SAN DIEGO, California— Cup Noodles, one of the world’s most popular, easy-to-make instant ramen brands will become microwaveable and not require boiling water come 2024.

In an article published last Friday, Nissin Foods USA said it will be phasing out the use of styrofoam for new paper cups which will make the easy cooking method possible.

“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,” said Michael Price, President and CEO of Nissin Foods USA.

“This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles and a key step in our environmental commitment,” he added.

The instant noodle brand has used styrofoam packaging for its products since it was first introduced in 1973.

In addition to the cup being made up of 40 per cent recycled fibre, the new cups will not need a plastic wrap. The new cup will feature a sleeve also made of 100 per cent recycled paper.

Nissin Foods USA, the parent company of Cup Noodles based in California, said the cup design change now removes the use of plastic from its entire portfolio company-wide.

The company added that when the new paper packaged product hits shelves in 2024, all flavours of the Cup Noodles brand will be available.

The announcement of the microwaveable packaging has been greeted with surprise by many people on social media who claimed that they had always been preparing the product in the microwave.

“Man We Been Microwaving Them Cups. I Never Knew U Couldn’t!” commented one person in response to a post by gossip site The Shade Room.

Added another: “We been doing that. This is news to the manufacturer.”