A Japanese researcher at Meiji University has created an innovative "electronic lollipop" – a portable taste simulator that lets users experience flavors without consuming food, offering real potential for those on restricted diets.
Homei Miyashita, a professor at Meiji University in Tokyo, developed this compact device, as reported by Designboom on May 23, 2020. Dubbed an "electronic pacifier," it features five electrolytes embedded in gels that mimic the core human tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami – the savory flavor popularized in the 1990s.
By adjusting the intensity of these electrolytes, the device accurately recreates food flavors. It works through electrophoresis – the movement of microscopic particles via a mild electric current – and must contact the tongue to activate.
Named the "Norimaki Synthesizer" after the seaweed-wrapped sushi rolls, this invention allows users to savor tastes without ingesting calories or allergens. While it lacks the sensation of chewing or fullness, its benefits are clear for health applications.
People with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or food allergies and intolerances could rediscover forbidden flavors safely. Professor Miyashita also incorporated a color-coding system using red, green, and blue lights to visually represent and select tastes.
Here's a video showcasing the Norimaki Synthesizer:
