Sometimes your statement dish just needs an extra sparkle. A getup that truly shines, that makes everyone ooh and aah when it reaches the table.
Edible glitter, a decorative product that adds a tinselly glint to food surfaces, is the diamond of the season. Pinterest-loving bakers who swirl sparkles into cookie batter and pastry chefs who sprinkle gold dust on wedding cakes have long known this. We want to let you in on the fun.
Party hosts and food stylists are proving that you can liven up food with glitter in original and playful ways. Why limit its uses to cookies and cakes? In Berlin, creative director Hannah Kleeberg dipped cherries in iridescent pink syrup for glitzy dinner parties. At the Rosewood London, food artist Imogen Kwok coated peanuts in shimmery pearlescent dust as an aperitif she developed for the hotel’s menu. With a few shakes, edible glitter can turn nearly any food into a festive, even campy, feast.
If you want to dress up a dish with a little sparkle and cheer, here’s how to do it.
Get Glittery, Go Savory
Edible glitter is usually flavorless, which means that it’s much more versatile than sprinkles. Although it’s commonly dusted onto sweet treats such as cakes and doughnuts, it can add a glimmer to savory fare too. Salty popcorn, tangy lemon, peppery curries—any flavor profile works as a canvas.
Safety Manual PSA
Check the label on your bottle of glitter. You’ll see it described as one of two types used for food decoration: “edible” or “nontoxic.” Edible glitter means the FDA has approved it for consumption in the US, so it requires an ingredient list. That usually consists of starch, food coloring, and stabilizers and preservatives (look for words like maltodextrin, dextrose, and gum arabic). Nontoxic glitter is technically safe to eat, but it’s like crayons or chalk—not harmful if a curious child took a bite, but not meant as part of a regular diet.
Make Liquid Gold
You might have heard of Starbucks’ glitter-infused Unicorn Frappuccino or Shake Shack’s Valentine’s Day strawberry milkshake embellished with whipped cream and glitter. Drinks and glitter have been frequent and photogenic friends. But the effect can also look subtle, like an elegant sheen when mixed into a crystal clear martini. Pair glitter with a clear or lightly colored glass to show off its gleam and serve it soon, as some glitters settle over time.
Mix: Add a fine powder into the drink (or a few dashes to a cocktail shaker before shaking) for a dainty, even shimmer.
Sprinkle: Add glitter to its surface just before serving.
Brush: Use a decorating brush to top off garnishes like lemon wedges, berries, or olives for a flourish of brilliance.
Take a Dip
Dips, sauces, and condiments deserve to shine too. If you’re feeling extra bold, try swirling gold glitter into nacho cheese dip or red sparkles into ketchup.
50 Shades of Sparkle
Think of edible glitter as a garnish that enhances the look of spices, herbs, and other seasonings atop a dish.
This is where it gets colorful—literally. It comes in many shades of metallic and rainbow, so it can match and highlight the hues of your presentation for a bright, cohesive look. A few ideas:
Silver = Sugar, salt
Gold = Parmesan
Red = Paprika, chili flakes
Green = Pesto, parsley, cilantro
Brown = Cocoa powder, chocolate flakes
Dusting Tip
Take a small mesh strainer and softly tap it over your dish so the glitter showers down like powdered sugar onto a cake.
Fancy Sprinkles Edible Glitter
An All-Purpose Glitter We Love
We love Fancy Sprinkles, an edible glitter producer based in Los Angeles. The brand offers powders, gels, sprays, and even cocktail decorating kits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does edible glitter last?
It doesn’t expire, but it can lose its quality over time. If it looks clumpy, discolored, or smells weird, it’s best to throw it out.
How should I store it?
In a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Is it allergenic?
It depends on the ingredients. Check labels for potential allergens such as gluten or specific
food colorants.
Is it vegan?
Depends on the ingredients.
Is there a limit to how much I can use?
Don’t let us stop you from chasing your biggest, glitteriest dreams.
Can I use craft glitter on food?
Definitely not.
