Photo/Illutration Kirin Holdings Co. has developed an “Electric Salt Spoon” that the company claims to enhance the perception of saltiness in low-sodium food. (Mika Omura)

A Japanese beverage maker has launched a spoon that technologically enhances the perception of saltiness in food, allowing people with health concerns to manage their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor.

The “Electric Salt Spoon,” released on May 20 by Kirin Holdings Co., has electrodes attached to the bowl of the spoon and the handle.

Faint electric currents flow through the food and the body as the diner eats from the spoon.

The currents draw the dispersed sodium ions in the food closer to the tongue, making saltiness more perceptible, according to the company.

The effectiveness of this taste enhancement varies for different individuals and the spoon works best with liquid foods such as soup. Kirin claims that users can reduce their sodium intake by 30 percent while maintaining the same perceived level of saltiness in their food.

However, people with pacemakers and other medical electronic devices cannot use the spoon.

Also, using the device effectively requires some tricks, such as ensuring the electrode on the back of the handle makes contact with the user’s hand.

It took reporters, who tried the spoon while eating curry, several attempts and tips from the manufacturer before they could detect a difference in taste.

Kirin codeveloped the new technology with a team led by professor Homei Miyashita at Meiji University in Tokyo, who specializes in human-computer interaction.

The company will initially sell 200 units on its official online store for 19,800 yen ($126), tax included.

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