We know the label clearly says not to do it, but we’ve all done it.
A cup of instant ramen is essentially a broke college student’s lifeblood. Anything that can be microwaved is essentially ideal for those with limited resources and no access to a full kitchen. The problem with instant ramen, though, is that the packaging makes it very clear that you shouldn’t microwave the cup. Share subtitles for MTN DEW Baja Blast Hot Sauce, which is a gorgeous oddity.
The “correct” method (per the directions on the package) for preparing instant ramen in a cup is to bring a separate pot of water to a boil before adding it to the cup of noodles. But I’ll accept responsibility and acknowledge, on behalf of everyone who ever lived in a dorm, that I used to simply put room temperature water in the foam cup and microwave it. Regretfully, there are risks to this method’s health and safety. Advertisement.
Nissin revealed last week that it will be redesigning the classic Cup Noodles in early 2024. Instead of polystyrene, it’ll be made out of paper. Nissin also announces that its Cup Noodles can now be microwaved because of the updated packaging. That is, you weren’t meant to be heating up Cup Noodles in a microwave.
But Nissin notes that the updated packaging is in large part, a “key step in our environmental commitment.” On top of being microwavable, the cup will now be made with 40 percent recycled fiber, no longer include plastic wraps, and have a 100 percent recycled paper sleeve. Polystyrene isn’t easily recycled, and local governments have taken measures to ban the material in recent years.
Having said that, if you have previously microwaved Cup Noodles, you shouldn’t necessarily panic. More research is required to determine whether there is a connection between food containers and styrene, as the majority of studies on the topic concentrate on those who work with the material. While heating Cup Noodles in the microwave for a short while won’t likely harm you much, doing so repeatedly over time may have unknown consequences, so it’s best to avoid doing so going forward.
But no, you’re not supposed to microwave polystyrene unless it comes with a microwave-safe label. Polystyrene is a popular food container because it’s light, cheap to make, and works well as an insulator to keep food warm. However, when heated, research shows substances within the polystyrene can leach into your food. The main cause for concern is styrene, which may impact the nervous system and is a possible carcinogen. Instant noodles come in all shapes and packaging — some of which are microwavable. Others aren’t. : Getty
To be fair, this particular variety of cup noodle and Nissin, the original instant noodle brand, may be the source of some of the confusion. There’s a veritable cornucopia of instant noodle brands and containers. Some are microwavable and have been for a long time. It all depends on the instructions on the label.
