How to Create Colored Rice or Pasta

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Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Tested

This experiment is a great craft for toddlers and children. Picky eaters might also be more inclined to eat colorful food. Adults can even use this quirky medium to make a colorful masterpiece!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Water and Food Coloring

This method results in edible rice or pasta, or can be used for crafts.

Shake and "mush" the rice or pasta into the food coloring water. Make sure that everything gets mixed in.
You may use a paper plate instead of a baking sheet. Spread the rice or pasta around to avoid clumps.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Vinegar or Hand Sanitizer

This method is suitable for craft use only. The vinegar or hand sanitizer help the uptake of color.

Massage it for a bit.
Once dried, use for craft or art projects.

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Question

Should the rice be cooked, or should it be uncooked?

Community Answer

Uncooked rice should be used.

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Question

Is the first method suitable for eating?

Community Answer

The first method is absolutely safe for consumption, as it only introduces water and food coloring. Letting the rice set returns it to a drier state so it is ready to be used in a normal recipe, but be careful not to stain anything with the food coloring in the process.

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Tips

Create various colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. Place the piles in different bowls, draw pictures with glue on paper and sprinkle the colored rice or pasta on the glue. Let the glue dry slightly and shake off the remaining pasta or rice grains. Let the picture dry.

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Warnings

There are some who warn against the use of artificial food colorings because they believe there may be a link to certain cancers. If you plan to consume the rice or pasta you may get results just as good if you use natural food colorings. It is similar as cooking your rice with a piece of red beetroot for pink rice, with some spinach for green rice, etc.

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