Latest news with #instantnoodles
The Guardian
12-08-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Australian supermarket instant chicken noodle taste test: the best tastes ‘legit cooked'
When I close my eyes and think of instant noodles, I'm brought back to afternoon tea at my grandparents' public housing flat. I imagine my yeye (grandfather) pouring the herbal pork bone broth my grandmother had made the previous night into the noodle-packed styrofoam cup. It was the ultimate comfort food. But for this taste test comfort wasn't the end goal. Instead I gathered 21 brands of instant chicken noodles that could satisfy hungry office workers on a deadline. The criteria: it needed to be a hot lunch you could make with only boiling water – and it needed to be quick. I served my colleagues a tasting menu of instant noodles at their desks. I only included cup noodles that were chicken flavoured – sorry, Indomie Mi Goreng, you will always have a place in my heart – and tasters were asked to rank the noodles based on aroma, texture and flavour. Instant noodles are really a blank canvas. It's what you add to them that makes them a meal – some eggs, maybe kimchi or fresh veg, even actual shredded chicken. My tasters had none of these add-ons, though some of the packets came with dehydrated herbs and vegetables. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Overall, we found that a delicious smell didn't equate to a delicious feed, and that mushroom is a divisive flavour. Nothing on this list was truly disgusting nor was anything a wonder for the taste buds – all the options were truly mid. Lian Pho Ga Vietnamese Style Instant Rice Noodles, 70g, $2.80 ($3.57 per 100g), available at major supermarkets Score: 7.6/10 Rice noodles aren't common in instant cup noodles but even at a restaurant pho is usually served fairly instantly so it stands to reason that it would translate well. While the instant pho broth was almost universally enjoyed by the testers, the rice noodles were sometimes too delicate, though some found them 'imminently slurpable'. As the images on the packaging suggest, it would be immensely improved by the usual suspects that are served with pho: onion, herbs and lemon. With those additions, it could be considered 'not from a cup' or 'legit cooked', according to our tasters. Choice Chicken Flavoured Noodle Cup, 70g, $1 ($1.41 per 100g), available from Aldi Score: 5.5/10 'Pretty average run-of-the-mill noodle,' wrote one tester, summing this one up well, as did another comment: 'Like a Justin Bieber song.' Some thought it was both 'salty and bland', though the sodium content was near the middle of the bunch. If you had only a single gold coin for lunch, this wouldn't be a sad way to spend it. Suimin Chicken Noodle Cup, 70g, $2.40 ($3.43 per 100g), available at major supermarkets Score: 7.2/10 This product was given full marks by a taster who described it as 'finger licking good'. He wasn't the only one to describe it that way. The taste and aroma of made it seem as though you were walking by a KFC, though a few commented that they thought it smelled like beef. Tasters who scored this one highly said they liked its smoky aromatic notes. Samyang Buldak Hot Chicken Flavour Ramen Cup, 70g, $2.50 ($3.57 per 100g), available at major supermarkets Score: 6.6/10 Famous for being spicy, this was a 'nostril and palate burner', according to reviewers. Overall, we found the spicier cups had thicker, chewier noodles, which divided our tasters, but they were all united in the burn left behind by the 'fire-engine-red soup'. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion Nissin Chicken Noodle Cup, 73g, $2.80 ($3.43 per 100g), available at major supermarkets Score: 6.3/10 No list about instant noodles is complete without Nissin. Its founder, Momofuku Ando, a Taiwanese Japanese businessman, invented the first modern instant noodles in 1958. So how does the OG stack up? Testers commented on its aroma, which comes in strong with wafts of umami, but they also wrote that it was 'missing punch'. This product had probably the most extras in the packet, including corn and carrot but that didn't boost its score. Kang Shi Fu Soup Noodle Mushroom Chicken