“Can I ship instant noodles with meat sauce to the USA?” “Is it possible to ship liquids like herbal tea without them exploding?”
These are the two most common questions we get from Asian grocery store owners in the US. The answer is YES, but only if you have the right packaging and FDA compliance strategy.
In this case study, we will share how VoltFreight successfully helped a client in California import 500 cartons of Wang Lao Ji (王老吉) and Master Kong (Kang Shi Fu) Instant Noodles safely and legally.
The Challenge: Liquids & “Meat” Ingredients
Shipping food is already hard. Shipping liquids and instant noodles is even harder.
1. The “Liquid” Risk (Wang Lao Ji)
As you saw in the Google search results for “Shipping liquids from China to USA”, many couriers refuse to take liquids. Why? Because aluminum cans (like Wang Lao Ji) are heavy and can easily burst under pressure during air freight or rough sea handling.
2. The “Meat” Risk (Master Kong Noodles)
One of the most popular searches is: “Do I have to declare instant noodles?” The answer is yes. Master Kong (Kang Shi Fu) Braised Beef Noodles contain sauce packets that look like meat to customs X-ray machines. If you don’t file the FDA Prior Notice correctly, US Customs will seize the entire shipment.
The VoltFreight Solution
Our client needed these goods for the Lunar New Year rush. They couldn’t afford a delay. Here is how we handled it:
Step 1: FDA & HS Code Compliance
We didn’t just label the box “Noodles.” We used the specific HS Code for instant noodles and filed the FDA Prior Notice detailedly.
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For Master Kong: We declared the ingredients accurately to prove they met USDA standards for processed food.
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For Wang Lao Ji: We registered the shipment as “Herbal Tea Beverage” to ensure smooth clearance.
Step 2: Strategic Packaging for Liquids (Real Warehouse Photos)
Shipping liquids requires stability. As you can see in our loading photo below, stability is key.
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We placed the heavy Wang Lao Ji cartons at the bottom of the pallet.
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We used corner guards and plastic wrap to ensure the cans wouldn’t shift or get crushed.
Step 3: Secure Consolidation & Standard Export Packaging
For the lighter boxes of Kang Shi Fu Instant Noodles, we stacked them on top of the heavy liquids. Finally, we wrapped the entire shipment in waterproof woven bags (as shown above) to prevent moisture from damaging the paper cartons during the sea voyage.
Finally, as shown above, we ensured the entire shipment was packed into high-quality, standard export cardboard cartons. This professional packaging protects the retail boxes inside from getting crushed or damaged during the sea voyage, ensuring they arrive ready for supermarket shelves.
The Result: 0% Damage, 100% Cleared
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Shipping Method: DDP Sea Freight (Matson Express)
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Transit Time: 18 Days (China to California Door-to-Door)
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Cost Savings: The client saved 40% compared to standard air freight by mixing heavy liquids with light noodles in one consolidated shipment.
Most importantly, the goods cleared US Customs in just 24 hours because our FDA paperwork was flawless.
FAQ: Common Questions About Shipping Food
Q: Is it legal to mail food internationally to the USA?
A: Yes, it is fully legal for business purposes as long as you have FDA registration. We handle this for you.
Q: Can I ship snacks to the USA if they contain meat flavoring?
A: Yes, but “real meat” (chunks of beef/chicken) is restricted. Processed sauce packets (like in Master Kong noodles) are usually allowed if declared correctly.
Ready to Import Your Favorite Snacks?
Don’t let customs fear stop your business. Whether you are shipping Master Kong noodles, Wang Lao Ji, or other snacks, VoltFreight has the experience to get it there safely.
Get a Free Quote Today:
👉 Click the WhatsApp button to chat with us. Send us a photo of your product, and we will tell you the best way to ship it!