Instant noodles that never stop evolving

What is instant ramen? Instant noodle. For the Japanese, this affectionate name was born in 1958 (Showa 33).

When it was first released, chicken ramen was also called instant noodles or instant noodles. After that, instant Japanese-style noodles and instant European-style noodles also appeared, but instant noodles are still nicknamed instant noodles because Chinese noodles account for a large proportion of instant noodles and because they have been familiar with instant noodles for a long time. I'm calling with Whether it's just bag noodles or cup noodles is something different, the definition varies depending on the person.

According to the Daijirin, it is defined as follows: Ramen that has been commercialized so that it does not take time to cook. Instant noodle.
In the JAS standard (Japan Agricultural Standards), the definition of instant noodles is as follows.
(1) The main ingredient is wheat flour or buckwheat flour, and the one that enhances the elasticity and stickiness of the noodles
In addition, making noodles
(2) (1) with quick attachment
(3) Items from (1) to (2) with seasonings attached or seasoned with seasonings
(4) Foods that can be eaten with simple cooking
However, noodles made without using kansui are limited to those whose component starch is pregelatinized.

In other words, if it is ramen that can be easily made, it can be called instant ramen whether it is bag noodles or cup noodles.

Momofuku Ando, who was featured in a morning serial drama, was the originator of instant noodles. He is the creator of instant noodles and the founder of the current Nissin Foods.
At the age of 48, he created chicken ramen, the originator of instant noodles, and laid the foundation for a huge company. Chicken Ramen, which was launched in 1958, costs 35 yen per serving. At that time, the price of udon and soba eaten at the store was about 30 yen, and the price of Chinese noodles was about 40 yen. Instant noodles without ingredients were the same price. However, the seasoned instant noodles that ``just add hot water for 2 minutes'' were called ``magic ramen,'' and became a big hit, becoming established as a convenient meal during the period of rapid economic growth.

The power of instant noodles around the world

Nissin Foods was also the catalyst for the worldwide spread of instant noodles. Cup Noodles recorded an explosive hit. In 1973, it was released as "Cup O'Noodles" in the U.S. and gained popularity. Since then, Nissin Foods' business in the U.S. has continued to expand. It's approaching 50%.

Examples of initiatives related to instant noodles around the world    
 •    "Maruchan" evolved in Mexico    
 •     Sanyo Foods makes money in the Chinese market    
 •    Ace cook who made instant noodles take root in Vietnam    
 •    'Charmera' Myoseong Foods establishes a foothold in Korea
In addition to these, there are various other initiatives, and from the examples above, we are particularly interested in the SDGs goals of "zero hunger," "responsible consumption and production," "tackling climate change," and "prosperity on land." We can see that it is related to "Let's protect the

Future Food Instant Ramen

Instant noodles that can be eaten in space.
In July 2005 (Heisei 17), astronaut Soichi Noguchi boarded the space shuttle "Discovery" and was shown eating it. This is a space food ramen product jointly developed by Nissin Foods and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) called "Space Ram". Three bite-sized noodles, soup, and ingredients are enclosed in a soft airtight container. I'm here.
Even with hot water at a low temperature of 70°C, which is supplied as a safe range in the spacecraft, you can return and eat it in 5 minutes.

Ideal conditions for space food
・Can be stored for a long time
・As lightweight as possible
・No strong odors or odors
・Does not scatter
・Excellent nutritional value
- Does not deteriorate due to temperature changes or shocks
・No special cooking utensils required

Instant noodles seem to have just the right amount of elements for the food of the future.

Evolution of instant noodles to complete nutritional food

It was in 1996 that new health-conscious instant noodles began to appear, anticipating the rising health consciousness of the public. Various products have been developed, such as dietary fiber plus, salt cut, calorie down, collagen, and whole wheat noodles.
Recently, a dream-like product has also appeared that says, "You can take in 33 types of nutrients you need in just one meal." For modern people, it is difficult to manage their nutritional status, and they are concerned about labor and cost. Complete nutrition food that you can easily get "complete" "nutrition". I think this is one of the things that instant noodles will have a great deal to do with the food of the future.
In addition, it has a lot to do with the SDGs goal of "good health and well-being for all", and instant noodle manufacturers are paying close attention not only to deliciousness but also to health. I understand.


Therefore, in order to actually know the greatness of instant noodles, We sampled the "Complete Messi" and "Complete Messi Pork Spicy Rao" from Aru Nissin Foods and compiled it into a questionnaire.

Here is the content of the questionnaire.
Here are the survey results.

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