Learn how to make edible paint. This fun indoor kids activity is an easy edible craft project for all ages of children.
How to Make Edible Paint – Easy Kids Activity
We are always looking for easy kids craft activities and painting on food has been one of the most fun ideas yet!
Do you ever have one of those days when you read about a creative craft idea and you had to do it right away? A photographer friend of mine inspired me so much with some popcorn painting, that 15 minutes after I read her post, our kids snacks were ready to be painted!
Originally Publish February 2, 2010, updated 2021
Painting Food is a Fun Indoor Kids Activity
My daughter had a blast painting with edible paint and then taste testing her creations.
You know it’s serious stuff when you stick your tongue out while painting!
What do I use to make edible paint?
This edible paint is made with a mixture of milk and food coloring. You can also use sweet evaporated milk, but that was not to be found in my pantry, so regular milk it was!
Pour sweet evaporated milk into a cup or muffin tin, then add one drop of food coloring. You could also use fruit juices if you don’t like food coloring.
I found some all natural organic food coloring with bright colors that has no after taste.
What do you paint with edible paint?
What can you paint with edible paint? Kids will love painting ANY one of their favorite snacks
I thought painting marshmallows would make this an extra sweet craft activity. Here are some simple foods kids could paint and then eat.
- Marshmallows
- Popcorn
- Bread
- Apple slices
- Pear slices
- Cheese
- Bananas
- French fries
- Rice cakes
- Sugar cookies with frosting
- Cupcakes (paint the frosting)
- Butter mints
Forget dying Easter eggs in the spring time, we’re painting marshmallows!
My attempt at painting her face. It was hysterical to her, but even more fun to eat!
Pull out the food coloring or fruit juice and try it. Your kids will love it!
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How to Make Edible Paint
Supplies
- Marshmallows
- Popcorn
- sweet evaporated milk
- Natural Food Coloring
- Paint brush
Instructions
- Pour sweet evaporated milk into a cup or muffin tin.
- Add one drop of food coloring to each muffin tin cup and stir.
- Paint marshmallows, popcorn and other snacks. Eat and enjoy!
Actually sugar and caffeine are really good for making children with autism and ADD/ADHD calm down. They are not the healthiest but cherries are a natural source of melatonin and they are super healthy!!!!!!
I did this at work and the kids LOVED it. One girl painted her rice cake so much that it fell apart lol. We used soy milk and regular old food colouring. Just one drop of food colouring in a cup of milk didn't hurt any of them 😉 And I also started the program by talking about why we don't eat REAL paint 😉 Thanks for a fun idea.
Beet juice/beet powder makes a great natural dye. Also paprika, turmeric, etc. .
Well wouldn’t it be the job of the responsible adult to decide if this is for your children or not. It is an IDEA! People are crazy. I know as a responsible parent that my kids would love this and will be using the food coloring. Oooo!
Well didn't that just get everyone's dander up? Hideous things are happening all around the world, and we're all stressing about painting marshmallows? Live and let live dudes!
im sure it is I have not heard of anyone. dying from food coloring, or marshmallows. stupid is as stupid does………..
You explain that it is special paint for food. Keep all toxic paint out of reach of children
I have worked in a preschool for 30+ years and we have painted toast! bread dough then baked/ toasted it the kids love it. They have never tried to eat the non toxic tempra paint or water color
Some folks are nuts!!! I love the idea!
If you don't like the idea of food coloring, then do it with natural dyes. If you like to use food coloring, it's easy and such a fun project! Make your own choice. Thank you Amy for a fun idea!
Natural food colourings are easily available. I think it's a great idea.
I agree with you on the food coloring. I use the juice from frozen or fresh fruits: adds flavor and NO chemicals. as for the "paint" thing, just change the wording to the child's level of understanding. Nothing to get freaked out over.
some people just like to complain and think their a know it all most kids are smarter then there given credit…
there is no reason why you cant colour with natural dyes just use it as a base idea
Sandra Marie Lukefahr for sure. Like the colorings and artificial flavorings in kids cereals!
this would be no different that coloring eggs at Easter time; coloring frosting for a birthday cake. Just because it is called "paint"…..
