The new KD Ramen lineup includes three varieties: Cheesy Ramen, Extra Cheesy and Extra Spicy. Photo by Kraft Heinz Canada

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Gen Zs across Canada are about to have another breakfast ramen option. Kraft Dinner is venturing beyond mac ‘n’ cheese with its new KD Ramen. Launching exclusively in Canada this July, the lineup includes three varieties: Cheesy Ramen, Extra Cheesy and Extra Spicy. News of the launch elicited responses online ranging from “Dreams really do come true,” to “Been doing this for decades.. I want royalties.”

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Some were skeptical: “I can’t tell if this will be disgusting or delicious.” To others, whether fans of South Korean brands Buldak and Otoki, which both make cheesy ramen products, or people who have long hacked their instant noodles, it was nothing new. As one TikToker commented on a post announcing the launch of the new lineup, “I’ve literally done this for years, a pack of ramen mixed with KD powder.”

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A spokesperson for the company told National Post that the “dry-style ramen” took its inspiration from just this kind of customer mashup. “It’s KD’s take on the cheesy ramen flavour combination people have been making and sharing online, pairing ramen noodles with KD’s iconic cheese powder in three varieties: Cheesy Ramen, Extra Cheesy and Extra Spicy.”

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Enjoyed morning, noon and night, ramen is central to the “soupmaxxing” trend. Inspired by one of the internet’s favourite instant ramen upgrades, in which cheese (shreds or slices) is added to the pot, KD’s new ramen lineup is made with the same “real Canadian cheddar” as the original boxed mac ‘n’ cheese.

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“For generations, Canadians have turned to KD for comfort, craveability, and unmistakable cheesy flavour,” Kelly Fleming, chief marketing officer for Kraft Heinz Canada, said in a statement. “With KD Ramen, we’re bringing that iconic KD cheesiness to an entirely new aisle and occasion. It’s a bold new way for Canadians to experience the flavour they know and love.”

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KD partnered with 7-Eleven Canada to give fans a first taste of the new ramen lineup before it rolls out nationwide. Photo by Kraft Heinz Canada

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Ramen continues to grow in popularity, Kraft Heinz Canada noted, “specifically cheesy ramen, which is emerging as one of Canada’s fastest-growing food obsessions and a flavour combination Canadians are increasingly embracing with open arms.”

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The company said that the three varieties were inspired by the cheesy taste of the original KD, Canadians’ growing appetite for “bold and spicy flavours,” and the myriad ways people enjoy ramen today.

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The Cheesy Ramen variety is “a perfect blend of the unmistakable cheesiness of KD and savoury, bold ramen flavour, packed with umami and a subtle spice.” Extra Cheesy is for mac n’ cheese lovers who don’t like spice, and, at the other end of the spectrum, Extra Spicy is “for fans who want to dial up the heat. KD Ramen Extra Spicy features just enough spice for ramen lovers, then cools it down with the creaminess of KD.”

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KD partnered with 7-Eleven Canada to give fans a first taste of the new ramen lineup before it rolls out nationwide. “Inspired by the rise of late-night convenience store snack runs,” all three varieties will be available for free, while supplies last, at select locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., until June 27.

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Starting in July, KD Ramen will be available in the ramen aisle at grocery, convenience and big-box retailers nationwide.

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