Ajisen Ramen and Food-Tech Startup Launch Innovative 'Salt Offset Noodles' in Kumamoto
Key facts
- Ajisen Ramen and Food-Tech Startup Launch Innovative 'Salt Offset Noodles' in Kumamoto
- ToyMedical and Shigemitsu Industry have co-developed 'Salt Offset Noodles,' which incorporate seaweed-derived ingredients to inhibit salt absorption. Available as a menu option at Ajisen Ramen as of May 28.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 30, 2026
Direct answer
ToyMedical and Shigemitsu Industry have co-developed 'Salt Offset Noodles,' which incorporate seaweed-derived ingredients to inhibit salt absorption. Available as a menu option at Ajisen Ramen as of May 28.
- Citation
- Ajisen Ramen and Food-Tech Startup Launch Innovative 'Salt Offset Noodles' in Kumamoto (May 30, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 30, 2026
ToyMedical and Shigemitsu Industry have co-developed 'Salt Offset Noodles,' which incorporate seaweed-derived ingredients to inhibit salt absorption. Available as a menu option at Ajisen Ramen as of May 28.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 30, 2026 at 01:25
- 🔍 Collected: May 29, 2026 at 16:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 29, 2026 at 16:37 (4 min after Collected)
ToyMedical Co., Ltd., which works to solve excess salt intake, and Shigemitsu Industry Co., Ltd., the operator of 'Ajisen Ramen,' announced that their jointly developed 'Salt Offset Noodles' were launched simultaneously across 10 locations in Kumamoto Prefecture, including the main Ajisen Ramen store, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Customers can now choose these noodles as a new option for eligible ramen dishes for an additional 50 yen (tax included). A media event was held on the morning of the launch at the main branch to showcase this innovation.
Unlike traditional low-sodium approaches, 'Salt Offset Noodles' offer a new way to support a healthy lifestyle without compromising the authentic flavor of the ramen.
The key feature lies in the proprietary 'Salt Offset Technology.' The noodles are enriched with 'alginates,' a type of dietary fiber derived from seaweed. These alginates have the unique property of adsorbing some of the sodium in the meal, converting it into a form that is less easily absorbed by the body.
During the three-year development period, over 20 prototypes were created and refined to overcome potential texture issues such as grit or loss of firmness associated with alginates. The result is a highly perfected noodle that retains the traditional taste of Ajisen Ramen while providing a 'smooth and easy-to-eat' texture. In stakeholder tasting sessions, over 87% of participants reported that the taste was 'indistinguishable from regular ramen.'
Regarding the development, Etsue Shigemitsu, Vice President of Shigemitsu Industry, stated, 'We hope that the fusion of our traditional noodle-making heritage and cutting-edge technology will bring smiles to many people.' ToyMedical CEO Hidenori Takeshita added, 'We aim to realize a well-being-oriented society where people do not have to compromise on taste or health.'
Initial customer feedback has been positive, with diners expressing surprise that they could not tell the difference and appreciation for the new healthy choice. Looking ahead, the companies aim to expand the offering across the entire Ajisen Ramen network following this initial local rollout in Kumamoto.
Customers can now choose these noodles as a new option for eligible ramen dishes for an additional 50 yen (tax included). A media event was held on the morning of the launch at the main branch to showcase this innovation.
Unlike traditional low-sodium approaches, 'Salt Offset Noodles' offer a new way to support a healthy lifestyle without compromising the authentic flavor of the ramen.
The key feature lies in the proprietary 'Salt Offset Technology.' The noodles are enriched with 'alginates,' a type of dietary fiber derived from seaweed. These alginates have the unique property of adsorbing some of the sodium in the meal, converting it into a form that is less easily absorbed by the body.
During the three-year development period, over 20 prototypes were created and refined to overcome potential texture issues such as grit or loss of firmness associated with alginates. The result is a highly perfected noodle that retains the traditional taste of Ajisen Ramen while providing a 'smooth and easy-to-eat' texture. In stakeholder tasting sessions, over 87% of participants reported that the taste was 'indistinguishable from regular ramen.'
Regarding the development, Etsue Shigemitsu, Vice President of Shigemitsu Industry, stated, 'We hope that the fusion of our traditional noodle-making heritage and cutting-edge technology will bring smiles to many people.' ToyMedical CEO Hidenori Takeshita added, 'We aim to realize a well-being-oriented society where people do not have to compromise on taste or health.'
Initial customer feedback has been positive, with diners expressing surprise that they could not tell the difference and appreciation for the new healthy choice. Looking ahead, the companies aim to expand the offering across the entire Ajisen Ramen network following this initial local rollout in Kumamoto.
FAQ
What is the name of the ramen brand launching Salt Offset Noodles in Kumamoto on May 28?
Ajisen Ramen is the brand launching Salt Offset Noodles in Kumamoto on May 28.
Which food-tech startup co-developed Salt Offset Noodles with Shigemitsu Industry?
ToyMedical, a food-tech startup, co-developed Salt Offset Noodles with Shigemitsu Industry.
What specific date did Ajisen Ramen begin offering Salt Offset Noodles on its menu?
Ajisen Ramen began offering Salt Offset Noodles on its menu as of May 28.
What ingredient in Salt Offset Noodles helps inhibit salt absorption?
Seaweed-derived ingredients in Salt Offset Noodles help inhibit salt absorption.
Which company partnered with Shigemitsu Industry to create the Salt Offset Noodles?
ToyMedical partnered with Shigemitsu Industry to create the Salt Offset Noodles.