Edible glitter is a food-grade decorative product made from FDA approved ingredients. It is designed to add vibrancy to foods and drinks without affecting taste or texture, and is safe to consume when properly labeled as “edible” with a full list of ingredients. Edible glitter usually contains sugar, gum arabic, maltodextrin, cornstarch and mica-based pearl pigments. This type of glitter is specially created for use in food and drinks, ensuring that they meet safety standards for human consumption.
Composition and properties
- FDA Approved Ingredients: Edible glitter generally contains:
- Sugar
- Gum arabic
- Maltodextrin
- Cornflour
- Mica-based pearlescent pigments
- FDA Approved Color Additives
These edible glitter ingredients are essential to creating a safe, food-grade glitter product.
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Physical characteristics:
- Well founded, pearly powder
- Designed for hang and swirl in drinks for prolonged periods
- Available in different colors
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Additional properties:
- Often tasteless And without texture
- Does not dissolve in liquids
- Adds visual appeal without affecting flavor
Understanding what edible glitter is made of helps explain its unique properties as a food decoration.
Safety and regulations
- FDA Compliance: Truly edible glitter must:
- Being labeled as “edible“
- Include a suit list of ingredients
- Contain only FDA approved food grade ingredients
Food grade glitter meets strict safety standards to ensure it is safe for consumption.
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Warning signs: Avoid products labeled:
- “Non-toxic” without ingredient list
- “For decorative purposes only”
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Certifications: Some edible glitter can be:
- Kosher certified
- Halal certified
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Nut free
- Dairy free
Uses and applications
- Food decoration: Commonly used on:
- Cakes
- Cupcakes
- Cookies
- Confectioneries
Edible glitter ingredients make it versatile for various food applications.
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Improved drinks: Can be added to:
- Cocktails
- Beer
- Lattes
- Smoothies
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Other culinary uses: Sometimes applied to:
- Pizza
- Sauce
- Fruits
Understanding what edible glitter is helps explore its various culinary applications.
Directions for use
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For pastries:
- Apply to fresh or fondant buttercream for cakes
- Wait for the frosting crusts on it for the cookies
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For the chocolates:
- Apply just before the chocolate loses its shine
- Or place in the mold before pouring the chocolate
Knowing how to use food grade glitter correctly improves its effectiveness in food decoration.
FAQs
What is edible glitter?
Edible glitter is a food-grade decorative product made from FDA-approved ingredients like sugar, gum arabic, maltodextrin, cornstarch, and mica-based pearlescent pigments. It is designed to add vibrancy to foods and drinks without affecting taste or texture and is safe to consume when properly labeled as “edible” with a full list of ingredients.
What are the main edible ingredients in glitter?
The main edible ingredients in glitter typically include sugar, gum arabic, maltodextrin, cornstarch, mica pearlescent pigments, and FDA-approved color additives. These ingredients are carefully selected to create a safe, food-grade glitter product that can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
How do I know if a glitter product is food grade?
To ensure that a glitter product is food-safe, look for the following: It must be clearly labeled as “edible,” include a full list of ingredients, and contain only FDA-approved food-grade ingredients. Avoid products labeled “non-toxic” without an ingredient list or those marked “for decorative purposes only.”
What foods can I use edible glitter on?
Edible glitter can be used on a wide variety of foods and drinks. Common applications include decorating cakes, cupcakes, cookies and confectionery. It can also be added to cocktails, beer, lattes and smoothies. Some people even use it on pizza, sauces, and fruit for a unique shimmering effect.
Is food grade glitter safe to eat?
Yes, food grade glitter is safe to eat when properly manufactured and labeled as edible. It is made from FDA-approved ingredients and designed to be ingested without any health risks. However, it is important to only use glitter products specifically marketed as edible and to follow the manufacturer’s directions for application and consumption.