Global rice noodles market: The growing popularity of Asian cuisine has been playing a vital role in the growth of the market.

The global rice noodles market size was valued at USD 3.28 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 8.3 billion growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% from 2020 to 2027. The growing popularity of Asian cuisine has been playing a vital role in the growth of the market. Rice noodles have been gaining extreme popularity overseas. The availability of fresh, frozen and dried rice noodles in various shapes and excellent texture features make it suitable for people of different ages and ethnicities. The versatility of the item renders it compatible with a variety of ingredients, spices, and sauces, adding to its reputation. A significant factor benefitting the growth of the market is the fact that it does not contain wheat flour and thus makes it innately gluten-free, which makes it suitable for people with gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Rice noodles also provide a healthy alternative to yellow egg noodles and are thus preferred by vegan and vegetarians.

These products also form an excellent choice for people trying to lose or get control over their weight as these are filling and contain less than 100 calories per serving. The dried version is usually preferred over the pre-cooked versions as they contain oil to prevent the noodles from sticking. According to Meituan-Dianpings report released in 2017, over 600,000 Chinese fine dining restaurants have been witnessing remarkable growth overseas. Along with this, large and small eateries have served the Asian cuisine and included rice noodle dishes in their menu. Restaurants serving Cambodian, Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Lao, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines have also been recording growing demand for rice noodles domestically and overseas. The Asian cuisine, which was regarded as delicious but cheap fast food, has revolutionized its image, and today's diners can be seen considering it to be a highly valuable cuisine due to its complex taste, flavors, and health benefits.

Rice stick noodles accounted for a revenue share of more than 40.0% in 2020. The versatility of these products has led to their adaptation according to the regional taste of various countries. These products are used for preparing numerous dishes, including Ka Teu, char kway teow, Mohinga, Pancit Bihon, Bihun, Khao Poon, Asam Laksa, Khao Soi, and Banh cun. Products made from brown rice are also available and considered to be very healthy. These products contain bran and germ of the rice, which makes the noodle nutrient-rich.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets accounted for a revenue share of more than 45.0% in 2020. The availability of rice noodles in hypermarkets and supermarkets is driven by an increasing number of Asian immigrants across the globe. As these products are the staple of most Asian diets, their consumption has always been on the heavier side. The essential nature of the product makes it suitable for all hypermarkets and supermarkets.

Conventional rice noodles accounted for a share of more than 50.0% in 2020. These can be cooked with a large variety of ingredients, providing the freedom to shape the taste and flavor of the dish. As these products are simply dried or frozen noodles, they contain little to no preservatives, making it suitable for regular consumption without any other health-related side effects.

The rice noodles market is segmented on the basis of product, distribution channel, cooking method and region. By distribution channel, the market is divided into Hypermarkets & Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, and Online & D2C. By product, the market is divided into Vermicelli, Stick, Wide, Others. By cooking method, the market is divided into Instant, Conventional.

Asia Pacific held the largest share of 65.0% in 2020. Rice noodles are a part of the staple of Asian cuisine and are used for cooking a variety of dishes in the region. There is a strong demand for it across Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Popular dishes prepared using rice noodles include beef chow fun, nan gyi thohk, Pancit Luglug, Kwetiau goreng, Khao soi, and Banh hi.

North America is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market and will expand at a CAGR of 15.9% from 2020 to 2027. An increasing number of Asian restaurants and rising migration of the Asian population to Canada, the U.S., and Mexico are the major factors contributing to the growth of the regional market. The concept of instant rice noodles is also attracting a large number of Americans to try the product. The ease of preparation makes it a feasible diet alternative.

Key players are: Thai President Foods Public Company Limited; NONGSHIM CO. LTD.; TOYO SUISAN KAISHA, LTD.; Nasoya Foods USA, LLC; Nona Lim, LLC.; McCormick & Company, Inc.; Lotus Foods, Inc.; Annie Chuns, Inc.; Embridge Foods, Inc.; Natural Earth Products, Inc.