Ajinomoto's Frozen Noodle Seasoning 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' Surpasses 500,000 Units Shipped in Just 4 Months with Sub-Zero Chill and Crunchy Texture

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (President: Shigeo Nakamura; Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo) announces that its noodle seasoning product 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu,' launched nationwide on Saturday, February 21, 2026, has surpassed 500,000 units in cumulative shipments within approximately four months of release. 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' is being sold nationwide as a heat-resilient product developed in response to the increasingly severe issue of 'Japan's extreme summer heat,' aiming to create new value for summer dining. This innovative seasoning is designed to be frozen in a home freezer, utilizing Ajinomoto's proprietary technology, 'Slush-Freezing Method' (patent pending), to achieve a sub-zero chill below -10°C, a refreshing crunchy texture, and a robust dashi flavor. Amid an early arrival of nationwide high temperatures driving increased demand for somen noodles, the product has gained momentum, boosted by growing consumer interest in the 'freeze-and-enjoy' eating experience and the diversification of somen dipping sauces, with sales rising steadily alongside increasing temperatures. *Based on internal company research. Temperature measured after freezing the product for over 24 hours under company-defined conditions. Reasons for Strong Performance ① Early onset of summer heat drives forward-shifted demand for somen Past surveys conducted by the company reveal that 'chilled wheat noodles and somen' rank first among dishes whose demand increases with rising temperatures. Demand significantly rises when temperatures exceed 26.5°C (see chart below). According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, May 2026 recorded higher-than-average temperatures nationwide, with Eastern and Western Japan experiencing the highest temperatures for mid-May since record-keeping began in 1946. Given this earlier-than-usual arrival of hot weather, demand for somen has likely increased earlier in the season. (Source: Japan Meteorological Agency, 'Weather in May 2026') In response to this rising demand, 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' has attracted significant consumer interest. ② Sales growth aligned with rising temperatures 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' shows a clear trend of increasing sales as temperatures rise. In particular, when maximum temperatures reach around 25°C, the sales index* sees a significant increase. Amid intense summer heat, the product is gaining support as a novel eating experience that consumers 'want to eat especially when it's hot,' offering sub-zero flavor enjoyment with ease. *Sales index with the 4th week of April set at 100% ③ Market trend: 'Freeze-and-Enjoy' items emerge as 2026 summer gourmet highlights As extreme heat intensifies, consumers are seeking higher levels of 'coldness' in their food and drinks. In this context, interest is growing in products designed to be 'frozen and enjoyed' as both a heat-relief strategy and a novel culinary experience. In 2026, frozen and semi-frozen gourmet items are emerging across diverse categories including beverages, desserts, and condiments. 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu,' enjoyed in its frozen state, has become a trending item in this summer's food scene. ④ Diversification of the somen dipping sauce market The somen sauce market has seen increasing diversification in flavors and consumption styles. Consumers now enjoy choosing from various options based on mood, such as spicy ethnic-style sauces or refreshing citrus-infused varieties. Within this evolving market, 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' is gaining popularity as a new choice, offering a crunchy texture and cool dining experience created by its sub-zero sauce below -10°C. Product Features of Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' delivers a surprising and delightful 'sub-zero experience' through three innovations enabled by the patent-pending 'Slush-Freezing Method.' ① Overwhelming coldness below -10°C By slowly freezing water molecules within the seasoning and allowing ice crystals to grow larger, the product maintains its icy state for extended periods, delivering a sustained, intense chill below -10°C. ② Easy-to-crush ice and crunchy texture Without the 'Slush-Freezing Method,' ice tends to solidify into a single hard block, making it difficult to break apart and eat immediately. By dispersing and freezing water molecules, this technology enables easy crumbling by hand and a satisfying crunchy texture. ③ Uniform, consistent flavor Thanks to technology that ensures the entire seasoning freezes and melts uniformly, there is no risk of concentrated flavor dissolving first or bland ice remaining. Consumers can enjoy a consistently delicious taste without flavor variation. Product Overview ■ Product Name: 'Hyou-Mizore Tsuyu' ■ Features: When placed in a freezer, it freezes to an ideal firmness that can be easily crumbled by hand. When poured over somen, it offers an unprecedented temperature and texture experience, making it perfect for the peak of summer. ■ Variants and Capacity: 90g x 2 pouches (serves 2) ■ Price: Open pricing ■ Shelf Life: 14 months, 13 months