There’s an Electric Spoon That Could Make Food Taste Good and Umami-Like Even if You Don’t Use Salt!

In the world of food tech, a new invention promises to electrify the way we think about flavor—literally. Enter the electric spoon, a gadget designed to make low-sodium meals taste saltier without a single grain of added salt. Launched at CES 2025 by Japanese company Kirin Holdings, this futuristic cutlery is causing a buzz among health-conscious foodies and culinary tech enthusiasts alike.

At its core, the electric spoon works by delivering a mild electric current to your taste buds, enhancing the perception of saltiness. It’s not magic—it’s science. The electrical stimulation triggers certain ions in your mouth, making flavors pop without the need for extra sodium. For people watching their salt intake, this spoon could be a literal lifesaver. High-sodium diets are linked to health concerns like hypertension, so a spoon that mimics salt could help millions cut back without sacrificing flavor.

But does it work? According to testers at CNET, the electric spoon actually lives up to the hype. When paired with a low-sodium miso soup, the spoon managed to amplify the flavors, delivering a satisfyingly salty taste. Testers noted that while it didn’t replace the complexity of natural salt entirely, it made a noticeable difference—especially in dishes that rely on salt as a primary seasoning. Imagine enjoying flavor-packed meals without the guilt or health risks of over-salting.

The electric spoon couldn’t have come at a better time. With increasing awareness of the dangers of excessive sodium, consumers are more willing than ever to explore low-sodium alternatives. Food tech innovations like this spoon could also encourage manufacturers to rethink how they formulate packaged foods, potentially leading to healthier options on supermarket shelves. It’s a win for both personal health and public health policy.

Here’s the rub: like many cutting-edge gadgets, this spoon doesn’t come cheap. Early estimates suggest a price tag of around $60-$100, making it a splurge for most households. For comparison, a shaker of salt costs just a few bucks. While the spoon’s benefits are clear, it remains to be seen whether everyday diners will invest in such a specialized tool. That said, for those with strict dietary restrictions, it might be worth every penny.