Edible Paint

Engaging kids in artistic activities not only nurtures their creativity but also fosters their cognitive and sensory development. Edible paint not only satisfies your child’s artistic cravings but also ensures a safe and fun experience!

This edible paint is made with only three basic ingredients you likely already have in your home right now. Once made, children can paint with brushes, spoons, or fingers, and if they end up putting those fingers in their mouths, not to worry—this paint is taste-safe.

Related: You may also want to learn how to make your own Puffy Paint next!

Benefits of Edible Paint:

• Exploring Senses – Edible paint offers a multi-sensory experience as kids engage not only visually but also through touch and taste. This sensory exploration helps develop fine motor skills and stimulates their senses.
• Creativity – Edible paint allows kids to freely express themselves and explore their creativity without any inhibitions. It fosters imagination and helps children develop problem-solving skills as they figure out how to create with the materials at hand.
• Bonding – Creating edible masterpieces together can be a wonderful bonding experience for parents and kids. It provides quality time for interaction, laughter, and shared memories.

Ingredients

• Hot water – must be over 160°F (71°C)
• Flour – all-purpose or gluten-free both work
• Food coloring

Heating raw all-purpose flour to 160°F (71°C) kills bacteria that may be present. I often boil water to way beyond this point, like 200°F for example, just to be extra safe.

How to make Edible Paint

1. Heat the water to the desired temperature (above 160°F or 71°C).
2. Then stir into the flour, aiming to remove any lumps. A whisk works great here but a fork can also do the trick.
3. Last, stir in the food coloring and you’re ready to paint!

What to use Edible Paint on?

• Edible Canvas – Spread a thin layer of edible paint on an edible base like a tortilla, a slice of bread, or a rice cake. Let your child’s creativity run wild as they create their edible masterpiece. I also like to use the bread that comes mostly baked, but then you are supposed to finish baking at home. This way the edible paint gets baked onto the bread.
• Fruit or Veggie Prints – Cut fruits and vegetables in different shapes, dip them in edible paint, and create beautiful prints on paper or fabric. Try using celery stalks for flower shapes or apples for circular prints.
• Frosting Canvas – Frost cupcakes with white frosting and let your child decorate them with their unique designs using edible paint.

Edible paint is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the world of art while ensuring their safety and enjoyment. With its sensory benefits, creativity-enhancing qualities, and potential for quality bonding time, edible paint opens up a world of colorful possibilities. Have fun!

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5 from 2 votes

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Get the How-To

how to make taste-safe finger paints

Prep 5 minutes mins

Total 5 minutes mins

Supplies

• ▢ 1 cup hot water
• ▢ ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1-2 drops food coloring

Instructions

• Heat the water to the desired temperature (above 160°F or 71°C).
• Then stir into the flour, aiming to remove any lumps. A whisk works great here but a fork can also do the trick.
• Last, stir in the food coloring and you’re ready to paint!

Notes

Gluten-free flour can also be used instead of all-purpose. 

Heating raw all-purpose flour to 160°F (71°C) kills bacteria that may be present. I often boil water to way beyond this point, like 200°F for example, just to be extra safe.

© Author Emma