Everyone is familiar with Nissin Cup Noodles, the original instant ramen from Japan. While you can find these noodles in grocery stores globally, there is a legendary “hidden” detail in the Japanese packaging that often surprises travelers.
The Mystery Sticker
Have you ever noticed the small, clear sticker attached to the bottom of the cup, right over the plastic wrap?
If you don’t understand Japanese, you might not figure this out! After adding boiling water in the cup, you will usually place something heavy or hold your hand over the paper cover to prevent the steam from escaping.
You must have done something like what you see in the image above and below!
The “Lid Seal” Innovation
In Japan, Nissin provided a brilliant solution so you don’t need to look for a weight.
You guessed it right, this sticker is meant to seal the instant noodle cup by sticking it over the paper cover.
Although easy to ignore, you can’t but appreciate the Japanese love and attention to detail.
An Eco-Friendly Update for 2026
As we head into 2026, you might notice a change! To reduce plastic waste, Nissin has been phasing out these stickers in favor of the “Double Tab” lid design (shaped like a cat’s ears). Instead of a sticker, the lid now has two tabs that “lock” onto the rim of the cup, proving that Japanese attention to detail is always evolving to be more sustainable.
Whether it’s a sticker or a double-tab lid, you can’t help but appreciate the Japanese commitment to making even the simplest meal a perfect experience.
