A device that tricks the tongue could one day be used to turn the most unappetising "healthy" food into a delicious treat, UK scientists say.
Placed in the mouth, the Taste Buddy emits thermal and electric signals that stimulate the taste buds.
While the early prototype is restricted to imitating sweet or salty tastes, future versions have the potential to completely alter our diets - for instance, by transforming bland tofu into juicy steak, or conjuring up chocolate broccoli, it is claimed.
Professor Adrian Cheok, from City, University of London, who led the team of scientists and engineers that created the device 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."
In its current early form the Taste Buddy consists of a 2cm wide tab that sits on the tongue and is wired to a bulky processor.
To enhance sweetness, the device warms up very rapidly and stimulates specific taste receptors that react to heat.
A weak electric current is used to target other taste buds responsible for salty flavours.
