Kirin's electric spoon leaps from Ig Nobel infamy to the dinner table
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 20 2024
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Source: reuters
- Japanese drinks giant Kirin Holdings introduces an electrified spoon that enhances salty tastes without extra sodium, aiming to promote healthier eating habits.
- The technology behind the Electric Salt Spoon won an Ig Nobel Prize last year for its unusual and whimsical research.
- Kirin plans to sell 200 spoons online this month and a limited run at a Japanese retailer in June, with hopes of reaching 1 million users globally within five years.
- The spoon was co-developed with a Meiji University professor and works by passing a weak electric field to concentrate sodium ion molecules on the tongue, intensifying the perceived saltiness of food.
- This innovation is significant in Japan, where high salt consumption is common, leading to health issues like high blood pressure and strokes.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
