Scientists at Meiji University in Japan have developed an electric spoon, which was put on sale for $127, that enhances the salty taste of snack foods without fear of the risk of high blood pressure.
The product launch marks "the first commercialization of the technology" that last year won the Ig Nobel Prize, which honors unusual and bizarre research.
The spoon, made of plastic and metal, was developed in collaboration with Meiji University professor Homi Miyashita, who previously demonstrated the taste-enhancing effect of a prototype of electric chopsticks.
The advanced spoon effect works by passing a weak electric current to enhance the concentration of sodium ion molecules on the tongue, thus enhancing the saltiness of the food.
Kirin Holdings said that this technology is of particular importance in Japan, where the average adult consumes about 10 grams of salt per day, twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization.
Excess sodium intake is linked to an increased incidence of high blood pressure, strokes and other diseases.
“Japan has a food culture that tends to favor salty flavours,” said Ai Sato, a researcher at Kirin. “Japanese people as a whole need to reduce their salt intake, but it can be difficult to move away from what we are used to eating. This is what prompted us to develop this electric spoon.” .
The spoon weighs 60 grams and is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery.
Kirin Holdings will sell only about 200 electric spoons online this month, and they will be offered on a limited basis in a Japanese retailer in June, hoping to reach one million users globally within 5 years, with sales starting abroad next year.
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