Sales volume drops, and people are abandoned! Why are fewer and fewer people eating instant noodles?

Review expert: Wang Xuejiang, professor of pathophysiology and doctoral supervisor at Capital Medical University

On the same day, the topic #Why are instant noodles not selling well# became a hot topic.

Image source: Weibo screenshot

Some netizens said that with the advent of takeout, “there are so many alternative fast food products” that they gave up instant noodles; others said that “the delicious flavors were no longer available” and so on.

Once upon a time, instant noodles were the "savior" of countless young people's lives, bringing convenience and satisfaction when they were busy and hungry. However, the "glamorous" instant noodles have become a "faded star" nowadays. Why is this?

0 1Are instant noodles becoming less and less popular among young people?

From the perspective of long-term consumption trends, the fall out of favor of instant noodles is closely related to multiple factors, including the recovery of China's consumption environment, the increase in demand for takeout, and the reduction in the demand for stockpiling. As our daily dietary choices become more diverse, the diversion of the instant noodles market seems to be expected.

The rise of the food delivery economy

The rapid development of the food delivery industry has provided us with more diverse food choices. Now, you can wait for a delicious meal with just a click and online payment, which is even easier than making instant noodles. More importantly, online food delivery is obviously much better than instant noodles in terms of taste and quantity. In contrast, the appeal of instant noodles has gradually weakened. Instant noodles, which have always been known for their speed and convenience, have also met their rivals.

Do you order takeout every day and haven’t chosen instant noodles for a long time?

Rising prices of instant noodles

After the sales of instant noodles declined, they are constantly trying to make up for the loss - raising prices. In May this year, the news that "instant noodles are going to increase in price" has already become a hot search. Careful netizens will also find that the suggested retail price of some packaged noodles has increased from 2.8 yuan to 3 yuan, and the recommended retail price of barreled noodles has increased from 4.5 yuan to 5 yuan. However, this strategy has backfired and further reduced the appeal of instant noodles. How can instant noodles that are no longer cheap still be popular?

Increased health requirements

With the improvement of living standards and the enhancement of health awareness, young people pay more attention to balanced nutrition, safe raw materials, and less food additives when choosing food. Traditional instant noodles, as high-salt, high-fat, and low-nutrition foods, are increasingly incompatible with the healthy dietary needs of modern people. In recent years, health news about instant noodles has also challenged its position in the market.

0 2Are instant noodles really not nutritious?

Many people subconsciously think that instant noodles are completely devoid of nutrition, full of preservatives, and that the instant noodle bucket is poisonous... Is this true? In fact, instant noodles are also nutritious, but the nutritional ingredients are relatively simple. They can still provide us with protein, carbohydrates and fat, which are the three major nutrients necessary for generating energy and maintaining health.

In our daily diet, we can also reasonably combine the three major nutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fat, to eat healthily and in a balanced way.

Diverse and balanced food

Instant noodles contain staple food and vegetable packets, which can balance nutrition. Our daily diet should also include cereals and potatoes, vegetables and fruits, livestock, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, soybeans and nuts, etc. They are important components of a balanced diet. It is recommended to consume at least 12 kinds of food per day and more than 25 kinds per week.

Fish, poultry and meat, eat in moderation

Fish, poultry, eggs and lean meat can provide the high-quality protein needed by the human body, but some of them also contain high fat and cholesterol. Therefore, we need to eat them in moderation. Excessive consumption of smoked and pickled meats can increase the risk of tumors, so they should be eaten less. It is recommended to consume a total of 120-200 grams of fish, poultry, eggs and lean meat per day (40-75 grams of fish and shrimp, 40-75 grams of livestock and poultry meat, and 40-50 grams of eggs).

Less salt, less oil, light diet

Instant noodles are a food that is high in oil and salt and should indeed be eaten less. We also need to develop the habit of eating light food in our lives. When cooking dishes, the amount of oil, salt and sugar should be controlled: the daily cooking oil usage should be controlled within 25 grams; the daily salt usage should not exceed 5 grams; drink less sugary drinks. You can try to use natural seasonings such as pepper, star anise or other seasonings to increase the flavor.

With the continuous innovation and improvement of the food industry, instant noodles may attract more young consumers in the future by improving product quality, innovating flavors, expanding sales channels, etc. But don't eat instant noodles too often, don't forget the health tips!

References:

Popular Science China "What will happen to your body if you eat a pack of instant noodles every day? Eating this way is healthier →"

Health Times: "A slight change in eating habits can lead to longevity! Research has found that eating this way can extend your life by 6 years!"