Middle East And Africa Pasta And Noodles Market (2025 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Dried, Instant, Frozen/Canned), By Distribution Channel, By Country, And Segment Forecasts

Middle East & Africa pasta and noodles Market Summary

The Middle East & Africa pasta and noodles market size was estimated at USD 5,232.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7,038.4 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2030. The expansion of modern retail formats, the growing influence of Western food consumption patterns, and households seeking time-efficient meal solutions are key drivers of market growth.

The Middle East & Africa pasta & noodles industry is expanding due to rising urbanization and a gradual improvement in consumer spending power. Wheat remains a core dietary component in North Africa, reinforcing the demand for pasta in major markets such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco. Instant noodles also continue to gain traction, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, as convenient and affordable meal solutions.

Evolving product portfolios of key players further support market development. Instant noodle manufacturers are incorporating local flavors and halal-certified formulations to comply with regional dietary preferences, which enhances product acceptance in Gulf and Muslim-majority African markets. Retail infrastructure upgrades, such as the expansion of supermarket chains in high-density cities, have increased consumer access to packaged pasta and noodle products. Together, these structural and commercial dynamics indicate sustained market expansion aligned with shifting lifestyles and convenience-driven food choices across the region.

In October 2025, LuLu Retail expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of its 70th store, located in Taif. The launch underscores LuLu’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s retail development and supports the goals of Vision 2030 by fostering community engagement and creating employment opportunities.

Consumer Insights

In the Middle East, pasta and noodles are increasingly consumed by younger, urban households as part of everyday meals and convenience-driven eating habits. Urbanization, the expansion of modern retail trade, and rising disposable incomes are driving the growth of this market. The preference for pasta and noodles in the region is also bolstered by shifting meal occasions, working families, and young people seeking quicker and more affordable meal solutions, making dried pasta and instant noodles viable at scale.

Key factors contributing to the demand for pasta and noodles in Africa include rapid urbanization, growth of convenience retail formats, younger household heads, price sensitivity (making pasta/noodles a cost-effective staple), and the influence of globalized food habits. According to Glovo, a courier service provider, in 2023, pasta consumption in Kenya surged by 99% over the past year, with five pasta units delivered through their app every hour. Customer orders grew by 57.8% YoY, supported by a 72.3% rise in restaurants offering pasta.

Product Insights

The dried segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 46.2% in 2024. Consumption growth in the region is driven strongly by accelerating urbanization, expanding working-class households, and the rising adoption of Western and Asian cuisines across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and key African markets, such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. The availability of various dried formats, such as durum wheat pasta, vermicelli, and instant-style dried noodles, supports diverse culinary preferences ranging from traditional dishes to modern fusion meals.

The instant segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.1% from 2025 to 2030. Instant pasta and noodles are experiencing notable growth in demand in the Middle East & Africa due to increasing preference for quick, affordable, and flavorful meal solutions among young consumers, expatriate populations, and working households with busy lifestyles. The segment also benefits from strong distribution through hypermarkets, small neighborhood shops, and fast-growing online grocery platforms. The convenience of instant preparation, combined with expanding flavor portfolios tailored to regional tastes, such as spicy chicken, masala, and halal-certified options, is expected to contribute to consumer adoption.

In July 2025, in South Africa, Game introduced Great Value instant noodles in three flavors (Beef, Chicken, and Durban Curry), positioning them as the most affordable option. The growing demand for instant noodles, underpinned by rising household budget pressures and the preference for convenient meal options, continue to strengthen overall consumption.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 95.0% in 2024. Offline retail channels such as supermarkets and hypermarkets remain crucial for purchasing noodles and pasta, driven by consumers’ preference for product visibility, immediate availability, and the ability to physically compare a wide variety of brands, formats, and pack sizes. These outlets typically stock a diverse range of options, including dried pasta, fresh pasta, instant noodles, and flavored or fortified variants, catering to various culinary preferences and dietary needs. In October 2023, LuLu Group expanded its footprint in Kuwait with the opening of its 15th hypermarket, located in Hawally. The new hypermarket offers an extensive range of products, including groceries, fresh foods, household essentials, home furnishings, electronics, beauty and cosmetics, and delicatessen services.

The online segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.8% from 2025 to 2030. Online platforms are increasingly targeted by the players in the pasta and noodles category, especially in the Middle East & Africa, to attract consumers looking for quick and convenient delivery of food products. As consumers shift toward digital shopping and look for easy purchase and home delivery options, sales through online channels are expected to surge.

Country Insights

The pasta & noodles market in the Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest market revenue share in the Middle East & Africa in 2024. Rapid urbanization, a young and growing population, increasing disposable incomes, and a strong penetration of modern retail channels (such as supermarket and convenience store formats) are among the primary drivers boosting consumption. Instant noodles have gained traction due to their affordability, convenience, and versatility as a snack or quick meal. Health and wellness trends are also increasingly influencing the market, creating demand for protein-fortified, whole-grain, and halal-certified pasta and noodle formats to meet the evolving preferences of Saudi consumers.

The South Africa pasta & noodles market is anticipated to record at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. South Africa’s market is gaining momentum as rising dual-income households and exposure to global cuisines drive demand for traditional dried pasta and convenient instant formats. Retail modernization, expanding supermarket reach into township and suburban zones, and growing purchase of groceries through online channels support broader accessibility of packaged meals. 

Key Middle East & Africa Pasta And Noodles Company Insights

The presence of some large multinational companies characterizes the Middle East & Africa pasta & noodle industry.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025,Lemonilo, Indonesia’s leading healthy consumer food brand, expanded in Qatar by offering its popular instant noodle varieties Mi Goreng, Curry, Onion Chicken Soup, and Spicy Fire.

Middle East & Africa Pasta And Noodles Market Report Scope

Middle East & Africa Pasta And Noodles Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2030.For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Middle East & Africa pasta & noodles market report based on the product, distribution channel, and country.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • Dried

  • Instant

  • Frozen/Canned

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • Offline

  • Online

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2030)

  • South Africa

  • Saudi Arabia