Flavour, 104g, $1.99 ($1.91 per 100g), available at select grocers Score: 6/10 Mushroom is not a unifying flavour. Many found this one woody and earthy but whether those attributes were seen as positive really varied. Considering there is no chicken in this product it's unsurprising then that one person said it 'smells overwhelmingly like mushroom'. Yoodles Brown Rice Noodles Chicken Flavour, 70g, $2.30 ($3.29 per 100g), available at Woolworths Score: 5.7/10 'Inoffensive' is how one taster described this gluten-free and vegan option. It wasn't particularly loved by anyone, though one taster said it was 'like the ones mum used to make'. Like most rice noodles, these ones rehydrated quickly but, unless they were eaten just as fast, they disintegrated into the soup. Ve Wong Instant Noodle Chicken Sesame Flavour, 85g, $2.49 ($2.90 per 100g), available at select grocers Score: 5.6/10 The smell of the sesame oil made me hungry as I was preparing this one. It was one of the few that didn't include any dehydrated vegetables – not that any of our tasters noticed. It had a generous amount of fragrant oil and Chinese cooking wine, a divisive flavour among our tasters. One noted it 'smells and tastes like genuine chicken broth', which made some suspicious, but it was the texture of the noodles – too thin – that lost it marks from many of them. Nongshim Shin Ramyun Spicy Chicken Bowl, 114g, $3.75 ($3.29 per 100g), available at Woolworths and select grocers Score: 5.5/10 As spicy as it is divisive, Nongshim's cup is a staple in many pantries. Our bravest tasters said it was 'spicy but not debilitating', noting that it tasted a bit like the Mexican spice mix Tajin. Another said the spice: 'Blew my socks off.' While the quintessential chicken smell was there, not many could taste it. Sunrice Yum Asian Style Chicken Instant Noodles, 62g, $3 ($4.84 per 100g), available at major supermarkets Score: 4.3/10 The aroma of this cup received near universal approval but it fell over when it came to the eating. The noodles are gluten-free, vegetarian and organic, with one of the lowest sodium levels of the list, buttheir taste and texture underwhelmed our testers. The flavour was a pass for most, with one tester reminded 'oddly of soap and celery'. While other rice noodles we tested rehydrated quickly in boiling water, these took longer and even then it was 'like chewing pipe cleaners', according to one tester. Urban Eats Thai Style BBQ Chicken Noodle Bowl 6.4/10 Maggi 2 Minute Noodles Chicken 6.1/10 Fantastic Chicken Noodles Cup 6.1/10 Yum Yum Instant Noodles Chicken 6/10 Coles I'm Free From Gluten Free Brown Rice Noodle Cups Chicken 5.8/10 Nissin Chu Qian Yi Ding Chicken Bowl 5.5/10 Coles Chicken Instant Noodles 5.4/10 Suimin K Pow Korean-Style Spicy Noodles Flaming Cheesy Chicken 5.4/10 Simplee Instant Cup Chicken Noodles 5/10 Paldo Dosirac Instant Noodle Chicken Flavour 4.9/10 Fantastic Noodles Cup Gluten Free Chicken 4.9/10
South China Morning Post
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Want to lose weight? Quit instant noodles like Korean actress Kang So-ra
Korean actress Kang So-ra recently stunned fans by revealing that she had not eaten instant noodles in four years. Known for losing 20kg (44lbs) after giving birth, Kang has kept her diet tight and disciplined. Advertisement On a recent episode of MBC's variety show I'm Sunny Thank You, Kang joined fellow actresses Kim Bo-mi and Kim Min-young, along with comedian Lee Eun-ji, on a trip to Mount Beizi in Guangxi, China. The group enjoyed cup noodles at an altitude of 1,100 metres (3,600ft). When Kim Bo-mi mentioned that Kang had not eaten instant noodles in years, Kang replied, 'The last time was after my wedding, so it's been about four years.' Lee Eun-ji reacted in disbelief, asking how it was possible to avoid instant noodles for that long. 'I've never been a huge fan,' Kang replied, but her blissful expression at the smell of the noodles suggested otherwise, drawing laughter from viewers. Instant noodles are high in sodium, fat and calories. Photo: Shutterstock The average packet of instant noodles contains between 450 and 550 calories, largely from refined flour noodles and high-fat soup bases.
