Nissin launches first cold‑water only Cup Noodles in Japan

Nissin Food Co. introduced two new "cold‑water only" Cup Noodles varieties on 20 July: a spicy kimchi flavor and a chicken‑lemon flavor. Both are sold for ¥285‑¥307 (tax‑included) and are packaged in plastic cups that prominently display the warning “no hot water”.

The products use a patented "cold‑rehydration" method developed over five years, allowing the noodles to fully reconstitute after five minutes in chilled water (5‑10 °C) without hot water. Reviewers noted that the noodles retain a firm, springy texture and that the flavors – a robust kimchi broth and a crisp lemon‑infused chicken stock – remain vivid despite being served cold. The packaging also highlights a shorter shelf life of five months compared with the standard six‑month Cup Noodles.

The launch marks the first time the 55‑year‑old Cup Noodles brand has issued a product that explicitly prohibits hot water, positioning it as a summer‑ready convenience food for situations where heating is unavailable.