A Japanese noodle manufacturer has launched the world's first canned ramen made with wheat noodles, marking a significant advancement in convenience food. The product, available at vending machines across Miyagi Prefecture and Mito City, promises restaurant-quality noodles in a shelf-stable can.
This new canned ramen, from Maruyama Seimen, stands out by using wheat noodles, a departure from the more common konjac-based instant noodles. The canned product includes a soy sauce-flavored broth, green onions, fermented bamboo shoots, and a slice of chashu pork. Priced at ¥500 (approximately $2.53 USD), the ready-to-eat ramen is anticipated to become a popular choice for ramen enthusiasts.
Japan's extensive network of vending machines makes the launch particularly significant. The country boasts a high density of vending machines, dispensing everything from drinks to clothing. While ramen vending machines have existed for decades, dispensing both instant and pre-cooked varieties, this canned wheat ramen represents a new level of convenience.
The creation of this product addresses a challenge in preserving wheat noodle texture during the canning process. This is a key advancement, as previous attempts yielded soggy noodles. Maruyama Seimen's innovation is expected to satisfy ramen purists who have long felt that konjac-based options lacked the desired chewiness and flavor profile of traditional wheat noodles.
The company, established in 1958, claims the canned ramen can be stored for up to three years, further enhancing its appeal for portability and long-term storage. The initial rollout at vending machines in two prefectures is a pilot project, with plans to expand nationwide.
