Often instant noodles are perceived as unhealthy due to its high salt, sugar, and artificial flavoring contents, and the use of wheat flour which is often associated with high glycemix index.
However, a manufacturer from Guangxi province, Guangxi Global Tradelink Tech Co., Ltd (Guangxi GTT), which specialises in functional and healthy snack foods, seeks to make a difference with its ‘Instant Chicken Soup Vegetable with Canna Vermicelli’, officially launched in May just after the product debuted during FHA Food & Beverage 2025 exhibition.
This new product will be marketed at S$2.99 (US$2.33) in a convenient cup packaging format containing 35g of vermicelli and 30g of chicken soup concentrate and 7g vegetable. It has a shelf life of 12 months.
According to Hyde Lan, General Manager of Guangxi GTT, “Unlike conventional instant noodles, our product utilizes canna root vermicelli, which is gluten-free and rich in dietary fiber. The chicken soup base is crafted from natural ingredients without artificial additives, offering a healthier and more authentic taste experience.”
Briefly, the new product stands out from other traditional instant noodles due to the following:
- Lower Caloric Content: Unlike fried instant noodles, which can contain up to 20g of oil per 100g, our non-fried canna root vermicelli has less than 5g of oil per 100g, resulting in a significantly lower fat content and overall caloric intake .
- Superior Texture: Canna root vermicelli maintains its delicate, smooth, and elastic texture even after prolonged soaking, unlike rice noodles and sweet potato noodles, which can become mushy or overly soft when left in liquid for extended periods.
- Enhanced Digestibility: Studies have shown that non-fried instant noodles, such as our canna root vermicelli, have a higher degree of starch gelatinization and a more favorable glycemix index compared to their fried counterparts, offering better nutritional benefits.
In Guangxi, China, ‘Canna lily’ or ‘Canna root’ has not only been a staple food source but also a significant element of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. The cultivation of Canna edulis in Guangxi dates back several centuries. In Guangxi, canna root, also known locally as ‘han ou’ has been a versatile ingredient in traditional cuisine, consumed through various methods such as steaming, boiling, stir-frying, and most notably, processing it into vermicelli. Canna root vermicelli is particularly cherished for its smooth texture and remarkable elasticity, making it a staple in local households.
The new ‘Chicken Soup with Canna Vermicelli’ is the revival of the rich heritage into modern consumer product which can appeal to the current generation, especially health conscious consumers between the age of 25 to 45 who seek convenient yet nutritious meal options. The product also appeals to consumers with gluten sensitivities.
The company is planning to expand its distribution of the new product across key ASEAN markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand within the next 12 months. Currently, we are in advanced discussions with potential local partners to ensure a smooth and successful market entry. The company hopes to see its product at NTUC Fairprice supermarket, Singapore’s leading grocery retail chain by July this year. It is also on track to enter the Malaysian convenience store segment by end of June.
