# Plant-Based Tonkotsu Ramen Soups Marutai Co. Debuts Its Innovations at the Winter Fancy Food Show By Kalin Ned | Published 2024-12-12 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-tonkotsu-ramen References: [nosh](https://www.nosh.com/pr/2024/12/11/marutai-co-ltd-to-showcase-new-doublebrand-collaboration-at-winter-fancy-food-show-2025)  [Marutai Co.](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marutai-blanket) showcased a new collaboration with Sanyo Foods Corporation and a plant-based [Tonkotsu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cup-noodle-creamy-tonkotsu-seafood) ramen at the Winter Fancy Food Show 2025. Known for pioneering the stick noodle format, Marutai’s [air-dried noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asha-noodles) provide a premium, fresh texture that mimics high-quality restaurant ramen. This sets the product apart from typical instant noodles as the method preserves the natural flavor and quality of the noodles. The collaboration with Sanyo Foods introduces a double-branded plant-based ramen to the US market and this moe responds to the increasing demand for vegan alternatives. Marutai's plant-based Tonkotsu ramen replicates the traditional creamy Tonkotsu flavor without animal products. With the backing of Sanyo Foods' established distribution network, Marutai is poised to increase its footprint in the US. Image Credit: Marutai Co. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 32% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Air-dried Noodle Innovation:** Air-drying techniques in noodle production offer a disruptive method that maintains taste and texture, setting a new standard for instant meals. - **Vegan Ramen Evolution:** The replication of traditional Tonkotsu flavors using plant-based ingredients highlights a major shift towards inclusive culinary experiences for diverse consumer preferences. - **Collaborative Branding in Food Industry:** Partnerships between food companies enhance market presence and product innovation, exemplified by the Marutai and Sanyo Foods collaboration in plant-based ramen. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Plant-based Food Industry:** Growing consumer demand for environmentally sustainable options is propelling the rapid expansion and diversification of the plant-based food sector. - **Convenience Food Sector:** Innovations in premium instant noodle options, like Marutai’s air-dried products, disrupt traditional instant meal offerings with upscale quality and taste. - **Food Distribution Networks:** Established distribution partnerships, such as Sanyo Foods', are vital in amplifying product reach and penetrating new markets effectively. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Animal-Free Ramen Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ramen-z.md) - [Healthy Instant Ramens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-instant-ramen.md) - [Seaweed Ramen Broths](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaweed-ramen-broth.md) - [Plant-Powered Umami Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-instant-ramen.md) - [Restaurant-Inspired Ramen Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gold-spicy-tonkotsu.md) - [Pea-Based Ramen Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenb-ramen.md) - [Restaurant-Quality Ramen Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-ramen-kits.md) - [Instant Hybrid Cuisine Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maruchan-products.md) - [Plant-Based Ramen Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veggie-topping-mix.md)