Consumption Behaviors and Factors Influencing Preferences for Instant Noodles: The Case of Turkiye

This study aims to examine the instant noodle consumption preferences, packaging expectations, and purchasing tendencies of consumers living in Türkiye, where convenience foods are increasingly popular. The research targeted 3,134 individuals aged between 18 and 44 from socio-economic groups including A, B, C1, and C2, reaching a sample of 700 participants who had purchased instant noodles within 2023. Data were collected through structured and detailed surveys, which were deepened with face-to-face interviews, and analyzed using frequency analysis, cross-tabulations, and other quantitative techniques with SPSS. The findings indicate that most participants prefer instant noodles for their convenience and affordability, with cup noodles being popular for ease of use. Vegetable, barbecue, and seafood flavors rank among the top choices, while there is a growing interest in low-sodium and high-nutrient noodle options. These results both enrich the academic literature and provide valuable insights for manufacturers to tailor product development strategies aligned with market demands.