Electric current enhances the taste of sodium ions while eating

The Japanese company Kirin Holdings has introduced a new product - an electric spoon, Electric Salt Spoon , which can change the taste of low-sodium food, making it saltier. According to the developers, this device is designed to help solve the problem of excessive salt consumption. The relevant information is published on the official Kirin website.

The spoon delivers a weak electrical current from the tip to the food, which changes its taste, increasing saltiness or adding umami. The device is demonstrated to be easy to use, although the effect may vary depending on the dish.

“Japan has a culinary culture that favors salty flavors. Japanese people in general need to reduce the amount of salt they consume, but it can be difficult to move away from what we're used to eating. This is what prompted us to develop this electric spoon,” said company spokesman Ai Sato.

To use it while eating, just turn on the power using the switch on the handle of the spoon, select the desired intensity from four levels and use the gadget as a regular spoon. The developers caution that this device is not recommended for use by minors or people with pacemakers or other medical electrical devices. The video shows that the spoon can be easily disassembled: the metal part can be washed with water, and the plastic handle should be wiped with a napkin.

The smart spoon weighs about 60 grams (without batteries) and is powered by a lithium battery. The cost of the new item is ¥19,800 (about $130 ). At the moment, 200 experimental copies have been manufactured, and the start of sales is scheduled for June. If successful, the company plans to expand production and expects to have one million users worldwide within five years.