Japanese food and beverage maker Kirin on Tuesday started selling the Electric Salt Cup, which uses electricity to enhance the perception of the salty taste and umami in food.
The company developed the tableware for health-conscious consumers and is considering selling the product in other parts of Asia from next year.
By sending small and safe amounts of electric current into food from the cup when turned on, sodium ions that cause the salty taste can be easily touched by the tongue, making the taste stronger even with low-sodium foods.
The product is designed to be used for soups. The cup is available on the company's official online store at a price of ¥26,950 ($182) and is slated to go on sale at electronics retailers from November.
Kirin previously released the Electric Salt Spoon, a device with the same taste-enhancing technology.
"We will grow the business significantly to help people lead richer and healthier lives," Kirin Senior Executive Officer Toru Yoshimura said at a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.
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