Japanese drinks giant Kirin Holdings crafted a spoon, made of metal and plastic, that claims to promote ‘healthier eating’. The company has introduced an electrified spoon that enhances salty tastes without the need for additional sodium. This groundbreaking product marks the first commercial application of a technology that received an Ig Nobel Prize last year for its practical and unusual research.

Kirin Holdings will begin selling 200 units of its Electric Salt Spoons online this month for 19,800 yen (approximately $127). A limited number of these spoons will also be available at a Japanese retailer in June. Despite this initial limited release, Kirin has more plans, aiming for 1 million users globally within the next five years. International sales are set to start next year.

Japanese drinks giant Kirin Holding
Source: BusinessWorld Online

The Electric Salt Spoon is the result of a collaboration between Kirin and Professor Homei Miyashita of Meiji University. Professor Miyashita had previously shown the taste-enhancing effects using prototype electric chopsticks. The principle behind this innovation involves passing a weak electric field from the spoon, which concentrates sodium ion molecules on the tongue. This process enhances the perceived saltiness of the food without adding any actual salt.

Kirin, traditionally known for its beer business, is now moving towards healthcare. The company sees potential in this technology, especially in Japan, where the average adult consumes about 10 grams of salt per day. This is double the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. Excessive sodium intake is linked to various health issues, including high blood pressure and strokes.

"Japan has a food culture that tends to favour salty flavours," said Kirin researcher Ai Sato. "Japanese people as a whole need to reduce the amount of salt intake but it can be difficult to move away from what we're used to eating. That's what led us to develop this electric spoon."

The Electric Salt Spoon weighs 60 grams and is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery. The idea is to help people enjoy their favourite flavours while sticking to a healthier, lower-sodium diet. This is particularly relevant in Japan, where traditional dishes often rely heavily on salt for flavour.

The technology behind the Electric Salt Spoon was co-created by Professor Miyashita and Hiromi Nakamura. Their work earned them the Ig Nobel Nutrition Prize, presented by Nobel Prize laureate Peter Doherty during an online ceremony last year. The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrate research that makes people laugh, then think. They highlight unusual achievements that have serious, thought-provoking implications.

Kirin's move towards healthcare moves parallel with a broader trend in the food and beverage industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on health-conscious products. This is driven by growing consumer awareness about diet-related health issues and a desire for products that can enhance well-being without compromising on taste.

The Electric Salt Spoon is not just a new item in the market but it represents a significant step forward in addressing public health challenges related to diet. By making it easier for people to reduce their salt intake without sacrificing flavour, this innovative product has the potential to make a real difference in dietary habits and health outcomes.

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