Electric chopsticks amp up salty flavour

Japanese researchers have developed a novel pair of chopsticks that are designed to simulate saltiness through the use of electricity.

Simulating the experience of salty foods is one of the methods suggested as a way to reduce the amount of sodium that people consume, as eating too much of it — something common to most people worldwide — is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension.

The chopsticks, developed by scientists from Meiji University and Kirin Holdings, have a very low weak current running through them that is able to trick tastebuds into tasting higher levels of salt than is actually present.

In a clinical trial, the chopsticks were found to increase the perception of salt in low-sodium foods by about 1.5 times. They have been designed as a tool for people who need to reduce their salt intake but find low-sodium diets to be bland and unappetising.

As you can see in the photo above, the electrified chopsticks aren’t the most chic or fashionable eating utensil — though at the moment it’s just a prototype. It has been suggested that the technology could be applied to other eating tools to help people reduce their sodium intake and further research is being performed on the scientific principles used in the chopsticks.