Cup Noodles Replaces Styrofoam, Becomes Even More Convenient To Cook

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Cup Noodles might be the original instant ramen, but it’s still not simmering down when it comes to innovation. The Nissin Foods-owned brand is changing up the long-standing styrofoam cup with an all-new paper design, a significant transformation for the company since its introduction in the US back in 1973.

The packaging overhaul will apply to all flavors of Cup Noodles, with an even more eco-friendly twist. The new cup will be crafted from 40% recycled fiber, eliminating the need for a plastic wrap, and featuring a sleeve made entirely from 100% recycled paper.

Image via Nissin Foods / PR Newswire

Notably, the new packaging is entirely polystyrene-free.

As a fortuitous side effect of switching to paper, the ramen noodle soup in a cup is finally microwavable after 50 years. With the zappy new cooking method, it means you won’t need to fill the packaging with boiling water. 

Those who need a slurp pronto will be glad to know that the instant ramen is now slightly more instant too, with a quick heating time of just two minutes and 15 seconds, as opposed to the usual three minutes. 

“Since its invention more than 50 years ago, Cup Noodles has become a cultural mainstay and a staple in households around the world,” expresses Michael Price, president and CEO of Nissin Foods USA. “And while Cup Noodles will continue to have that same satisfying taste and iconic look, we continue to find ways to evolve the brand to support the current needs of our consumers, the environment and the world.

Price continues: “This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles and a key step in our environmental commitment.”

Coming in hot! The new eco-conscious instant noodle cups are slated to hit store shelves early in 2024.

[via The Takeout and People, images via various sources]