JAPAN’S 5-MINUTE COLD WATER CUP NOODLES SOLD OUT IN A WEEK
Nissin’s cold water Cup Noodles, which ban hot water, sold out their first supplies in about a week.
Nissin Foods launched a pair of the refrigerated-water-only cups, Spicy Kimchi and Chicken Salt Lemon, nationwide on July 20, 2026. The company said it was the first time in Cup Noodles brand history that a product prohibited hot water.
Nissin’s announcement slapped the cups with “冷水専用” (“for cold water only”) and “熱湯禁止” (“hot water prohibited”).
How the cold noodles work
The noodles use a patented process Nissin calls “Cold Rehydrate,” and the company said development took five years.
The instructions are simple: pour in water chilled in a refrigerator and wait five minutes. Nissin said the dedicated noodles turn springy and smooth, with no hot water or ice needed.
The company tied the rising popularity of cold menu items to record-breaking summer heat.
What’s in the cups
Spicy Kimchi has a broth built on chicken umami, with kimchi acidity and heat. Toppings include “mystery meat” (processed pork mince), kimchi, egg, green onion and sesame.
Chicken Salt Lemon goes lighter. Its broth is based on chicken, bonito and dried sardine umami with a lemon aroma, and Nissin described the flavor as clean and refreshing. The toppings are steamed chicken, egg, green onion and red bell pepper.
Nissin’s suggested retail price was 285 yen per cup before tax.
What happened next
Within about a week of launch, the first supplies were gone. The Straits Times and The Japan Times both reported the sellout on August 21, 2026.
Nissin had expected the initial supplies to last one to two months, according to both outlets. The company did not disclose sales figures.
Nissin also said it had heard from consumers that the cups could double as emergency food, since they do not require preparing hot water.
The company has not decided whether to increase production, sell the cups year-round or introduce more flavors.
“Nothing has been decided at this point. We will consider our next steps based on factors including the sales performance of this product,” a Nissin spokesperson told the Straits Times.
