"Does This Really Work?" Just Add Cold Water... Cup Noodles Sell Out in 68 Years' First Craze

Nissin Foods develops product after five years of research

Two flavors launched: Spicy Kimchi and Chicken Salt Lemon

The world’s first cold cup ramen, which can be prepared with cold water, has sold out just one week after its release in Japan, fueled by explosive popularity.

TikTok users are uploading videos reviewing cold cup ramen. TikTok screenshot

According to Bloomberg on August 21 (local time), Nissin Foods of Japan launched two varieties of “Cup Noodles to Enjoy Cold” in Japan on July 20. The initial supply, which was expected to last one or two months, sold out almost immediately. Though specific sales figures have not been disclosed, the product continues to be in short supply in the Japanese market.

The cold cup ramen was developed over five years. The price is 307 yen per cup, approximately 2,600 KRW. By pouring cold water and waiting just five minutes, it is ready to eat, directly targeting consumer demand for refreshing foods during the heat. The product is available in two flavors: spicy kimchi and chicken salt lemon.

Nissin explained, "We applied a new patented process that allows the noodles to remain smooth and firm even when prepared with cold water."

A YouTuber is pouring ice-cold water, cold enough to cause condensation, into a new cold cup ramen recently released by Japan's Nissin Foods. YouTube video capture @BenDeen

Nissin Foods was the first company in the world to launch instant ramen. In 1971, it also commercialized cup ramen for the first time. Ever since Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin, invented instant ramen in 1958, hot water has always been an essential part of the cooking process for the past 68 years.

Previously, cold noodle products also required cooking the noodles with hot water and then rinsing them in cold water. However, preparing noodles with only cold water is a first in the 68-year history of ramen.

Some products are designed to be cooled after cooking, similar to bibim ramen in Korea, but this is the first attempt in 68 years of ramen history to allow noodles to be fully cooked using only cold water.

With nearly half the market share in Japan’s instant ramen market, Nissin Foods has continuously introduced new products to stay ahead of competitors such as Toyo Suisan and Sanyo Foods.

Two types of cold cup noodles released by Japan's Nissin Foods. Official website of Nissin Foods

On social networking services (SNS) like TikTok and Instagram, YouTubers and influencers are uploading taste-test videos and sharing recipes that use soy milk or tea instead of water, fueling the product’s popularity.

The craze has spread overseas as well. At a limited, one-day sales event held at a store in Hong Kong, people lined up for tastings, creating a striking scene.

Additionally, the fact that neither hot water nor heating tools are needed makes the product attractive as an “emergency food” option in the event of a disaster.

A Nissin representative commented on potential permanent sales or new flavor additions: "Nothing has been decided yet. We will review our future plans after comprehensively considering the sales performance of this product."

Bloomberg reported on the product’s success, stating that “Nissin has created an entirely new category in the ramen industry.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.