Associated Press
06-08-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Mi Sedaap Launches Refreshed Packaging for Original Fried Noodles Across U.S. Retail Channels
The brand introduces an updated packaging design to enhance shelf visibility, global appeal, and consumer convenience—without changing the iconic flavor. 'At Jans, we're proud to unveil the bold new look of Mi Sedaap Original Fried Noodles in the U.S.—a fresh design that reflects our commitment to quality, innovation, and unforgettable flavor.'— Anthony Kartawinata, Jans Enterprises Corp CEO LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2025 / / -- Mi Sedaap, one of Asia's most beloved and rapidly growing instant noodle brands, has officially launched a bold, modern redesign of its Original Fried Noodles (Mi Goreng) packaging. This transformation marks a significant milestone for the brand, which continues to expand its reach and appeal in the competitive U.S. instant noodle market. With the new look, Mi Sedaap seeks to strengthen its connection with international consumers while reinforcing its commitment to premium quality, authentic flavor, and consumer-focused innovation. The updated packaging reflects a modern aesthetic that enhances visibility, functionality, and shelf appeal, making it easier than ever for fans to spot their favorite fried noodle product. ⸻ A Visual Upgrade That Reflects Flavorful Excellence The relaunch features an eye-catching design that embraces bright colors, dynamic composition, and multilingual labeling to reflect Mi Sedaap's rich Indonesian heritage while appealing to an increasingly global audience. New features of the packaging include: - A cleaner, more intuitive information layout to simplify the shopping and cooking experience - Brighter color schemes that reflect the vibrancy of the Mi Goreng flavor profile - Multilingual branding that broadens global appeal - Prominently displayed Halal certification and 'Export Quality' badge for enhanced trust and credibility - A modernized product name and tagline 'Truly Delicious' in English for international recognition The packaging also features more vivid food photography to showcase the delicious texture and richness of the noodles. The visual presentation places less emphasis on heavy plating and instead highlights the freshness, flavor, and quality that consumers associate with Mi Sedaap. ⸻ Same Iconic Taste, Elevated Presentation Despite the updated look, the recipe remains unchanged. Consumers can still expect the same savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy fried noodle flavor that has made Mi Sedaap a household name. The seasoning oil, soy sauce, chili sauce, and crispy fried shallots remain the core of its taste appeal—delivering a balance of richness and comfort in every bite. Mi Sedaap Original Fried Noodles are cherished for their firm texture, umami-packed seasoning, and the satisfying 'bite' that mimics freshly cooked stir-fry. This flavor authenticity is a core reason why the product remains a top choice in homes, restaurants, and lunchrooms across Southeast Asia and beyond. With the new packaging, the brand enhances not only aesthetic appeal but also functionality—making it easier for consumers to understand cooking steps, ingredients, and flavor notes. For U.S. customers, particularly those new to Mi Goreng, the refreshed packaging provides a friendlier and more accessible first impression. ⸻ A Strategic Evolution: Bridging Heritage and Innovation Mi Sedaap's decision to update its visual identity aligns with broader efforts to respond to modern consumer expectations around branding, storytelling, and transparency. The packaging is not merely cosmetic; it reflects a thoughtful evolution in how the brand positions itself in an increasingly design-conscious marketplace. Since its inception in 2003 under Indonesia's Wings Group, Mi Sedaap has positioned itself as a challenger brand—offering premium flavor and high-quality products at a competitive price point. Over the years, it has consistently innovated across its portfolio, including the introduction of spicy, onion-rich, and Korean-inspired varieties that reflect emerging flavor trends. The new packaging reflects these values and more: freshness, boldness, global accessibility, and a deep respect for Mi Sedaap's loyal consumer base. It communicates not only what's inside the pack but also what the brand stands for—flavor integrity, product safety, and innovation-led growth. ⸻ Growing U.S. Market Presence via Jans Enterprises Corp In the U.S., Mi Sedaap is