What is Edible Glitter?
Edible glitter is a decorative product that has taken the food and beverage world by storm. Whether it’s used to make cakes sparkle, cocktails shimmer, or add a festive touch to cookies and desserts, edible glitter is a fun way to make food more eye-catching. But as its popularity grows, people have questions about what exactly edible glitter is made of, and whether it's safe to eat. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the components of edible glitter, answer questions related to its safety, and clear up some common misconceptions.
Is It Okay to Eat Edible Glitter?
The first and most important question people ask about edible glitter is whether it’s safe to eat. The short answer is yes. As long as the glitter is specifically labeled as “edible”. Let’s dive deeper into what this means.
Edible vs. Non-Edible Glitter
Not all glitter is meant to be eaten. Glitter products that are used for arts and crafts are often made from plastic, metal, or glass, and can be harmful if ingested. These craft glitters may be labeled as “non-toxic,” but that doesn’t mean they are safe to eat. Non-toxic simply means that the product is not poisonous if small amounts are accidentally ingested (like if a child eats glue). However, craft glitter is not digestible and can cause harm if eaten in large quantities.
“Edible glitter”, on the other hand, is specifically designed to be consumed. It is made from food-grade ingredients that are digestible and meet safety standards set by regulatory agencies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the U.S. These ingredients ensure that edible glitter is non-toxic, digestible, and safe to eat.
What is Edible Glitter made of?
Edible glitter is typically made from a combination of food-grade dyes, starches, and pearlescent pigments. These ingredients are chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their safety when ingested. Common ingredients include:
- Mica-based pearlescent pigments: These are minerals that give glitter its shimmering effect. They are commonly used in cosmetics and food products to create a reflective or pearlescent appearance.
- Dextrose or sugar: These act as a base for the glitter particles, giving them structure and allowing them to stick to food.
- Food-safe colorants: Dyes like Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 2 are FDA-approved for food use and give the glitter its vibrant colors.
- Starches: Cornstarch or other starches may be used to help the glitter maintain its structure.
As long as the product is labeled as edible, it is safe for consumption. However, if the label doesn’t say "edible" or "food-grade," it should not be used on food.
How to Safely Use Edible Glitter:
When using edible glitter, it’s important to read the label carefully to make sure it is indeed meant for consumption. Products that are labeled “edible” or “food-safe” can be confidently used on cakes, cookies, beverages, and other foods. On the other hand, glitter labeled “non-toxic” or glitter with no specific indication of being safe for consumption should not be used on anything meant to be eaten.
Is Edible Glitter Just Microplastics?
One common misconception about edible glitter is that it’s made from microplastics, which are small plastic particles that can harm the environment and potentially human health. However, edible glitter is not made from microplastics, provided it is food-safe and labeled as edible.
What are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, usually less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic objects or from the production of small plastic items like beads and fibers. Microplastics have been found in oceans, soils, and even drinking water, raising concerns about their impact on the environment and potential effects on human health when ingested.
Why Edible Glitter is Not Made of Plastic
Edible glitter is carefully formulated to avoid harmful materials like plastic. Instead, it is made from mica-based minerals, sugars, starches, and FDA-approved color additives. Unlike non-edible craft glitter, which often contains plastic, edible glitter is entirely digestible and does not pose the same health risks. When you consume edible glitter, your body processes it much like it would other food ingredients.
However, not all glitter is safe for consumption. Craft glitter or other types of glitter used for decoration are often made from plastics or metals and should never be used on food. These types of glitter can cause harm if ingested because they cannot be digested or safely processed by the body. This is why it is crucial to use only food-grade edible glitter on items meant for consumption.
Is Edible Glitter FDA Approved?
In the United States, food products and additives must meet strict safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When it comes to edible glitter, it’s important to look for products made from FDA-approved ingredients to ensure they are safe for consumption.
FDA-Approved Ingredients
While the FDA does not explicitly approve “edible glitter” as a product, it does regulate the ingredients used to make edible glitter. Ingredients commonly used in edible glitter, such as mica, dextrose, and food-safe dyes (like Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 2), are FDA-approved for use in food products.
These ingredients have been evaluated for safety, meaning that they can be consumed without posing a risk to human health when used in the amounts typically found in food decoration. Manufacturers of edible glitter must ensure that their products are made using only FDA-approved food ingredients, and the glitter should be clearly labeled as “edible”.
Why Some Glitter Is Not FDA Approved
Not all glitter is made with food-grade ingredients. Craft glitter, for example, is not intended to be eaten and is not made from FDA-approved materials. Glitter products that are labeled “non-toxic” may still contain materials like plastic or metal that are not safe to ingest, even though they are not considered poisonous in small quantities. If a glitter product is not labeled edible or food-safe, it’s best to avoid using it on food or drink items.
Is Edible Glitter Just Mica Powder?
Another common question is whether edible glitter is simply mica powder, a mineral used for its shimmering effect. While mica is one of the key ingredients in many edible glitters, edible glitter is not just mica powder. Let’s break down what mica is and how it’s used in edible glitter.
What is Mica?
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from the earth and processed into fine powders. These powders are often used in cosmetics, paint, and food products to create a pearlescent or shimmering effect. Because mica is non-toxic and safe for ingestion in small amounts, it is commonly used in food decorations like edible glitter.
How Mica is Used in Edible Glitter
In edible glitter, mica is used to provide the shimmering or sparkling effect. It is typically coated with FDA-approved colorants to give it a vibrant color and mixed with other food-grade ingredients like sugar or starch to give the glitter texture and structure. Mica alone wouldn’t create the same glittering effect because it lacks the body or structure to hold its shape on food.
Thus, while mica is a key component of many edible glitters, it is not the only ingredient. The combination of mica, food-safe colorants, and stabilizers like dextrose or cornstarch creates a more robust product that adheres well to food and provides a long-lasting sparkle.
Why Doesn’t Edible Glitter Dissolve?
You may have noticed that when you sprinkle edible glitter onto food or into a drink, it doesn’t dissolve like sugar or other ingredients. This is because edible glitter is made from materials that are insoluble in water or fat, such as mica or food starches.
Mica-Based Glitter
As mentioned earlier, mica is a mineral that is used to give edible glitter its shimmering appearance. Mica doesn’t dissolve in water or fat because it’s a mineral compound, which means it retains its solid form even when exposed to moisture or heat. This is why edible glitter stays intact when sprinkled on cakes or mixed into drinks.
Sugar or Starch-Based Glitter
Other types of edible glitter are made from sugar or cornstarch. While sugar is water-soluble, edible glitter made from sugar is usually coated with a fine layer of colorants or other ingredients that help it maintain its shape longer. Cornstarch, like mica, doesn’t dissolve easily in water unless it’s exposed to very high heat or mixed vigorously. This allows the glitter to hold its shape and appearance, making it perfect for decorative purposes.
Edible glitter is a safe and fun way to add sparkle and charm to your culinary creations, provided it is labeled as edible and made from food-grade ingredients. Unlike craft glitter, which can contain microplastics and other harmful materials, edible glitter is made from substances like mica, dextrose, and FDA-approved food colorants, all of which are digestible and safe to consume.
When using edible glitter, always check the label to make sure it’s meant for food use, and enjoy adding a little sparkle to your next cake, cocktail, or cookie!