Presented at CES 2025, a spoon from Japan makes it possible to enhance the salty and umami taste of low-sodium foods with the power of electricity. This innovative item could transform our eating habits while responding to a major public health issue.
Japanese company Kirin, which usually specialises in beverages, presented its particularly innovative Electric Salt Spoon at the Las Vegas consumer tech show. This utensil is capable of simulating the salty taste of food without adding salt. It’s ideal for enjoying salty tasting food without damaging your health, by reducing sodium consumption. It is particularly suited to soups and curries.
The way it works is extremely simple. The spoon uses a weak electric current to stimulate the sodium ions naturally present in food, amplifying the perception of saltiness. The intensity of this stimulation can be adjusted via a dial on the handle, allowing the user to modulate the desired degree of saltiness without adding more salt to their food.
Distributed on a limited basis in Japan since the spring of 2024, Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon is now causing a stir in Las Vegas. Its innovative approach is intriguing the public and professionals alike. But it also responds to a genuine public health issue, as excess salt can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. As such, eating less salt while retaining the sensation of taste could be a real revolution.
Over the years, Kirin has diversified its activities, from soft drinks to pharmaceuticals. This product was developed in collaboration with the Miyashita Laboratory and the School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences at Tokyo's Meiji University. In the future, Kirin may apply the same principle to other types of cutlery and crockery. – AFP Relaxnews
