- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,056
- 18,910
We have had taste-enhancing spoons and taste-enhancing chopsticks, now it's a taste-enhancing beer mug.
Kirin has developed a new mug and spoon that, instead of delivering a shock, uses mild electrical currents to enhance the taste of food by making it saltier. The "Electric Salt Cup," launched on 9 September alongside an updated version of last year's spoon, is part of the company's "low-sodium support tableware" series, which it plans to introduce to other Asian markets next year.
The mug contains electrodes in its handle and at the base. When switched on and raised to the lips, a faint current runs through the liquid inside. This draws sodium ions toward the tongue, making dishes like soup seem saltier while also heightening the sense of umami. Kirin cautions, however, that the products are not suitable for anyone under 18 or for those with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers.
The mug is priced at 26,950 yen ($183), including tax, and the spoon costs 24,750 yen.
Kirin has developed a new mug and spoon that, instead of delivering a shock, uses mild electrical currents to enhance the taste of food by making it saltier. The "Electric Salt Cup," launched on 9 September alongside an updated version of last year's spoon, is part of the company's "low-sodium support tableware" series, which it plans to introduce to other Asian markets next year.
The mug contains electrodes in its handle and at the base. When switched on and raised to the lips, a faint current runs through the liquid inside. This draws sodium ions toward the tongue, making dishes like soup seem saltier while also heightening the sense of umami. Kirin cautions, however, that the products are not suitable for anyone under 18 or for those with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers.
The mug is priced at 26,950 yen ($183), including tax, and the spoon costs 24,750 yen.