distributed under the trusted Jans Enterprises Corp brand family, helping accelerate its entry into mainstream American grocery channels while maintaining authenticity and quality. With increasing consumer demand for global flavors, especially Southeast Asian and Korean-style noodles, the timing is ideal. Mi Sedaap's new look will help the product stand out in key retail and online environments—from Asian grocery stores like 99 Ranch Market and H Mart, to major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and TikTok Shop. The packaging update also comes at a time when more U.S. consumers are exploring at-home international cuisine experiences, driven by social media trends and a growing appetite for Asian comfort food. From college students and busy professionals to culinary explorers, Mi Goreng is gaining momentum across demographics. The brand's decision to focus on packaging evolution positions it to reach new customers while staying true to its roots. ⸻ Retail Availability and Rollout Timeline The new packaging for Mi Sedaap Original Fried Noodles began rolling out in the U.S. in March 2025. Consumers can expect full nationwide availability by Q4 2025 across multiple channels. Mi Sedaap Original Fried Noodles are now available via: Mi Sedaap USA Official Website Jans Amazon Store and TikTok Shop (@misedaap_usa) Select retailers and Asian grocery chains including 99 Ranch Market, H Mart, and independent outlets nationwide As Mi Sedaap continues to scale in the U.S., the relaunch will be supported by marketing activations across social media, influencer partnerships, and retail promotions that emphasize its bold new identity and rich taste heritage. ⸻ Looking Ahead: Mi Sedaap's Flavor-Forward Future Mi Sedaap's packaging relaunch is part of a larger strategy to solidify its position as a leader in the global instant noodle market. As food trends shift toward bold flavors, authenticity, and transparency, Mi Sedaap remains focused on exceeding expectations. Whether you're a loyal customer or a first-time buyer, the new look promises a more engaging, clear, and delicious instant noodle experience—from shelf to bowl. Consumers in the U.S. can now enjoy Mi Goreng the way it was meant to be: with confidence in its quality, clarity in its presentation, and pride in a brand that continues to redefine the category with every slurp. Jans Enterprise Corp. Jans Enterprise Corp. +1 626-575-2000 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Worrying impact of common ingredient in $2 snack loved by Aussies
Instant noodles are a popular snack food in Australia and around the world, with approximately 100 billion serves consumed each year. But experts are warning about one key ingredient that is not only bad for your body, its production is having a disturbing impact on the planet. A staggering 10 to 20 per cent of the volume of most instant noodles brands is palm oil, which is used in the process of flash-frying. To satisfy our hunger for this single ingredient, over the last 60 years, old-growth forests across South East Asia and the Pacific have been bulldozed and burned at an unprecedented rate to make way for plantations to grow the crop. The product, which is often disguised on ingredients lists as vegetable oil or palm kernel, has also been linked to human rights and worker abuses, as well as air pollution. Around 50 per cent of packaged foods and 70 per cent of cosmetics and soaps are estimated to contain it, but instant noodles contain more palm oil by weight than any other product on the market. In Australia, they're particularly popular with students and anyone else struggling with the cost of living, and brands like NongShim are so cheap, you can buy a pack for less than $2 at Coles or Woolworths. Sustainability experts aren't trying to stop people buying them, they're just trying to change the way they're produced. And they think consumer pressure is important. Related: 🥫 Popular grocery items linked to image of orangutan cruelty Are forests still being destroyed for palm oil? Greenpeace's team in Indonesia argues that instant noodles 'have their place' but the palm oil production industry 'needs to do much better.' 'Clearing for oil palm plantations has been the largest single cause of deforestation in Indonesia since the turn of the century,' its global head of Indonesia's forest campaign, Kiki Taufik, told Yahoo News from Jakarta. Greenpeace analysis shows how problematic its production is, with illegal oil palm plantations in Indonesia occupying 183,687 hectares of land previously mapped as orangutan habitat, and 148,839 hectares of Sumatran tiger habitat. Over 30 per cent of Borneo's forest was destroyed between the early 1970s and the mid-2010s, with palm oil production a major driver. Deforestation for palm oil production is believed to have peaked in the late 2000s. And while that's good news, a major front of concern is rapidly emerging. 