By Arizona Asians Staff

Nissin Foods’ newest twist on one of Japan’s most recognizable convenience foods has become an instant hit. The company’s limited-edition cold-water Cup Noodles reportedly sold out in about one week, after initial supplies expected to last one to two months were quickly snapped up by customers.

The new product, called Hiyashi Cup Noodle, was launched in Japan on July 20, 2026, in two flavors: Spicy Kimchi and Chicken Salt Lemon. Unlike traditional instant noodles, these cups are designed to be made with cold water instead of boiling water. Customers add chilled water and wait five minutes.

Nissin’s official announcement described the launch as the first “cold-water only” Cup Noodle in the brand’s 55-year history. The company said the product was developed over five years using a patented “cold rehydrate” method that allows the noodles to soften properly in cold water.

The strong demand reflects changing consumer habits during Japan’s increasingly hot summers. Cold noodles are already popular in Japanese cuisine, but Nissin’s version brings that idea into the instant cup noodle category with a product that requires no stove, kettle or ice.

Social media also helped drive interest, with consumers sharing taste tests and creative variations, including using drinks other than water. The product’s convenience has also drawn attention from people who see possible use during travel, outdoor activities or emergencies when hot water may not be available.

For Nissin, the sellout shows how even a long-established food brand can generate excitement by rethinking a familiar product. Cup Noodles, first launched in 1971, has remained a major part of Japan’s food culture and has expanded globally over the decades.

The company has not announced whether the cold-water noodles will become a regular product, return in larger quantities or be released in additional flavors. For now, the rapid sellout suggests that Japan’s appetite for cooler, convenient summer foods remains strong.