Countless new tech gadgets have been unveiled at the CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, but none have been as eye-catching or shocking as Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon. Enough of high-powered laptops and other mainstream gadgets, this quirky device promises to change the way we taste our food by combining technology with our senses to mimic the salty flavor sensation.
How does this electric spoon work? And is it worth the hype?
The Electric Salt Spoon: What Is It?
CES 2025’s Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon Can Literally Give You
Kirin
CES is known for wild and unexpected tech innovations, but Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon is something nobody saw coming. This Japanese invention asks, “What if you could make your food taste saltier without adding any extra sodium?” The spoon makes use of electrical stimulation to fool your taste buds into thinking that you are consuming salt, even when you’re not.
This can be a life-saver—or at least a pretty interesting experiment—for those who love salt but have to cut back for health reasons.
How the Electric Salt Spoon Works
So, how does this spoon work, exactly? It involves a bit of science—and a little trial and error. The spoon has a bulky handle that contains all the tech. The key to making it function correctly lies in attaching the spoon end securely to the handle. Once connected, users can choose one of four levels of “saltiness,” adjusting the intensity of the electric shock.
That is the tricky part: you must hold the spoon just so. If the spoon is positioned incorrectly, a light on the handle stays blue instead of turning white to indicate that it is time to taste. You can only then try to feel the electric salt effect of the spoon.
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Does the Electric Salt Spoon Work?
The big question: Does it really work as claimed? The answer is a qualified yes. When used correctly, the Electric Salt Spoon does create a sensation on the tongue that mimics the taste of salt—though it’s a brief moment that lasts only as long as the electric shock. While it’s a fun gimmick, achieving consistent results takes some practice, USA Today reports.
More often than not, the spoon’s user might find themselves accidentally spilling their soup instead of tasting the electric effect.
Despite these hiccups, when it does work, the sensation is surprisingly similar to salt. However, you’ll need patience, as the setup process and positioning of the spoon can be finicky.
Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon: The Tech of the Year?
Kirin’s Electric Salt Spoon is the talk of the town at CES 2025. It’s quirky, it’s extremely bizarre, and it’s definitely something no one expected to see at a major tech event.
While it might not revolutionize how we season our food just yet, it’s definitely grabbed attention. The spoon has already made waves in Japan, where it sells for around $125 (19,800 Yen), though there are no plans for an official US release—yet.
Is It Worth the Price?
This salt spoon, electric at $125, is definitely too pricey for those looking to improve their kitchen game. It’s an option, however, for people on low-sodium diets who want that salt flavor. They get to experience salt flavor minus the risk that too much sodium presents in health issues.
Currently, it’s just a gadget, but with more Kirin presence in markets other than Japan, this might catch on more quickly.
While it’s not a must-have gadget for everyone, it’s a fun experiment in how technology can manipulate our senses. If you’re looking for something that’s both a conversation starter and a possible health aid, this spoon might just be the next big thing in kitchen tech.
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