#1 | Noodles Revolution in Latin America

MANE LATAM FLAVORS
1 day ago
1 min read

Once considered a simple convenience food, noodles have evolved into a dynamic and flavorful experience throughout Latin America. Consumers are embracing noodles not only for their practicality but also for their ability to deliver exciting flavors, comforting meals, and moments of indulgence—all while adapting to local tastes and trends.

NOODLES BY COUNTRY

USD 1.6 bi

Retail Value (2024)

• Affordable indulgence wins amid economic challenges (+8.4% CAGR 2019–2024).

• Customisation culture: mixing noodles with local ingredients.

USD 1.1 bi

Retail Value (2024)

• Booming spicy profiles: Habanero, Black Sauce, Birria flavors.

• Local love: Authentic Mexican street-food inspired noodles, like esquites corn flavor.

USD 44 mil

Retail Value (2024)

• Noodle is gaining popularity as a late-night, easy-to-prepare meal.

• Convenience and personalisation drive noodle consumption among Millennials and Gen Z.

USD 21.3 bi

Retail Value (2024)

LATAM 14.3%

Market value growth

• Chicken remains dominant, but exciting new flavors Black sauce, Hot & Spicy Beef) are on the rise.

CONSUMERS MOTIVATIONS

Low Price A practical solution for families facing food inflation and budget restrictions, especially in Brazil, where food takes up a large share of household income.

Convenience Quick preparation (just add hot water) fits the fast-paced routines of students, workers, and young adults looking for convenience.

Moments of Consumption Consumers enjoy the flexibility to eat noodles at home, at work, or on the go, making it suitable for both daily meals and snacks.

Diversity of Flavors From traditional chicken and beef to bold innovations like black sauce or regional recipes, flavor variety keeps the category exciting and relevant.

Flavor Trends to Watch

Hot & Spicy

Consumers love intense and spicy flavors — Habanero, Black Sauce, Hot Chicken.

International Flavors

Global inspirations such as Teriyaki, Korean BBQ, or creamy favorites like jalapeño Cheese, Carbonara, and Creamy Garlic.

Local Authenticity

Regional dishes like Mole de Olla, Pozole, and Caldo Tlalpeño, Brazilian Breakfast are inspiring new noodle concepts.

Limited Editions & Mystery

Consumers seek experiences like mystery flavors, collab editions.

Product Highlights: Innovation in Every Bowl


AJI-NO-MEN - COLOMBIA Ajinomoto Colombia, the Japanese company that owns Aji-no-men, launched a new 3-minute cup format with chicken and beef flavors, aimed at consumers who value convenience. "One in four Colombian households consumes Aji-no-men, which motivates us to continue innovating," says Simón Villegas, Marketing Manager.	Nissin - MEXICO 2 New Hot & Spicy flavors Habanero Lemon Black Sauce Lemon Mexican traditional spicy flavors	Nissin – MEXICO Birria Noodles offer a unique and flavorful twist on traditional instant noodle. These noodles are inspired by the rich and savory taste of birria, a traditional Mexican stew known for its deep, spicy flavors.

NISSIN – BRAZIL A fun and playful limited-edition release that surprises consumers with unexpected flavor blends. Each pack includes a “mystery seasoning,” challenging people to guess the ingredients as they eat. Available in black and white packaging, it turns a simple meal into an engaging tasting experience.	NISSIN – BRAZIL Brazilian Regional Flavor Inspired by traditional cuisine from Northeastern Brazil, this flavor features the comforting taste of cuscuz (cornmeal cake) with spicy calabresa sausage. A nostalgic and hearty option that captures authentic local flavors in a quick, 3-minute meal.	RAPIDITO - PERU Whether you're studying, working, or just because... a Rapidito® instant noodle is the perfect excuse to share a delicious moment in just 3 minutes, with Beef, Chicken, and Spicy Chicken flavors.