IS IT SAFE FOR THE KIDS AND PARENTS
Oh we are so doing this for my son birthday party. My family party not the class room party. There will be 4 kids not 24.
This looks like fun! If you guys are worried about food coloring then you should probably check the ingredients in the things you feed your kids on a daily basis, there is more dangerous stuff out there! Also, if you think about it people believe everything causes cancer these days.
This looks like fun! If you guys are worried about food coloring then you should probably check the ingredients in the things you feed your kids on a daily basis, there is more dangerous stuff out there! Also, if you think about it people believe everything causes cancer these days.
its not as if it will be a everyday thing funny pc world lol
This is an occasional treat, no need stress out over the drop of food coloring or "eating paint' issue …… A little color, a teachable moment (on what paints can be eaten and which can't (had to learn that about glue as a child, lol)) and great fun … Planning a paint party for the grands and greats as I write … Thank you so much for sharing …
I followed this link because i thought it was going to suggest making paint from blueberry juice, or strawberries, something like that…but 'pull out the food coloring'?
Fun! I'm also capable of informing my children that they shouldn't eat just any paint…duhh
Personally think this is brilliant idea and will be doing it with my kids, they know not to eat paint lol I'm gonna call it snack dying 😉
pull out the food colouring? Are you serious! Do you know what implications this can have on some children??? and to teach them to eat paint, well theres another thing! Would you eat paint? Of course not! Can you tell me why?
Try Tortilla shells, the soft ones. puffed rices sooo many possibilities.
Skipping the marshmallow part, way to much sugar for ADD kids, but will try the popcorn.
Just A Little
Curious…..Does the food coloring stain skin and clothes?
Thanks you! This gone a be my activity for my little coconut birthday party. We live in UAE and now its start to be very hot outside. Have nice summer!
pssst! I’m in love with your blog. You make a fabulous job!
I’ve always wanted to eat paint. My dreams will come true.
@Sunshinegirl, You could say the same thing for Easter eggs… and you’ve probably done those… I’m just saying. If you don’t feel comfortable with your kids doing it then just don’t. We’ll enjoy it in the meantime.
@JBLOW, If you’re that worried about it “teaching your kids to eat paint” than explain to them that this is a different type of paint. The other kind isn’t edible.
This looks fantastic! My two year old LOVES to paint, but living in a rented apartment, I don’t want to buy her paints that will stain badly in case she has a little mishap. But this is great! She can paint and then eat her artwork! Awesome!
Love this activity! Just started my new blog and yours was one of the first activities I tried and posted. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
Great idea! It’s been a looooong winter and I’ve been running out of ways to keep the kids occupied indoors. Thanks for another fabulous tip!
Was it sweetened condensed milk and not sweetened evaporated milk? I don’t believe I have ever seen the latter. I think I’ll pack up all the ingredients/tools for the painted marshmallows and send it to my grandson for Easter! It looks like a lot more fun than eggs, and he loves to do arts and crafts!
YEA, REAL GOOD IDEA TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO EAT PAINT !
Holy balls wow!
Love love love these ideas! And they're making me hungry. RT @livinglocurto Indoor Fun for Kids With Edible Paint: http://su.pr/2fyl8v
How's this for fun with little ones! Edible paint to use on marshmallows, popcorn & more: http://tinyurl.com/2alopuo
We just painted popcorn and it was so fun! Thanks for sharing/linking this idea.
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..teacher gift idea =-.
love this idea!
i take it these have to be eaten pretty soon after being made? would the popcorn dry and last a day or two? does anyone know???
Combining two of my favorite things, #food and #art: Edible paint! http://bit.ly/a0sQmn going to have to remember this!
What a wonderfully fun idea! Can’t wait to do this with my kids.
love katherinemarie photography! I started drawing on marshmallows with edible pens last year and my 2-year old can’t get enough, so I can’t wait to try this!!
.-= meaghan (chic cookies)´s last blog ..more swirly sparkly cookie pops =-.
This rocks! I love it! We’ll be trying our hand at painting soon. :>) I linked on my weekly roundup, the post is under my name. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Lenetta @ Nettacow´s last blog ..Mid Year Resolutions, 2010 =-.
Indoor Fun With Edible Paint – https://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/02/indoor-fun-with-edible-paint/
Your daughter is so cute and adorable and beautiful! Sorry, it had to be said. Oh, and I will try this out on my little one when it snows for the 67846746th time next week.