'A worrying new deforestation hotspot is West Papua — the island of New Guinea has the greatest plant diversity in the world and plays a major role in protecting the global climate. Companies are grabbing Indigenous Peoples' forest land there, not only for palm oil, but also for sugar plantations,' Taufik said. What consumers don't realise is that if they take a flight from say, Singapore to Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta, they will see a green cover before you're landing, and that's not forest, it's monoculture crops. If you replace tropical forest with monoculture, the biggest ones who suffer is the Seth, WWF Are all instant noodle brands the same? The world's top five manufacturers of instant noodles are Nissin from Japan, Indofood from Indonesia, Master Kong from Taiwan, Nestle from Switzerland, and Otoki and NongShim from South Korea. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is concerned that only two of these brands, Nissin and Nestle, are 'transparently reporting' what percentage of palm oil in their instant noodles is certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a group it helped set up to reduce the environmental harm caused by farming of the product, and help consumers avoid products linked to recent deforestation. WWF Singapore's Kamal Seth, the organisation's global palm oil lead, argues that using RSPO-certified oil would cost shoppers very little. 'As an example, let's say a cup noodle costs one dollar, the price would become one dollar and one cent at the consumer level,' he told Yahoo. 'The issue is that consumers are not even aware that their instant noodles contain palm oil. If they were made aware, they would be willing to pay one cent extra, provided the company is telling them they're buying sustainably.' While the RSPO certification scheme has been plagued by multiple controversies about its effectiveness, both Greenpeace and WWF argue it's the 'best option' right now, and consumers should look for it on packaging. 'Besides RSPO, there is no other global independent mechanism that is more credible… We continue to back it because we want RSPO to become even more effective than what it is right now,' Seth said. Other names for palm oil Here are just five ingredients that are often derived from palm oil, although there are dozens more. Glyceryl Sodium laureth sulphate Stearic acid Palm fruit oil Palmate Who eats the most instant noodles? Seth doesn't think demand for instant noodles will decrease because they are affordable, and important to the food security of millions of people. Seth's focus is on reforming the sustainability of production in the world's largest instant noodle markets which are in China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and India. And increasingly, he doesn't think the middle-class populations of these countries would mind paying slightly more for an assurance that their noodles aren't destroying the habitat of tigers, elephants, orangutans and rhinos. Noodle companies respond to palm oil concerns Responding to questions from Yahoo, Nestle said in 2024, 100 per cent of its palm oil was RSPO-certified, or from 'equivalent' sources. 'For more than 10 years, we have been using a combination of tools, including supply chain mapping, certification, satellite monitoring and on-the-ground assessments, to assess and address deforestation risks in our supply chains and improve our understanding of human rights and land rights risks,' it said. Incredible phone footage leads to rediscovery of lost species Australia called out for 'failing' two rare species Travellers warned of hidden health risk on popular holiday island Indofood, which makes the popular Indomie brand, said it takes its 'environmental responsibilities very seriously' and that its palm oil is accredited by Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), a mandatory accreditation scheme introduced by the government. It was keen to note changes in its production, claiming that 89 per cent of its oil palm estates were certified as sustainable under the ISPO scheme. It said it was committed to no degradation of forest deemed to have High Conservation Value — home to threatened species, Indigenous populations, or riparian zones — and it was not destroying primary forests, also known as old-growth forests. To prevent this from occurring, it places warning signs and boundary pits around them and conducts patrols. Nissin, Master Kong, Otoki and NongShim did not immediately respond to questions from Yahoo. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
