Cup Noodles fans rejoice. After five decades on the market, the brand is finally producing a microwavable version of the salty staple. Since 1973, the brand’s container has been crafted from polystyrene, a material that is not microwave-safe. However, the brand is introducing a new microwavable cup, enhancing the convenience of on-the-go meals.

Cup Noodles is set to introduce a new microwave-safe paper cup design in early 2024, as announced in a recent press release. This update will be implemented for all Cup Noodles flavors, including chicken, beef, shrimp, spicy, curry, and vegetable.

While many Cup Noodles fans have used microwaves to heat their meals for years, it’s important to note that this practice is not recommended. As AllRecipes.com points out, high temperatures can cause polystyrene cups to melt or release harmful chemicals into the food.

Of Course, Microwaving the Current Cup Noodles Container Is Not Advised

Traditionally, preparing noodles meant boiling water, pouring it into a cup, stirring it, and waiting for about 5 minutes until they were cooked. However, those days of using a kettle are now a thing of the past. You can now enjoy a complete meal in even fewer steps and less time. Simply add water and pop it in the microwave. In just 2 minutes and 15 seconds, your hot cup of soup is ready to be savored.

Cup Noodles‘ launch of polystyrene-free packaging fulfills cooking needs and shows its commitment to sustainable packaging. The redesigned cup includes 40% recycled fiber. It’s accompanied by a sleeve made entirely from 100% recycled paper, ending the need for plastic wrap. This new approach enhances product quality while reducing environmental impact.

Michael Price, President and CEO of Nissin Foods USA, weighed in on the salty goodness. “This updated packaging and the new paper cup marks an important milestone for Cup Noodles. [It’s a] key step in our environmental commitment,” Price explained.

Cup Noodles is ditching its plastic cup and going for a “paper makeover” as part of Nissin’s Earth Food Challenge 2030. This bold move aims to cut CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

However, Nissin isn’t alone in recent memory in making eco-friendly changes. McDonald’s recently announced the phase-out of its unique McFlurry spoon, replacing it with a reusable spindle to reduce plastic waste. Customers will receive McDonald’s black plastic spoon, already used for sundaes, which is more environmentally friendly.