Maggi 2-Minute Noodles is a tasty and convenient carbohydrate base which can be a part of a balanced meal by adding in recommended quantities of fresh ingredients in accordance with the quarter quarter half concept.
MALAYSIANS have been turning to fast and convenient meals due to their busy lifestyles with instant noodles being one of their main go-tos.
According to a study by Kantar, instant noodles is the eighth top dish in Malaysia. In fact, eight out of 10 Malaysians have Maggi instant noodles in their homes (Kantar Worldpanel).
It also revealed that 85% cooked more at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and 46% planned to continue in the new normal, with time- and financially-strapped mothers resorting to instant noodles to make quick and balanced meals at home.
According to Maggi business executive officer Geetha Balakrishna, more than 2.5 million bowls of Maggi are consumed in a day.
“Malaysians love Maggi instant noodles as it is affordable, tasty and quick to prepare. Fast and convenience foods have increased in popularity as they are easily accessible and can be effortlessly prepared by those who lead busy lifestyles with time constraints.
“Over the years, Maggi Kari Noodle has remained a much-loved and comfort staple for Malaysians. Maggi Kari has the unique curry taste and aroma that is so irresistible – made using a secret blend of spices, cooked to perfection,” she said.
What makes Maggi Kari special is in the preparation of its signature curry seasoning.
“Maggi Kari flavour is the most popular due to its unique aromatic spicy taste. Some of the secrets behind the delicious taste of the kari-flavoured Maggi 2-Minute Noodles are a selected blend of 12 spices to make its signature curry flavour – cumin, chilli, turmeric, clove, fenugreek, nutmeg, white pepper, cardamom, ginger, aniseeds, coriander seeds and paprika.
“(But) it is not just the spices but the method of preparation which creates the unique and delicious taste.
“The signature pecah minyak (slow-cooked until the oil separates) process brings out the flavours of the unique blend of spices, which creates the signature curry taste – just like how we make curry at home,” she said, adding that once cooked, the curry is then rested to mature for 72 hours with no artificial preservatives added.
What’s more, Maggi instant noodles are versatile enough whereby home cooks are able to add in their favourite ingredients or even make it a healthy and balanced meal.
According to Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad group corporate nutrition manager Wong Mei Ching, while there is a trend that Malaysians are opting for healthier lifestyles, the statistics are proving otherwise.
According to the National Health & Morbidity Survey (2019) by the National Institutes of Health under the Health Ministry, only one in five adults in Malaysia is aware of the healthy plate concept (visual guide to plan balanced meals using the quarter-quarter-half concept) and only 14% out of this group practise it daily.
“Healthy eating habits start at home. Parents are role models to demonstrate healthy eating habits and instil them in the younger generation.
“Even when time-strapped and having financial constraints, mothers can easily prepare a balanced meal for the family using available ingredients,” she said.
Wong added that the Malaysian Healthy Plate from the Health Ministry can be used as a practical visual guide to plan balanced meals based on the concept quarter-quarter-half or also known as suku suku separuh.
“This concept divides the plate into three sections that comprise a quarter of the plate filled with carbohydrate foods such as rice, noodles, bread or cereal, a quarter plate filled with protein foods such as egg, tofu, seafood, beans or legumes and half the plate of vegetables and fruits, which are good sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
“Maggi 2-Minute Noodles is a tasty and convenient carbohydrate base which can be a part of a balanced meal by adding in recommended quantities of fresh ingredients such as vegetables and protein in accordance with the quarter quarter half concept.
“Maggi noodles are made of 100% Australian wheat, which is a source of carbohydrate and protein,” Wong said
