In Japan, JR East Cross Station Water Business Company's Acure vending machines are known for their unique digital interfaces, but they have another quality that makes them stand out over your standard vending machines. They regularly carry "drinkable" canned versions of food like strawberry shortcake and curry that challenge the separation between food and drink.

Last year Ippudo, one of Japan's most popular ramen chains, developed a canned version of their signature tonkotsu pork ramen broth that was made available in Acure vending machines. Called "Koku to Umami no Ippudo Tonkotsu Ramen Soup" (Rich flavor and Umami Ippudo Tonkotsu Ramen Soup), the canned broth delivered a serving of Ippudo's creamy pork ramen broth with an adjusted salt level and density to make it easier to enjoy as a beverage.

A year later, Acure has reported that the canned ramen broth was such a mega hit, it outsold their standard canned porridge by 1.5x, and so they will be bringing it back my popular demand. This time, the popular drink will be sold at NewDays station convenience stores and outside the JR East area as well. It'll even get a wide release via Ippudo's online store starting October 11th.

The drink is intended as a warming light meal of sorts to fuel cold commuters at train stations during the winter, but positive feedback from customers has revealed that many enjoy pouring it over rice and making a ramen-flavored porridge at home. However you like it, the rich and filling canned ramen broth will be available at NewDays convenience stores in Japan starting November 1st so you can get your ramen on the go.