CNA
11-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: Why Samyang Buldak instant noodles is an US$8 billion tariff-proof brand
HONG KONG: When it comes to instant noodles, there's no Korean discount. Only a Korean premium. Samyang Foods, the manufacturer of Buldak ramen, has gained 93 per cent this year. Trading at 26 times forward earnings, it boasts US$8.1 billion market cap, as much as bigger rivals Japan's Nissin Foods and Korea's Nongshim combined. This rally has also made chief executive Kim Jung-soo, who married into a conglomerate family and turned around the instant noodle company after it declared bankruptcy in the late 1990s, a rare billionaire in her own right in the country's male-dominated business world. Buldak, which translates to 'fire chicken' in Korean, is not for the fainthearted. With its debut in 2012, Samyang introduced a level of spice previously unseen in the instant ramen market. It has roughly the same heat level as jalapeno peppers. Last year, Denmark briefly recalled the fiery ramen for being too spicy. SOCIAL MEDIA FASCINATION Perhaps because of its 'seriously extreme spice,' Buldak has become an object of fascination for social media influencers who might enjoy truth-or-dare antics. The carbonara version, in particular, resembles the boxed macaroni and cheese Americans grew up with – with a kick. In May, the number of TikTok hashtags related to Buldak surged 250 per cent from last year, according to CLSA, a brokerage. The keyword leaps up on Google trends, too. As these ramen packs go viral online, they fly off supermarket shelves. In the first quarter, revenue in the United States jumped 20 per cent quarter-on-quarter, even as sales at Walmart declined slightly due to a Buldak Carbonara shortage. This is nonetheless music to investors' ears: Unrequited love can be a beautiful thing. Upon the completion of a second plant in Miryang in June, Samyang will soon be able to ramp up shipments to major distributors including Costco. By 2030, Samyang's market share in the US could double from 8.1 per cent in 2024, according to CLSA estimates. PARALLELS WITH POP MART AND LABUBU In many ways, there are parallels between Samyang and China's Pop Mart, the maker of Labubu, an elf-like plush toy that has become a global sensation. With US$45 billion market cap, the toy maker is worth more than twice as much as Sanrio and Mattel combined, owners of long-time favourites Hello Kitty and Barbie. These products are not for everyone. With pointy ears and nine serrated teeth, Labubu has a weird look, which only some consumers find cute, while others scratch their head and puzzle over its stardom. Existing outside the mainstream, both generate conversation and attract eyeballs. They are designed to go viral. Investors are also betting that unlike older generations, young Americans have the adventurous spirit for something different. These days, people are getting hooked on Korean specialty grocery chain H Mart, quite a cultural shift considering cucumbers were a new vegetable for the McDonald's US menu just over a decade ago. And the youth are friendlier to China than their parents. IShowSpeed, a streamer with 38 million followers, certainly enjoyed Chinese cars and robots during his two-week trip in the spring. TARIFF-PROOF BRANDS As for US President Donald Trump's trade policies? Investors are not at all worried, seeing that both brands are tariff-proof. In the US, eating out has become an expensive endeavour. A meal at a fast-food restaurant can easily set you back US$10. Instead, staying at home with a bowl of Buldak ramen, which will cost just over US$2 even with the incremental 25 per cent duty Trump plans to impose on South Korean products, can be equally satisfying. As for Labubu, good luck getting your hands on them at all. They are sold out at Pop Mart's retail stores worldwide. In a year's time, Gen Z and influencers might have moved on to something different. But for now, investors are happy to reward Samyang and Pop Mart with outsized valuation premium. They know that despite Trump's protectionism, young people are interested in exotic tastes and aesthetics, and that's worth billions.
