of cooking yi mein, an early form of instant noodles invented in the Qing Dynasty. Modern instant noodles were publicly introduced as Doll Noodles in the late 1960s by the Wing Nan Company, and that term has since become a synonym for instant noodles (irrespective of brand) in Hong Kong and Southern China.
[edit] In India & Pakistan
The most popular brand in both countries is Maggi by Nestlé. Also in the market are players like Top Ramen Smoodles manufactured by Indo-Nissin Ltd. and Wai-Wai, owned by the Chaudhary Group from Nepal. Flavors are more oriented toward local flavors, such as Masala, chicken tikka etc.
Maggi is regarded in popular culture as a 2 minute noodle. Due to increasing health consciousness of the consumers, Nestle introduced an instant noodles made of whole wheat grain flour called Atta Noodles. Other variant include instant rice noodles in various flavors also. Top Ramen is also very popular among consumers. The preferred flavor of Top Ramen is known as "Curry Smoodles"; its flavorings mimic a basic curry, including onion, garlic, coriander, and a curry masala. Top Ramen manufacturers refer to their instant noodles as smoodles, to differentiate from other instant noodles. A package sells for 10-12 rupees in India and 14 rupees in Pakistan; South Asian markets in North America and Australia have also started selling it.
India also has a huge demand for unflavored instant noodles with brands like Bambino and Ching's dominating the market.
[edit] In Indonesia
The first widely known instant noodle in Indonesia is "Supermi" introduced in 1970s. Later several brands of instant noodle was introduced - "Indomie" and "Sarimi". The three brands produced by Indofood Sukses Makmur, the largest instant noodle producer in the world - indirectly owned by Sudono Salim one of Indonesian wealthiest tycoons. Indofood is also the owner of Bogasari Flour Mills, the largest flour mill company in the world.
Currently, Indofood Sukses Makmur has a market share about 70% of Indonesian instant noodle production. In 1999 the figure was about 90% market share. The recent decline in market share was triggered by the introduction of "Mie Sedaap" in 2003 - the strongest contender of Indofood market domination. "Mie Sedaap" was produced by Wings Food.
Indonesians prefer noodle with a strong flavor. The usual flavor of Indonesian instant noodle are Chicken Curry, Onion and Chicken, Beef Meatball, and Chicken Soto (Indonesian traditional soup). In the past, Indomie tried to produce 30 different flavors reflecting the various traditional dishes from all over Indonesia, but the product was discontinued after disappointing results, which indicated that Indonesians have limited preference when it comes to noodle flavor.
A dry-type instant noodle is also popular in Indonesia. Most of the market share is owned by the product Indomie Mi Goreng. The dry-type noodle designed to replicate Indonesian traditional dishes of Mee Goreng or fried noodle.
The strong local preferences also contribute to the low volume of sales for Japanese and other foreign instant noodle in Indonesia. The Korean brand of hot and spicy instant noodles are the closest to Indonesian taste and has the largest market share of foreign instant noodle in Indonesia.
[edit] In Japan
Japan is the country of origin for instant noodles. Instant noodles remain "national" light food. Average Japanese eat 41 packs of instant noodles per year.
After the invention by Momofuku Andō in 1958, instant noodles became very common in Japan. In 1970s, makers expanded their flavors, such as shio (salt ramen), miso (-ramen), or curry. From 1980s, makers also added dried toppings such as shrimps, pork, or eggs. This, however, made instant noodles more expensive, and their popularity decreased for a while. Nowadays, instant noodles are divided into two groups, one being "traditional" cheap (¥150 to ¥200) noodles with few toppings, another being expensive (¥200 to ¥500) noodles with many toppings, often pouch-packed. Like other countries, there are various kinds of instant noodles produced, including ramen, udon, soba, yakisoba, pasta and so on.
