In the early summer of 2025, a new face appeared on the shelves of major Korean supermarkets: Jin Ramen Slightly Spicy (약간매운맛). Originally released as a limited edition, it quickly gained traction for its “perfect middle ground” concept—sitting right between the legendary Jin Ramen Mild (Blue) and Jin Ramen Spicy (Red). Due to its popularity, it officially became a permanent addition to the lineup in late 2025.
The Brilliant Purple Strategy
Ottogi’s choice of color for this new product is quite clever. By mixing the blue of the Mild version and the red of the Spicy version, they landed on a vibrant purple. Since purple isn’t a common color for ramen packaging in Korea, it immediately grabs your attention. Aside from the color, the classic design and reliable quality of the soup and flakes remain consistent with the Jin Ramen brand we know.
The Taste Test: How Spicy is “Slightly Spicy”?
I followed the official instructions for an authentic experience. Here is my take:
- Heat Level: It feels more like “Mild version with a gentle kick” rather than a true 50/50 split.
- Target Audience: If you are a die-hard fan of the original Jin Ramen Spicy, this might feel a bit light. However, if you usually stick to the Mild version but always felt it lacked a tiny bit of “oomph,” this is your perfect match.
Final Thoughts: When Will It Reach You?
The release of this flavor reflects the trend of Korean food becoming progressively spicier. As the original “Spicy” version gets hotter through various renewals, “Slightly Spicy” fills the gap for those who want flavor without the burn.
A Note for International Readers: As many of you know, Jin Ramen currently has a smaller global footprint compared to giants like Shin Ramyun or Samyang. Because of this, it might take some time before this “Purple Jin Ramen” hits the shelves of your local international grocery store. But if you’re a fan of balanced flavors, it’ll definitely be worth the wait when it finally arrives!
