Russian consumers show a clear preference for three flavors in popular instant noodles: chicken, beef, and mushroom. A study conducted by analysts from X5 Retail Group and released to Gazeta.ru for publication confirms these rankings. The findings reflect how households reach for quick, satisfying meals that require little time in the kitchen, especially in busy urban weeks. The data point to flavor familiarity and affordability as the main drivers, with chicken taking the lead and beef and mushrooms close behind in national demand. Across regions, shoppers favor familiar profiles that pair well with everyday meals, making these three flavors the steady backbone of the segment.
Last year the highest volumes of noodles and rapid‑preparation soups were recorded in Moscow, with about 50 million packages sold; St. Petersburg followed with roughly 21 million; the Krasnodar region tallied about 23 million; and Tatarstan around 20 million. These figures illustrate how major cities power demand for convenient dinner options, while regional markets demonstrate a consistent appetite for easy, affordable meals. For many households, a quick noodle cup or a fast soup is an essential go‑to after work, a reliable solution that blends flavor with speed.
The study also shows the flavor mix within X5 Retail Group’s network in 2024: chicken noodles total about 270 million units sold, beef about 158 million, and mushrooms around 10 million. In other words, chicken remains the dominant choice across the network, beef holds a strong secondary position, and mushrooms maintain a steady, smaller presence. The trend aligns with a broader preference for protein‑rich, filling options that satisfy hunger quickly, even in a market where price sensitivity remains high but there is room for variety.
Looking at year‑over‑year changes, 2023 saw a notable surge in demand, while 2024 brought a sharp drop, with sales estimated to be down roughly 90 percent from the previous year. At the same time, analysts noted rising interest in higher‑priced noodle products, with items priced above 150 rubles gaining traction among value‑conscious shoppers who also seek quality and portion size. This pattern points to a market balancing affordability with interest in premium options that offer more substantial meals.
Demand for ready‑to‑eat soups climbed 88 percent on an annual basis. The Krasnodar region, along with Novosibirsk, Omsk, and Rostov regions, emerged as the top markets for these dinners, where households often choose quick meals that combine convenience with comfort. In addition, the research highlights recommended recipes for healthy dishes suitable during fasting periods, providing practical guidance for consumers who want to maintain nutrition while keeping preparation simple.