Hong Kong researchers develop a VR-compatible “lollipop” that simulates nine flavours using electrical currents.

Virtual reality just got a lot weirder—scientists in Hong Kong have developed a device that lets users taste things in the metaverse. Dubbed a “lickable lollipop,” this futuristic gadget uses food-grade chemicals and electrical currents to simulate nine different flavours, from cherry to green tea.

The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, describes how the device leverages iontophoresis—a process that transports flavour-inducing ions through hydrogels. When a user licks the gadget, their saliva interacts with these chemicals, creating a sensory illusion of taste. An additional 7-channel odour generator enhances the experience by stimulating the sense of smell.

But it’s not just about taste—the 15-gram device is packed with technology. A lithium-ion battery, microcontroller, and Bluetooth module are crammed into a tiny 3D-printed casing, while motion sensors sync the lollipop’s position between real and virtual worlds. Users can even tweak the voltage to control flavour intensity.

Each flavour-producing gel lasts about an hour, and researchers aim to expand the range to 100 different tastes in future versions. However, challenges remain—the team still needs to refine smell delivery to create a truly immersive experience.

This isn’t the first attempt at digitising human senses. Other labs have built VR gloves that simulate textures, nerve-stimulating wristbands that mimic touch, and even brain implants that trick users into feeling phantom sensations. While these advancements could revolutionise gaming, therapy, and social interaction, they also raise bizarre ethical questions—will VR soon blur the line between digital and physical pleasure?

For now, one thing is certain—if you’re sharing a VR world with friends, maybe ask before you lick.