Major makers in Japan are:
- Nissin Food Products 日清食品, famous brands include Chicken Ramen and Cup Noodles, 40.4% market share (2005)
- Tōyō Suisan 東洋水産, nicknamed Maruchan, brands include Akai Kitsune and Midori no Tanuki, 19.2%
- Sanyō Foods サンヨー食品, Sapporo Ichiban, 11.5%
- Myōjō Foods 明星食品, Charumera, 9.9%
- Acecook エースコック, Super Cup, 8.3%
[edit] In Malaysia & Singapore
The most well-known brand of instant noodles is Maggi (mag-gee, as opposed to the Australian pronunciation), and this brand is practically synonymous with instant noodles. Local flavors, such as chicken, curry, tom yum, and asam laksa are most common. Both soup-based and "dry" variants without broth are readily available. The entrance of the Mi-Sedap brand, produced by Wingsfood, into Malaysia has presented strong competition to the dominance of Maggi over the Malaysian market. Indomie, Nissin, Cintan and Mamee brands of instant noodles are also well-loved by both Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Though instant noodles are usually eaten at home, they are also becoming increasingly popular as restaurant or even cafe meals, especially in Hongkong-themed "cha chan teng" cafes. These meals are usually modified according to the chef's taste and include minimal MSG.
In recent years, instant noodles manufacturers have tried to introduce low-MSG seasonings, as well as new processes that do not require frying for the noodles, and have introduced new flavors such as chilli crabs and seafood.
[edit] In Mauritius
The Apollo noodle is very popular in the small island of Mauritius. It comes in different flavors: shrimp, curry, chicken and vegetable. It is now available in the regional countries namely Madagascar, Reunion Island and also in France, Ireland and United Kingdom where there is a large Mauritian community.
[edit] In Mexico
Instant noodles are gaining popularity in Mexico, where it is often seen as a snack low-grade food and enjoyed in typical "southwestern" flavors such as lime or chili, often combined with shrimp. These flavors are available in the United States, particularly in areas with Mexican and Mexican-American populations. Also a common practice is buying a meat-flavored cup of noodles and seasoning it with fresh lemons and "Salsa Valentina" (a famous type of snack-food hot sauce). The "cup o' noodles" is referred to as: "Sopa Huevona" "Lazy Soup" or "Lazy Sunday" and is available virtually in every store in the northern region of Mexico, however it was probably introduced to the Mexican Market early in the 90s by Walmart's sister store Sam's Club.
[edit] In North Korea
Instant noodles were first introduced to North Korea by way of food aid from South Korea in the 1990s. In 2004, over 600,000 boxes of Shin brand Ramyeon were sent to North Korea as part of aid relief program when Ryongchŏn train station exploded, injuring many North Korean civilians. However, insider sources state that most Ramyeon sent as part of aid relief program has been sold in North Korean black markets instead, making its way to Pyongyang. North Korean visitors to China also frequently purchase South Korean ramyeon from Chinese stores, where Shin Ramyeon is known as "Korean Tangmi Ramyeon".
Indigenous production of Ramyeon in North Korea began in 2000. The first Ramyeon brand was known as "kkoburang kuksu", which literally means curved noodles in Korean. Afterwards, a joint venture by a North Korean and Hong Kong-based company began producing "chŭksŏk kuksu", which literally means "instant noodles" in Korean. Ramyeon are popular amongst North Korean elites who can afford them and live in Pyongyang and Nampo. In contrast to hot and spicy South Korean Ramyeons, North Korean Ramyeon have much more mild and broth-type flavor. [2]
[edit] In Peru
In Peru the Maruchan brand ramen have been sold for a long time, as the only brand that provided this product. But, a few years ago, the Aji-released Aji-no-men ramen in a wide range of flavors.
[edit] In the Philippines
Instant noodles are usually eaten by the poor people alongside rice or sinangag(garlic rice) and daing (dried fish). Some other citizens also buy instant noodles for fast merienda or snacks in the offices or schools, and also for breakfast because of its fast preparation and affordability. Another variation of instant noodles in the Philippines is the pancit canton or stirfried noodles resembling the local Pancit or pansit. The noodles are boiled and water is drained, then a flavoring powder with soysauce and bits of carrot and celery are added to it. Instant noodles had become a norm to Filipino daily life because of its affordability and taste.
[edit] In Saudi Arabia
The most popular brands are Indonesians brands such as Indomie. Instant noodles are known there as Indonesian noodles.
[edit] In South Korea
South Korean people eat the highest number of instant noodles in the world[citation needed]. In fact, instant noodles are more common than non-instant ramen noodles, so the word ramyeon (라면), Korean for ramen, generally means instant one. Ramyeon is typically spicy. Shin Ramyun (신[辛], literally "spicy,") is one of the most popular brands in Korea. It has also become popular in China and the United States.[citation needed] The leading manufacturer of ramyeon in Korea is the Nong Shim company, which exports many of its products overseas. In the 1960s, instant ramen was introduced to South Korea from Japan,[citation needed] and its quick and easy preparation, as well as its cheap price, made it soon catch on. Most South Korean food stalls make instant ramyeon and add toppings for their customers. Instant ramyeon also tends to be added to budae jjigae (literally "army base stew"), a stew made with assorted ingredients which was invented in the 1950s in the vicinity of U.S. military camps stationed in South Korea.
