At CES Unveiled, the introductory event of the yearly Consumer Electronics Expo, one exhibit distinguished itself by being continuously busy throughout the evening—and for great reason. It presented what could easily be the most eccentric item at this year’s CES: the Electric Salt Spoon by Kirin.
### What Exactly is the Electric Salt Spoon?
If you’re curious about what an Electric Salt Spoon entails, you’re not by yourself. Many attendees waiting to check it out appeared similarly puzzled. The idea is straightforward yet peculiar: it’s a spoon that enhances the flavor of low-sodium dishes without introducing any real salt. How does it accomplish this? By transmitting a gentle electric current through the spoon to stimulate your taste receptors.
Naturally, the concept seemed so unusual that I had to give it a shot myself.
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### Testing the Electric Salt Spoon
Kirin, a company based in Japan, currently markets the Electric Salt Spoon domestically, although it’s not available in the U.S. just yet. Fortunately, they brought a limited number of units to CES for visitors to try out.
The trial commenced with a taste of soup offered by Kirin—without utilizing the spoon. The soup was distinctly bland, devoid of significant saltiness. Then came the critical moment: I was given the Electric Salt Spoon.
The gadget is made up of two components: a detachable spoon bowl and a handle that contains the power and mode buttons. Users can choose from four varying levels of saltiness. However, this is where things became a bit confusing (and, to be honest, somewhat uncomfortable). To activate the spoon, you need to grasp the handle firmly, almost resembling a child figuring out how to eat. If you don’t hold it this way, the spoon won’t function. A blue indicator on the handle changes to white only when you’re gripping it correctly and taking a sip.
This seemingly straightforward task turned out to be unexpectedly difficult. I fumbled time and again, with the spoon taunting me as the light stubbornly stayed blue. Holding the spoon like an oversized baby utensil was not only embarrassing but also resulted in soup dribbling down my chin more times than I care to remember.
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### Does It Function as Promised?
Despite the awkwardness in mechanics, the essential question lingered: does the Electric Salt Spoon fulfill its claim? To my astonishment, the soup did taste saltier when I successfully navigated the use of the spoon. Yet, I couldn’t shake the thought—was it merely a placebo effect? Was my mind deceiving me into believing the soup was saltier simply because I expected it would be?
As it turns out, my difficulties with the spoon offered a perfect unintentional experiment. At one point, my grip faltered mid-sip, causing the device to shut off. Instantly, the soup reverted from tasting salty to its initial insipid state. The change was unmistakable. The Electric Salt Spoon truly does work!
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### A Commendable but Strange Objective
Kirin’s intention behind the Electric Salt Spoon is commendable: to assist individuals in lowering their sodium consumption without compromising taste. Whether this quirky device will gain popularity is yet to be determined, but it has certainly succeeded in being one of the most extraordinary and unforgettable products at CES 2025.
For the time being, the Electric Salt Spoon remains an intriguing peek into the future of culinary technology—and a strong candidate for the title of CES’s oddest innovation.