Small, reflective particles add a brilliant shimmer to cakes, cocktails, and candies, but most glitter is not safe to eat. Only specific food-grade products are manufactured for consumption. The distinction between craft glitter and food glitter is entirely based on their composition; only decorations formulated with digestible ingredients should be used on items intended for eating.
The Crucial Difference Between Edible and Non-Edible Glitter
The difference between edible and non-edible glitter lies in their materials. Edible glitter is composed of food-grade substances that the body can safely process, such as sugar, gum arabic, maltodextrin, cornstarch, and certain mineral-based colorants. These ingredients are designed to be completely digestible, breaking down in the digestive system just like other foods.
Non-edible glitter is typically manufactured from microplastics, commonly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or thin sheets of aluminum. These craft or cosmetic-grade products are not meant to enter the digestive tract. They may be labeled “non-toxic,” meaning they will not poison a person if accidentally swallowed. However, “non-toxic” does not mean safe for routine consumption; it only indicates the substance will pass through the body without causing immediate harm, unlike an edible product which is approved to be broken down and absorbed.
Ingredients That Make Glitter Unsafe
The base material of most non-food-grade glitter is plastic, specifically microplastics, which are tiny polymer fragments. These particles are indigestible and can pose a risk of physical irritation to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Beyond the microplastic core, non-edible glitters often contain non-food-grade dyes and colorants. Industrial colorants used in craft supplies may not be tested for internal consumption and can sometimes harbor traces of heavy metals. While these colorants are safe for external use, their ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress. Using any glitter that does not list an ingredient panel is risky because it likely contains materials not designed to be broken down by stomach acid or enzymes.
Identifying Truly Food-Safe Decorations
To ensure a product is safe for consumption, consumers must look for specific labeling and ingredient confirmation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food additives and colorants, requiring truly food-safe glitters to be explicitly labeled as “Edible” or “Food Grade.”
The ingredients list should feature common food components like sugar, cornstarch, gum arabic, or maltodextrin. The sparkle effect comes from FDA-approved color additives, such as mica-based pearlescent pigments or FD&C colors. If the label uses vague terms like “non-toxic” or “for decorative purposes only” and lacks an ingredient list, the product must be assumed to be non-edible.
What Happens After Accidental Ingestion
When a small amount of non-edible, plastic-based glitter is accidentally ingested, it typically passes through the digestive tract largely unchanged. The human digestive system is a closed system, and these inert particles do not enter the bloodstream or get absorbed by the organs. They are simply excreted, often resulting in “sparkly poop.”
However, consuming larger quantities or ingesting glitter containing sharp fragments or heavy metals can be more serious. Large amounts of non-digestible material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and in extremely rare cases, may contribute to a blockage or irritation of the bowel. Medical attention should be sought immediately if severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, significant abdominal pain, or blood in the stool occur after ingesting any decorative product.