Scientists in the United Kingdom have invented a device capable of changing the taste of foods, which could transform the way people eat by helping them enjoy healthier choices.
Experts say it imitates sweetness and saltiness but has the potential to change more tastes when fully developed.
The Taste Buddy could transform tofu into a juicy steak, or broccoli into chocolate.
It works with a 2cm tab sitting on the tongue and wired to a processor. To enhance sweetness, it warms up fast to stimulate specific taste receptors that react to heat.
A weaker electric current is used to target other taste buds responsible for salty flavours. Professor Adrian Cheok, from City University of London, led the research team.
He said: “What started out as a fun engineering experiment has now led to something much more exciting with the potential to have a positive social impact.
“The Taste Buddy could eventually help save lives, by allowing people to switch to healthier food choices.”
He added: "Many children hate the taste of vegetables. So I knew that when I became an engineer, I wanted to make a device that could allow children to eat vegetables that taste like chocolate."