Tech Salt-enhancing spoon on sale in Japan

[thomas]

In May, Kirin Holdings Co. introduced the "Electric Salt Spoon" in Japan. The spoon enhances the perception of saltiness through electric stimulation, making it useful for people trying to reduce their salt intake. Users can choose four intensity levels for the electric current delivered through the spoon's tip. Priced at 19,800 JPY (USD126), the spoon was commercialized after the company said in 2022 that it had developed a chopsticks-like device to alter taste perceptions using an electric current.

Photo credit: Keirin via Kyodo​

The company started accepting orders for the spoon at its official online store on 20 May, with 200 units available. Kirin has also been developing taste-altering bowls. Excessive salt consumption has become an important health issue in Japan, with daily salt intake by a person aged 20 or over standing at 10 grams per day, much higher than the 5 grams recommended by the World Health Organization, according to the Health Ministry. But people who try to limit their salt intake often complain that food becomes tasteless, according to a survey conducted by Kirin in 2021.

Spoon that enhances salty taste goes on sale in Japan

A spoon that enhances the taste of saltiness through electric stimulation was launched by Kirin Holdings Co. in Japan in May, aimed at people struggling to cut their salt intake.

english.kyodonews.net

Kirin Holdings will begin online sales of "Electric Salt Spoon", a spoon that uses electricity to enhance salty and umami taste, on May 20. | 2024 | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

From the [Kirin Holdings will begin online sales of "Electric Salt Spoon", a spoon that uses electricity to enhance salty and umami taste, on May 20.] KIRIN Holdings Official Website

www.kirinholdings.com

エレキソルト公式オンラインストア

うれしいも、おいしいも、叶えてくれる。微弱な電気のチカラで、塩味やうま味を引き出す減塩サポート食器、エレキソルト。おすすめの減塩レシピ公開中。

electricsalt.shop.kirin.co.jp

 

[dracuella]

I read this as 'self-enhancing spoon' and thought to myself that we've perhaps gone too far, lol.
Personally, I would love a spoon like this. I love salt a lot and eat way too much of it in general. I don't have hypertension problems or anything but it's good to be up front about these things.

 

[thomas]

Health-conscious ramen lovers can now savour their favourite dish without the guilt of excessive sodium intake. Ippudo, a renowned ramen chain, is introducing a low-sodium noodle option paired with a special spoon that enhances the perception of saltiness. This limited-time menu will be available at Ippudo's Hamamatsucho Stand from the 13th to the 22nd of December. This innovative collaboration between Chikaranomoto Co. and Kirin Holdings Co. aims to provide a healthier ramen experience. The 600 servings available over the four days will be offered by reservation only, priced at 1,000 yen. This low-sodium ramen could become a permanent menu item depending on its popularity.

Ippudo's low-salt ramen (photo credit: Satoshi Shinden)​

Chain to offer ‘less salty’ ramen with spoon to enhance flavor | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[mdchachi]

I think the biggest barrier is that ramen isn't eaten with a spoon.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

I think the biggest barrier is that ramen isn't eaten with a spoon.

Agreed. One either uses chopsticks or the bowl itself.

 

[thomas]

I think the biggest barrier is that ramen isn't eaten with a spoon.

 

[mdchachi]

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As you can see, they are not eating the ramen itself with a spoon in any of the pictures. They are, however, using a spoon which is true.
However you neglected to include an important note from the article:

It works even when the diner uses chopsticks as long as the bowl of the spoon is dipped in the broth.