Marco Crisciotti An innovative electric spoon amplifies the flavor of low-sodium foods by emitting electrical pulses. Find out how it works and why it could revolutionize our diets.
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Cutting salt without cutting flavor is the dream of anyone who’s tried to make a salad that’s a bit insipid, or a tasteless soup without that much-maligned ingredient. That’s about to change thanks to an electronic spoon from Japan and it will very quickly turn that dream into reality. But the Electric Salt Spoon, unveiled at CES in Las Vegas by Japan’s Kirin Holdings, is one piece of technology that could make low-sodium diets far more palatable. It’s compact. It was born out of necessity.
The inspiration comes from a very common problem: we consume too much salt. It is estimated that 90% of people exceed the recommended daily intake, and that has consequences far beyond flavor. Excessive intake of sodium is linked to hypertension, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and even a weakened immune system. Reducing the amount of salt, however, is not an easy process, especially for those who can’t give up the pleasures of good food.
In came the electric spoon from Japan in 2019, finally perfected over time. Its function is simple yet revolutionary: through the use of electrical impulses, it amplifies the salty and umami flavors in food, making every single bite more savory without adding one gram of salt.
How it works
The principle is simple: a light electric current undetectable to the user passes through the spoon and acts with the food and the tongue to, in effect, activate the salt taste receptors. The effect? Dishes that taste richer-as if they contained twice as much salt.
The spoon has four intensity levels that can be adjusted according to one’s preference. It can work with liquid and semi-liquid foods to soups and broths, which are especially dish types where salt is used in generous amounts.
Innovation with limitations
The CES presentation sparked curiosity and some skepticism. While many appreciated the concept, practical issues were raised. Key concerns included the need to hold the spoon in a precise position for it to work effectively, and the design, which some testers described as “bulky,” potentially deterring everyday use.
Early reviews have been mixed; the technology works, but ease of use can be improved. Be that as it may, the spoon was recognized with significant awards in two categories at the most recent CES presentation: Digital Health and Accessibility, for making lives easier via technology.
Beyond the spoon: a dining revolution
The new “Electric Salt Spoon” is not an invention but a sequel in the electrification of tableware that Kirin has developed, including chopsticks and bowls, to respond to the needs of health-conscious consumers. Since the spoon is versatile and popular with consumers, it was selected as the first commercial product.
A solution for the future?
The biggest hurdle in public health would be a reduction in sodium intake, and there’s still a long way to go. According to a study conducted in 2023 and published in JAMA Network, giving up a single teaspoon of salt each day has an effect that is similar to taking medicine for blood pressure.
The electric spoon, along with such devices, can be game-changers for those who just cannot give up flavor while keeping their health intact.
The Electric Salt Spoon may not be perfect, but it is a step in the right direction to healthy eating. It is one of those examples of how technology can solve common problems, more often than not with a dash of originality.
