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? Katherine inspired me so much with her popcorn painting and beautiful photos, that 15 minutes after I read her post, our kid snacks were ready to be painted!
Edible Paint Craft Activity for Kids
This edible paint is made with milk and neon 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 milk or 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 I hear has no after taste.
I thought painting marshmallows would make it an even sweeter craft activity:-)
My daughter had a blast. You know it’s serious stuff when you stick your tongue out while painting!
Forget Easter eggs, 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!
Here are more fun kids crafts that you might enjoy!
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DIY Minnie Mouse Ear Hair Clips
Preserve beach vacation memories with this fun craft for kids!
Elliana says
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!!!!!!
Lindsay Martin says
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 ๐ And I also started the program by talking about why we don't eat REAL paint ๐ Thanks for a fun idea.
Tricia Santos says
Beet juice/beet powder makes a great natural dye. Also paprika, turmeric, etc. .
renee says
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!
Michelle Bellamy says
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!
Sue Mortensen says
im sure it is I have not heard of anyone. dying from food coloring, or marshmallows. stupid is as stupid does………..
Cindy Hill says
You explain that it is special paint for food. Keep all toxic paint out of reach of children
Cindy Hill says
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
Debbie Crabb says
Some folks are nuts!!! I love the idea!
Diane Simms Marshall says
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!
Julia Anne Hill says
Natural food colourings are easily available. I think it's a great idea.
Cathy Torrey says
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.
Vicki Lynn Fatchick says
some people just like to complain and think their a know it all most kids are smarter then there given credit…
Karla Maree Gray says
there is no reason why you cant colour with natural dyes just use it as a base idea
Cathy Torrey says
Sandra Marie Lukefahr for sure. Like the colorings and artificial flavorings in kids cereals!
Cathy Torrey says
this would be no different that coloring eggs at Easter time; coloring frosting for a birthday cake. Just because it is called "paint"…..
Lynn Hill says
IS IT SAFE FOR THE KIDS AND PARENTS
Myra says
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.
Sandra Marie Lukefahr says
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.
Sandra Marie Lukefahr says
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.
Karla Maree Gray says
its not as if it will be a everyday thing funny pc world lol
Daveine Larkey says
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 …
Diaz Anita says
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'?
Paige VanDuser says
Fun! I'm also capable of informing my children that they shouldn't eat just any paint…duhh
Karla Maree Gray says
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 ๐
Andi McKay says
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?
Angel Morgan says
Try Tortilla shells, the soft ones. puffed rices sooo many possibilities.
Grandma Vickie says
Skipping the marshmallow part, way to much sugar for ADD kids, but will try the popcorn.
Joanne says
Just A Little
Curious…..Does the food coloring stain skin and clothes?
Marie says
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!
Armando Cabba says
I’ve always wanted to eat paint. My dreams will come true.
Sunshinegirl says
@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.
Sunshinegirl says
@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.
Lori says
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!
Mess For Less says
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!
Melanie says
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!
Barbara says
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!
JBLOW says
YEA, REAL GOOD IDEA TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO EAT PAINT !
gigi says
Holy balls wow!
AFOMFT Blog says
Love love love these ideas! And they're making me hungry. RT @livinglocurto Indoor Fun for Kids With Edible Paint: http://su.pr/2fyl8v
Multicultural Kids says
How's this for fun with little ones! Edible paint to use on marshmallows, popcorn & more: http://tinyurl.com/2alopuo
Kathryn says
We just painted popcorn and it was so fun! Thanks for sharing/linking this idea.
.-= Kathryn´s last blog ..teacher gift idea =-.
tvmom says
love this idea!
Jodi Lozauskas says
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???
Joel Casimir says
Combining two of my favorite things, #food and #art: Edible paint! http://bit.ly/a0sQmn going to have to remember this!
Kim Chance says
What a wonderfully fun idea! Can’t wait to do this with my kids.
meaghan (chic cookies) says
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 =-.
Lenetta @ Nettacow says
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 =-.
Lorena Osorno says
Indoor Fun With Edible Paint – https://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/02/indoor-fun-with-edible-paint/
Jackie says
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.
Edson Motoki says
Indoor fun with edible paint http://bit.ly/a9BkMw
Lacie E says
My son is going to freak out over this one!!
.-= Lacie E´s last blog ..Mint Chocolate Heaven =-.
Angie Neil says
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 =-.
Dodi says
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! ๐
.-= Dodi´s last blog ..The Big Costco Adventure =-.
Ashley @ SimplyDesigning.blogspot.com says
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 =-.
Susan says
i wan to try on my fav marshmallows: http://bit.ly/a0sQmn
Kelly Brett says
RT @sarahwalters99: The kids will love this….. http://bit.ly/dBARj7
Minnesotamom says
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… ๐
.-= Minnesotamom´s last blog ..If you hate to laugh =-.
Rocio says
aww this are great…?
.-= Rocio´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday…textures are so much FUN! =-.
Cheryl says
My daughter wanted to color eggs the other day, this is a wonderful substitute as it will get eaten quicker then the hardboiled eggs.
Pink Martini says
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. ๐
mom2fur says
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?
Tidymom says
This is WAY to cute! RT @livinglocurto: RT @nikowa: Have fun with Edible Paint! ๐ http://tinyurl.com/yfzujbj thanks @livinglocurto
Cherie says
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 =-.
Christie H says
What a cute idea! How fun that will be for my kids?!
Tauni says
What a fun idea! It’s like an Easter egg craft in the winter ๐
.-= Tauni´s last blog ..Happy Election Day! =-.
teresa says
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….. =-.
Amy says
Love it! We’ll be doing this and making the recycled crayons this weekend. Thanks, Amy, for such great activities for the family!
Paula @ Organizing Tips 4 Moms says
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 =-.
Terri says
This is the cutest idea ever! I love it!
I’m so gonna have to try it this weekend w/ my kiddos. ๐
.-= Terri´s last blog ..Feelin the Winter Blues: Spring Dresses =-.
amanda says
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!
katherinemarie says
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!!!!
TidyMom says
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} =-.
Lisa T says
What a fantastic idea. I think my daughter will love to do this activity this weekend.
Thanks heaps.
Lisa
Alison says
Love. This. Idea.
Oh man… can’t wait to tap the inner artists in my kids! Thanks for the fun idea and great pictures!!
Allison says
Oh…super idea! So doing this since the cold will not abate here till May!
.-= Allison´s last blog ..Hanging at the Stollery =-.