Nissin Ramen is a globally recognized instant noodle brand and product family developed by Nissin Foods. Founded in Japan, the brand is widely credited with revolutionizing the way people consume noodles through the invention of the world’s first instant ramen. Today, Nissin products are sold in more than 100 countries and territories, making the company one of the world’s largest and most influential instant noodle manufacturers. [1]

• Brand: Nissin Ramen (part of Nissin Foods)

• Company: Nissin Foods

• Founded: 1948 (company)

• First Instant Ramen: 1958

• Founder: Momofuku Ando

• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

• Industry: Food Manufacturing

• Products: Instant noodles, cup noodles, ramen, soups, frozen foods, snacks, beverages

• Availability: Over 100 countries and territories [1]

Nissin Foods was established in 1948 by Momofuku Ando, a Taiwanese-born Japanese entrepreneur. Following World War II, Japan faced severe food shortages, and Ando sought to create a nutritious, affordable, and convenient meal that anyone could prepare quickly.

After months of experimentation, he invented Chicken Ramen, which was introduced on August 25, 1958. It became the world’s first instant noodle product and marked the beginning of the modern instant noodle industry. The innovation used a flash-frying method that allowed dried noodles to be rehydrated with hot water in just a few minutes. [1]

Nissin continued to innovate after the success of Chicken Ramen.

Major milestones include:

• 1958: Launch of Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant noodles.

• 1968: Introduction of Demae Iccho, one of Nissin’s most successful ramen brands.

• 1971: Launch of Cup Noodles, the world’s first instant noodles packaged in a disposable cup.

• 1970s onward: Expansion into North America, Europe, and Asia through manufacturing facilities and local subsidiaries.

• Present: Development of premium ramen, healthier formulations, plant-based products, and region-specific flavors. [2]

Nissin Foods owns numerous instant noodle brands worldwide, including:

• Chicken Ramen

• Cup Noodles

• Top Ramen

• Demae Iccho

• Raoh

• UFO Yakisoba

• Donbei

• Nissin Yakisoba

• Seafood Noodles

Many of these products are adapted with local flavors to suit regional tastes while maintaining the brand’s core identity. [1]

Nissin produces a broad range of convenience foods, including:

• Instant ramen packs

• Cup noodles

• Bowl noodles

• Premium ramen

• Yakisoba

• Udon

• Rice noodles

• Frozen noodles

• Ready-to-eat meals

• Soups and broths

The company also offers vegetarian, reduced-sodium, and plant-based options in selected markets. [1]

Nissin has manufacturing plants and regional operations across:

• Japan

• United States

• China

• Hong Kong

• Singapore

• Thailand

• India

• Brazil

• Mexico

• Germany

• Hungary

• Netherlands

• United Kingdom

• Philippines

• Australia

Its products are distributed through supermarkets, convenience stores, wholesalers, and online retailers worldwide. [1]

Nissin’s corporate philosophy centers on innovation in food, convenience, and improving everyday life. The company often summarizes its mission as creating new food cultures through technology and creativity. Its founder, Momofuku Ando, believed that “Peace will come to the world when the people have enough to eat,” a principle that continues to influence the company’s direction. [1]

Nissin’s invention of instant noodles transformed the global food industry. Instant ramen has become one of the world’s most popular convenience foods, with billions of servings consumed annually. Products such as Cup Noodles and Chicken Ramen have become cultural icons, appearing in films, television, video games, museums, and collaborations with fashion and entertainment brands. [1]

Nissin Foods is widely recognized as:

• Inventor of the world’s first instant noodles.

• Creator of the world’s first cup-style instant noodles.

• One of the largest instant noodle manufacturers globally.

• A pioneer in convenience food innovation. [2]

More than six decades after the launch of Chicken Ramen, Nissin remains a leader in the global instant noodle industry. Through continuous product development, international expansion, and a focus on convenience and quality, the company has maintained its position as one of the most recognizable food brands in the world. Its innovations have shaped eating habits across generations and established instant ramen as a staple food for millions of consumers. [1]

1. About NISSIN | NISSIN FOODS GROUP

2. Nissin – Pioneers of instant noodles.