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Greenhouse and Toy Medical Present Innovative Salt Reduction Solutions

On March 18, 2026, Greenhouse Co., Ltd. (based in Shinjuku, Tokyo) and Toy Medical Co., Ltd. (based in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto) made a significant announcement at the Business Accelerator Kanagawa (BAK) event. They proudly shared the results of their collaborative project aimed at creating healthier food environments through the innovative use of Salt Reduction Technology. This project, part of an open innovation program led by Kanagawa Prefecture, promises to revolutionize how salt intake is managed in everyday diets.

Addressing High Salt Intake in Japan

Japan faces a serious issue with excessive salt consumption, with the average intake reaching 10.9g for men and 9.3g for women, greatly surpassing the 7g recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. High salt intake is a major contributor to hypertension and various health issues. Traditional methods of salt reduction, which often rely on making food taste bland, prove unsatisfactory and hard for people to maintain.

To tackle this challenge, the collaboration utilized alginate, derived from seaweed, to develop a Salt Offset Technology that alters the way sodium is absorbed by the body, thus enabling individuals to enjoy flavorful meals without compromising their health. The validation experiments conducted across various dining settings demonstrated the technology's practicality and consumer acceptance, laying the groundwork for its broader implementation.

Results of the Collaborative Experimentation

1. Salt Offset Menu

The first major innovation is a series of menu items that incorporate alginate, maintaining the original salt content while 'offsetting' its effects. This menu was tested during tasting sessions with employees of Greenhouse and among residents in nursing homes operated by the company.

• - Overall Satisfaction: Surveys revealed that 86% of participants reported being “satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with the new dishes, indicating a high level of acceptance.
• - Intent to Continue: Among nursing home residents, 75% expressed their desire for ongoing access to these meals, highlighting strong consumer support.
• - Practicality in Cooking: The challenges associated with cooking with alginate, such as its low solubility and compatibility with various dishes, were resolved through Greenhouse’s culinary expertise, demonstrating its feasibility for daily menu offerings.

2. Salt Offset Jelly

A stick jelly product aimed at individuals dining out was also developed. A 14-day consumption trial involving 153 participants was conducted.

• - Efficacy: Comparison of urinary sodium levels before and after consumption demonstrated a significant decrease by the seventh day, with participants maintaining lower sodium levels by the end of the trial, especially among those who initially consumed high salt levels.
• - Perceived Improvement in Swelling: Participants reported a reduction in swelling in their feet, confirming the jelly's positive effects over the trial period.
• - Market Potential: An impressive 78% of respondents showed a willingness to purchase the product, with 64% indicating a desire for continuous use, positioning it as a promising new option for salt care.

Insights from the Companies

Greenhouse Co., Ltd.

Manager Hiromi Matsuo from the Greenhouse Group emphasized their commitment to supporting public health through food. Recognizing the diversified lifestyle and preferences of consumers, Matsuo advocated for more sustainable and enjoyable options for health-conscious dining.

Toy Medical Co., Ltd.

Manager Konatsu Matsushita shared the company’s vision of delivering both delicious and healthy food without compromise. Excited to integrate their Salt Offset Technology into everyday meals, they aim to transform public perceptions about salt reduction and provide practical solutions for those who struggle with traditional low-salt diets.

Future Initiatives

Building on these promising results, both companies are dedicated to advancing initiatives that enable healthy eating habits in the community. They plan to systematically introduce their innovations in settings like employee cafeterias and nursing homes while exploring new self-care products.

Additionally, both firms intend to establish a consortium and collaborate with various organizations, including local governments, to create new dietary guidelines, ensuring that it is possible to enjoy flavorful food while maintaining proper salt intake.

Overview of BAK

The Business Accelerator Kanagawa (BAK) is designed to foster partnerships between large corporations and startups in Kanagawa Prefecture, promoting open innovation through collaborations involving businesses, research institutions, and support organizations.

• - Greenhouse Co., Ltd. focuses on contract food services across various settings, including government, offices, and healthcare facilities, projecting a group sales revenue of approximately 203.8 billion yen by March 2026.
• - Toy Medical Co., Ltd. specializes in medical and health foods utilizing alginate technology, aspiring to contribute to global well-being through innovative solutions for salt intake control.

For more information, follow the links to their respective websites: Greenhouse and Toy Medical.