Kirin Holdings Company is set to launch an electric salt spoon, a new product designed to enhance the salty and umami taste of low-sodium foods using electricity.
This innovation is part of Kirin’s efforts to address the social issue of excessive salt intake. The initial offering is limited to 200 units and will be available online and in select stores from June.
The electric salt spoon was developed in collaboration with Meiji University’s Dr Homei Miyashita Laboratory. It enhances the perceived saltiness of low-sodium foods by approximately 1.5 times, achieved through a unique current waveform that interacts with the food.
This makes low-sodium diets more enjoyable and sustainable, addressing common dissatisfaction with the taste of low-sodium foods.
Excessive salt intake is a significant health issue in Japan. The average daily salt intake for Japanese adults is 10.1 gm, far exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended 5 gm.
This high intake poses significant health risks, making it crucial to find ways to reduce salt consumption without compromising taste. Kirin’s new product aims to provide a solution to this problem, making low-sodium foods more palatable and encouraging healthier eating habits.
In a recent survey, around 60% of people on low-sodium diets expressed dissatisfaction with the taste of low-sodium foods. Ai Sato from Kirin’s Health Science Business Division highlighted the difficulty many people face in maintaining a low-sodium diet due to taste dissatisfaction.
Spoon specs
The development of the salt spoon, which began in 2019, aims to make low-sodium foods more appealing, supporting healthier dietary habits. The salt spoon aims to resolve this issue by enhancing the flavour, thus encouraging healthier eating habits.
The electric salt spoon measures approximately 250x 38x 25 mm (WxDxH) and weighs around 60 gm (excluding batteries). It is powered by a 3V lithium battery (CR2) and is priced at 19,800 yen (tax included).
The spoon features a simple on/off switch and allows users to select from four intensity levels. It can be used with various meals, including soups, curries, fried rice and ramen.
Looking ahead, Kirin plans to expand its range of electric tableware and collaborate with other companies and local governments to promote the use of electric salt products, contributing to a healthier society.
