Ramen round-up

Kraft Dinner, the beloved pantry staple, has once again ventured into uncharted territory with its latest offering: instant noodles infused with its signature neon-orange cheese powder. In a daring move that aims to challenge the instant ramen market, Kraft launched its first annual subscription service for the noodles, billed at $205.00 + GST for one year, which renews at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks.

Three flavors of the noodles were introduced: extra cheesy, cheesy, and extra spicy cheesy. The responses to the new product were mixed, with some finding the combination "oddly delicious" and "weirdly addictive," while others preferred the cheesier options. Despite mixed reviews, the extra spicy cheesy variety was deemed the best by some, offering a depth of flavor reminiscent of traditional ramen while retaining the cheesy taste.

However, not everyone is convinced. Noodle purist Conrad Sweatman dismissed the idea as "sacrilegious," calling it a guilty pleasure akin to indulging in a McDonald's cheeseburger. Copy editor Darren Ridgley was the only taste-tester to favor the extra cheesy bowl, describing it as a lighter alternative to traditional Cheese Dinner.

Beyond the cheese-infused noodles, Kraft recently introduced a KD Cheesy Mango Smoothie, blending cheese powder with tropical flavors in a refreshing beverage. These unconventional offerings continue a trend of unexpected moves from the iconic brand, showcasing its willingness to experiment and push boundaries in the food industry.