Recent months have seen a significant increase in instant noodles sales, driven by TikTok trends.
- Online retailer Ocado reports a 50% year-on-year sales increase for instant noodles.
- Searches for ramen noodles have outpaced those for other popular brands like Pot Noodles.
- There’s a growing trend of consumers upgrading their instant meals with additional ingredients.
- Social media has played a pivotal role in redefining instant noodles as a gourmet option.
Sales of instant noodles have experienced a remarkable rise in popularity, largely attributed to viral trends on TikTok. The online supermarket Ocado has observed a 50% increase in year-on-year sales for these products, illustrating a growing interest among consumers.
The demand for ramen noodles specifically has seen a significant surge compared to other brands such as Pot Noodles and Super Noodles. This shift is evident from the increased online searches for ramen products, indicating a preference change among consumers.
Consumers are increasingly seeking to enhance their instant meals by adding various ingredients. At Ocado, there has been a noticeable rise in searches for items such as chilli oil, crispy onions, and seaweed, reflecting this trend towards upgrading simple meals.
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have played a crucial role in this transformation. Users share creative ways to prepare instant noodles, turning them into more gourmet and appealing meals with added textures and flavours.
Ocado’s representative, Jason Holt, stated that traditional perceptions of packet noodles are evolving. He commented that with the right toppings, even basic noodles can be transformed into a nutritional and flavourful dish, marking a shift from their stereotype as merely a budget-friendly student food.
The influence of social media, particularly TikTok, has significantly altered consumer perceptions and sales of instant noodles.
