Instant noodles were originally developed in 1958 by Momofuku Ando as Cup Noodle.

Aggregate servings of the company's signature brand, Cup Noodles, reached 25 billion worldwide in 2006.

Nissin, the maker of Cup Noodle and other instant ramen noodles, has a leading 40 percent share of Japan s instant noodle market, but only a small presence in China.

Momofuku Ando, 96, Taiwanese-born inventor of Nissin instant ramen noodles including the Cup Noodle, heart failure.

The band had a hit from the first album, "Cup Noodle Song".

Cup Noodles is a brand of instant ramen noodle snack manufactured by Nissin, packaged in a foam food container, hard plastic or paper cup.

Other brand names are used in specific countries, such as Cup Noodle in Japan.

Cup Noodles (for export)

Instant noodle soups such as Cup Noodles contain dried instant ramen noodles, dehydrated vegetable and meat products, and seasonings, and are prepared by adding hot water.

This simplicity, efficiency and low price of Cup Noodles went on to transform Nissin's fortunes.