How Cup Noodles Is Making Their Ramen Safe To Microwave

Past labels have warned customers about putting Cup Noodles in the microwave. Still, that method of cooking ramen products remains popular.

As a result, the international company is making changes to its packaging. Now, using the microwave to cook your noodles will be a much safer and eco-friendly option. Instead of being in a styrofoam cup, the noodles will be in a paper cup that can survive microwave use.

President and CEO of Nissin Food USA spoke about the upgrade in an Oct. 26 statement.

“Since its invention more than 50 years ago, Cup Noodles has become a cultural mainstay and a staple in households around the world. 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,” Michael Price said. “This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles and a key step in our environmental commitment.”

In a live poll by TODAY, out of 360-plus votes, 56 percent of readers agreed that they believed Cup Noodles were already microwaveable.

More About Cup Noodles’ Microwave-Friendly Packaging

According to Southern Living, the new packaging will be 40% recycled fiber and a sleeve made of 100% recycled paper. It will not feature plastic, and the upgrade applies to all Cup Noodles ramen products.

The standing microwave warning is usually printed on the cup and lid, reading “Do not microwave cup.” Customers following those cooking instructions were required to boil water before pouring it into the styrofoam cup. Then, the hot water had to sit for at least three minutes to cook the noodles.

When the new packaging is available in 2024, Cup Noodles lovers will be able to fill it with water and pop it in the microwave. Southern Living says the change will cut 40 seconds from the cooking time. Rather than three minutes, customers can expect the noodles to be ready after about two minutes and fifteen seconds in the microwave.

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Cup Noodles is joining the eco-friendly train alongside other major food companies. McDonald’s recently announced a packaging change for their McFlurry offerings, per TODAY.

The fast food chain plans to phase out its plastic McFlurry spoons. McDonald’s introduced the hollow, clear-colored spoon when their specialty dessert debuted in 1997.