Kirin is best known in Australia for its beer and vodka soda premixes. In the last few years, they’ve thrown their hat into the ring of food tech, specifically utensils that can alter the taste of your food.
Back in 2022, they developed a pair of chopsticks that can enhance the flavours of a low-sodium dish. Last year, Kirin debuted the electric salt spoon, which claims to use the same technology. The spoon emits a weak electric current, concentrating the sodium ion molecules in your food. The result is a saltier dish with a stronger, more well-rounded flavour, just without the extra salt.
Even if you’re someone who’s heavy-handed on the salt and seasonings, you won’t have to sacrifice (too much) on flavour. The spoon has four levels of intensity, so you can adjust it to match your preferences for that meal.
Kirin says they’ve created the spoon to help reduce Japan’s salt intake. Even though Japan is one of the healthiest countries in the world, its salt intake is double the amount recommended by the World Health Organisation. According to Kirin, the goal here is to help citizens enjoy the soup, pickles, and noodles they love, but with a twist.
For now, the electric salt spoon is only available in Japan for 19,800 Yen, which is about $30 AUD. We’re salty that there are no current plans to bring it to Australian shores, but that won’t stop us from marveling at how neat it is.