Noodles & Company Turns Up the Heat with New Chili Garlic Ramen

Rhea-AI Summary

Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS) announced a limited-time menu item, Chili Garlic Ramen, priced at $8.95. The broth-less, buttery, spicy ramen debuts for Noodles Rewards members on October 15, 2025 and rolls out nationwide on October 17, 2025.

The dish uses authentic ramen noodles from a multi-generation Brooklyn supplier, Wonton, and features a custom chili garlic spice blend. The campaign ties into Gen Z "one-step hack" trends and TikTok ramen-hack culture, and the company highlights Rewards early access and a free entrée offer for new members after a first $10+ purchase. Noodles operates over 445 restaurants.

Insights

Menu Strategy Analyst

Noodles introduces a limited-time Chili Garlic Ramen at $8.95, Rewards early access on October 15, 2025.

Noodles & Company adds a broth-less Chili Garlic Ramen to its menu priced at $8.95 and launching to Rewards members on October 15, 2025 and nationwide on October 17, 2025. The item ties to viral ramen trends and highlights a multi-generation Brooklyn supplier, Wonton, and the brand’s stated roster of more than 445 restaurants.

The direct mechanics are simple: limited-time menu novelty and rewards-member early access aim to drive trial and app engagement. Key dependencies include guest uptake, operational consistency across the chain, and the limited-time window; those will determine measurable sales impact. Watch participation metrics for Noodles Rewards, the two launch dates, and same-store sales over the promotion period for concrete signals within weeks to a few months.

Inspired by viral ramen hacks and Gen Z flavor trends, Chili Garlic Ramen serves up buttery noodles, savory garlic, and a bold kick of chili without the need for flavor packets or DIY, making it the ultimate ramen hack

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Noodles & Company (NASDAQ: NDLS), the fast-casual favorite known for its saucy, satisfying noodle bowls, is bringing a viral sensation to the menu with its new Chili Garlic Ramen. Inspired by trending ramen hacks, this broth-less bowl delivers all the buttery, spicy, umami-packed flavor fans crave, without the draining, doctoring, or DIY. Available for just $8.95 for a limited time, Chili Garlic Ramen makes its exclusive Rewards Members debut on October 15, and to all guests nationwide on October 17.

"At Noodles & Company, we know noodles better than anyone, and ramen is a dish our guests have been craving from us," said Joe Christina, president and chief executive officer at Noodles & Company. "With Chili Garlic Ramen, we're bringing that craveable comfort to life in a bold, flavorful way that only Noodles can. It's everything guests love about ramen, made easier and more delicious to enjoy."

"Our Chili Garlic Ramen is buttery, umami, and perfectly spiced — the ultimate one-step hack," said Tina Massey, director of culinary R&D at Noodles & Company. "We start with authentic ramen noodles from a multi-generation Brooklyn-based supplier, Wonton, and finish with our custom chili garlic spice blend. After nearly 15 years developing dishes at Noodles, this is one of my favorites, and I hope our guests can taste the love in every bite."

No hacking needed: Noodles & Company Did it For You (DIFY)
From "lazy girl dinner" to "Soft Life," Gen Z is embracing the art of doing less as a conscious response to burnout, economic pressures, and the pursuit of balance. Trends like #QuietVacationing and #BareMinimumMonday are reframing rest and simplicity as aspirational lifestyle choices. At the same time, TikTok has exploded with more than 20,000 #RamenHacks posts, proving just how much people love customizing and elevating instant noodles.

With Chili Garlic Ramen, Noodles & Company saves you the trouble. It's all the craveable flavor of a ramen hack without the effort—no prep, no cleanup, just a fresh, delicious bowl made for you.

To perfect the ultimate ramen hack, dig into Chili Garlic Ramen starting October 15 for Noodles Rewards Members and October 17 for everyone. Order at your nearest Noodles & Company or online at Noodles.com.

Join Noodles Rewards for Perks and Points
Noodles Rewards is free and easy to join on the Noodles app or at noodles.com/rewards. Rewards members earn points on every order to redeem for freebies in the rewards store. Members also enjoy early access to new menu items such as the Chili Garlic Ramen, exclusive offers tailored to their preferences, surprise deals, and even a special birthday reward. Even better? New rewards members will earn a free entrée after their first purchase of $10 or more.

About Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company has known noodles since 1995. For 30 years, the brand has brought people together over craveable classics and globally inspired flavors, from indulgent Creamy Mac & Cheese to bold Japanese Pan Noodles. With more than 445 restaurants and a team of passionate noodle lovers, Noodles is built on flavor, comfort, and a people-first culture. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Favorite Restaurants and Best Loyalty Programs and honored by Forbes and QSR as a top employer, Noodles continues to define what it means to be a fast-casual favorite.

Media Contact: Danielle Moore, Press@Noodles.com

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SOURCE Noodles & Company

FAQ

When does Noodles & Company (NDLS) launch Chili Garlic Ramen for Rewards members and the public?

Rewards members get early access on October 15, 2025; nationwide release on October 17, 2025.

How much does Chili Garlic Ramen cost at Noodles & Company (NDLS)?

Chili Garlic Ramen is offered for a limited time at $8.95.

What makes Chili Garlic Ramen different on the Noodles & Company (NDLS) menu?

It is a broth-less, buttery, chili-garlic flavored bowl using authentic ramen noodles from a Brooklyn supplier, finished with a custom spice blend.

How can customers get early access or rewards for NDLS Chili Garlic Ramen?

Join Noodles Rewards via the app or noodles.com/rewards to get early access, earn points, and receive a free entrée after a first $10+ purchase.

Does the Chili Garlic Ramen rollout affect Noodles & Company (NDLS) locations nationwide?

Yes; after the Rewards member debut, the item becomes available to all guests at Noodles restaurants nationwide starting October 17, 2025.