[edit] In Russia
Russia's most popular instant ramens are the local brand Rollton and Korean brand Dosirac. [3], [4]
[edit] In Taiwan
Taiwan, according to statistics from the International Ramen Manufacturers Association, is the world's 12th largest instant noodle market, worth an annual NT$10 billion (US$300 million). This translates into an annual total of 900 million packs, or 40 per person. [5]
This is where the instant noodle inventor Momofuku Andō (安藤百福) was from. The most popular flavors in Taiwan are the beef noodle soup and minced pork noodle.
- Uni-President (aka President or Tong-Yi, 統一) takes the largest market share of instant noodles in the country, and is a major player in the global instant noodle market.
[edit] In Thailand
The most popular instant noodle in Thailand is "Mama", with Tom Yam Shrimp being the all time favorite flavor. There are a few local players in the market, namely "Wai Wai" and "Yum Yum". Due to their ubiquity, instant noodles were chosen as a vehicle for dietary fortification by a joint effort of the Federation of Thai Industries, instant noodle producers, and the Ministry of Public Health about 10 years ago. The vitamins and minerals added are iron, iodine and vitamin A. Unlike Japanese instant noodles or Malaysian, Thailand noodle is seasoned by chicken soup before frying; thus, fried noodle becomes tasty and can be consumed direct as snack.
[edit] In the United States
In the United States, the ubiquitous instant noodle product is known as ramen (after the Japanese dish it is based on) and it comes in a variety of mostly meat-based flavors. Common flavors in the United States include chicken, pork, beef, mushroom, shrimp, and "oriental". Other flavors like shoyu, miso, and kimchi are also available at Asian supermarkets and convenience stores, or generally in cities with large Asian communities. The three major brands are Nissin Top Ramen, Maruchan Ramen, and Sapporo Ichiban. Ramen noodles in the United States are extremely popular among college students. A walk into many American dormitories would reveal bulk sized packages of ramen noodles.
[edit] In Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, the most popular instant noodles is Indomie brand with its various flavors. It's picked first from the shelves because of its international popularity and affordable price. It's referred to as "Lehulum Tesmami" meaning "Suitable For All" in Amharic language.
[edit] In Nigeria
In Nigeria, Indomie brand, made by De-United Foods manufacturer is the most popular instant noodles. In just over a decade in the Nigerian market, Indomie has had a remarkable impact on the Nigerian culinary landscape. It is eaten in most household across the country. [7]
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Japan votes noodle the tops. Retrieved on 2007-04-25. BBC News
- ^ From the International Ramen Manufacturers Association official website.
- ^ http://www.nalgenelabware.com/techdata/technical/phthalates.asp, http://tabemono.info/english/news/news116.html#1
- ^ Gotoh, N. et al. (2007). "Novel approach on the risk assessment of oxidized fats and oils for perspectives of food safety and quality. I. Oxidized fats and oils induces neurotoxicity relating pica behavior and hypoactivity". Food and Chemical Toxicology 44 (4): 493–498. Elsevier. doi:.
- ^ Gotoh, Naohiro et al. (2005). "New Sight on the Possibility of the Neurotoxic Behavior Affected by the Oxidized Compounds in Fats and Oils". Journal of Oleo Science 54 (7): 397–405.
- ^ Gotoh, Naohiro; Shun Wada1 (2005). "The importance of peroxide value in assessing food quality and food safety". Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society 83 (5): 473–474. Springer. doi:.
- ^ Indomie restates commitment to Nigeria.
[edit] References
- Instant Ramen's Homepage, by Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association
- (Japanese) The Momofuku Andō Instant Ramen Museum, by Nissin Food Products
[edit] External links
- Instant Noodle Review
- An E-Fu Noodles Recipe
- Instant Ramen Home Page (by the Japan Convenience Foods Industry Association)
- Instant Noodle Production Lines
- [6] Kevin Horton's page of assorted instant ramen and other noodles.