Indoor fun with edible paint http://bit.ly/a9BkMw
My son is going to freak out over this one!!
.-= Lacie E´s last blog ..Mint Chocolate Heaven =-.
How fun! My daughter would LOVE to do this!!
Come link your project at my party: Thursday’s Treasures!!
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/2010/02/thursdays-treasures-week-8.html
.-= Angie Neil´s last blog ..Thursday’s Treasures: Week 8 =-.
My kids are painting popcorn and marshmallows right now. They are LOVING it. Thanks for the idea…it’s perfect on a cold, rainy day! 🙂
.-= Dodi´s last blog ..The Big Costco Adventure =-.
this is SUCH a cute idea! I can’t wait to try it with my daughter!
.-= Ashley @ SimplyDesigning.blogspot.com´s last blog ..10 Days of Valentine – Day 6: Windowpane Heart Cookies =-.
i wan to try on my fav marshmallows: http://bit.ly/a0sQmn
RT @sarahwalters99: The kids will love this….. http://bit.ly/dBARj7
What a great idea, Amy! I love it! I think Anja might get confused between the “special, edible” paint and normal paint, but I’m willing to take that chance… 🙂
.-= Minnesotamom´s last blog ..If you hate to laugh =-.
aww this are great…?
.-= Rocio´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday…textures are so much FUN! =-.
My daughter wanted to color eggs the other day, this is a wonderful substitute as it will get eaten quicker then the hardboiled eggs.
Beautiful photography but how can you miss with such a sweet subject. I’m talkin’ daughter here, but the popcorn and marshmallows are cute too. 🙂
I wish I’d known to do this when my kids were little–what a cute idea. (Almost as cute as your daughter!)
One thing we used to do is use food coloring and clean brushes to paint bread–then we toasted it. So you got to eat colorful toast! I wonder if your milk recipe would work for this idea, too?
This is WAY to cute! RT @livinglocurto: RT @nikowa: Have fun with Edible Paint! 🙂 http://tinyurl.com/yfzujbj thanks @livinglocurto
Oh my kids love to paint anything they can get their hands on! This will be a fun activity when everyone is bored!! Thanks.
.-= Cherie´s last blog ..Wednesday Worship =-.
What a cute idea! How fun that will be for my kids?!
What a fun idea! It’s like an Easter egg craft in the winter 🙂
.-= Tauni´s last blog ..Happy Election Day! =-.
Holy Cow fun….I going to grand-kids next week…this is going to be one of our activities!
.-= teresa´s last blog ..Sweet note….. =-.
Love it! We’ll be doing this and making the recycled crayons this weekend. Thanks, Amy, for such great activities for the family!
I love this simple idea! What a great activitiy to do with hot chocolate! Great blog.
.-= Paula @ Organizing Tips 4 Moms´s last blog ..Quick Organizing: The Kids’ Dresser Drawers =-.
This is the cutest idea ever! I love it!
I’m so gonna have to try it this weekend w/ my kiddos. 🙂
.-= Terri´s last blog ..Feelin the Winter Blues: Spring Dresses =-.
This is a GREAT idea, and thanks for the tip. My daughter is a bit older now, but this is something so FUN and easy she can do with kids she babysits! I can’t wait to email the link!
Your little artist is just so DARLING!!!! and I love all your pretty pastels!!!
I just found this book at the library: Kids Crazy Concoctions: 50 Mysterious Mixtures for Art and Craft Fun… fruity lipstick–crayons for the tub– it’s jammed packed with a ton of FUN FUN ideas!!!!
What a FUN idea for little ones Amy!!……and your little one is so stinkin CUTE…..she looks like she really enjoyed painting AND eating!
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..Beer Cheese & Buffalo Chicken {Dips} =-.
What a fantastic idea. I think my daughter will love to do this activity this weekend.
Thanks heaps.
Lisa
Love. This. Idea.
Oh man… can’t wait to tap the inner artists in my kids! Thanks for the fun idea and great pictures!!
Oh…super idea! So doing this since the cold will not abate here till May!
.-= Allison´s last blog ..Hanging at the Stollery =-.