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General Mills is set to disrupt the instant noodle market with the launch of its first ramen noodle varieties under the well-known brands Old El Paso and Totino’s.

This new products, aimed primarily at enhancing the comfort food segment, will debut at Walmart locations nationwide starting in April.

The introduction of Old El Paso Ramen Noodles and Totino’s Ramen Noodles marks General Mills' strategic expansion into the rapidly evolving noodle category.

With increasing consumer interest in unique flavour profiles and convenience, the company is leveraging its established brand equity to tap into the growing ramen trend. The new offerings feature a range of bold flavours that reflect the culinary characteristics of their respective brands:

Old El Paso Ramen Noodles – Fajita: A blend of smoked bell peppers, onions and cumin, combined with a hearty chicken broth.

Old El Paso Ramen Noodles – Beef Birria: Infused with slow-cooked beef flavours, this variant balances spice and umami for a rich taste experience.

Totino’s Ramen Noodles – Cheese Pizza: Capturing the essence of Totino’s classic pizza rolls, this noodle version delivers a cheesy and tomatoey flavour.

Totino’s Ramen Noodles – Buffalo-Style Chicken Pizza: A spicy mix featuring buffalo sauce, chicken and cheese, designed to appeal to fans of bold flavours.

The ramen market has seen a significant surge in popularity, particularly among younger consumers. Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have played a pivotal role in popularising instant ramen recipes, generating over 174 million posts related to the topic.

This trend presents an opportunity for General Mills to introduce innovative products that resonate with a demographic seeking novel culinary experiences.

General Mills plans to launch these products exclusively at Walmart and on Walmart.com, leveraging the retailer's extensive distribution network to maximise reach. This partnership is expected to enhance visibility and accessibility for consumers eager to explore these innovative ramen options.

The new ramen varieties aim to combine the comforting aspects of traditional ramen with the distinctive tastes of Tex-Mex and pizza, representing a broader trend within the food and beverage sector, where companies are increasingly blending cultural cuisines to attract diverse consumer bases.