Sales of packet noodles have soared in recent months, prompted by viral TikTok trends marketing the products to a new audience.

Online supermarket Ocado has seen sales of instant noodles have increased by 50% year on year on Ocado’s website, while searches for ramen noodles have risen by 35%, reported the Guardian.

There has also been a shift in the type of noodles to gain popularity, with ramen noodles proving more in demand than other instant noodle brands like Pot Noodles and Super Noodles. This is seen by a jump in searches for shoppers looking for ingredients to ‘upgrade’ their instant meal.

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For example, at Ocado, chilli oil searches have risen by 48%, crispy onions have increased 27% and seaweed is up 20% in September this year, compared to the same period in 2023.

It is understood viral trends on social media platform TikTok is one of the reason behind the category’s sudden new rise in popularity, with social media users posting how to prepare the products with additional ingredients to “make them fancy”.

Ocado world foods buyer Jason Holt told the title: “When it comes to a budget-friendly quick-fix for dinner, you can’t get much better than packet noodles, but here, these have often been dismissed as a bit student-y and not very gourmet – I’m happy that’s starting to change.

“As the many TikTok fans will attest, the right toppings – like nori and chilli oil – can elevate even the humblest noodle bowl, adding texture, flavour and extra nutrients.”