Sprinkles & Non Edibles In Cake Decorating
Decorating Cakes With Sprinkles. How To Keep Your Loved Ones And Customers Safe
Decorating cakes with sprinkles can add a pop of color, texture, and fun to any cake design. However, not all sprinkles are created equally, and certain ingredients in some sprinkles can raise safety concerns—especially if you're a small cake business or home baker. In the U.S some cake decorations, like sprinkles, can contain ingredients that are banned in the U.K. due to safety issues. Additionally, the use of non-edible items on cakes requires extra caution. The aim of this blog is to help you understand these risks and make your cake decorating as safe as it is beautiful!
WARNING! I mentioned this recently but just incase you missed it…Have you heard of people ordering sprinkles from cheap sights such as Temu and Shein and using them on their cakes not realising the danger! Some were actually made of resin!!! Yes RESIN…..Plastic! It’s so very important to stay safe and check all your sprinkles carefully when ordering them online!
Understanding Ingredients in Sprinkles
In the U.S., certain food colourants and chemicals are allowed in food products, but they might not be permitted in other countries. Being aware of these ingredients is essential for anyone looking to sell or share their baked goods internationally or even locally, especially if they're catering to clients from different backgrounds.
Chemicals in Sprinkles
Here are some common ingredients that are used in sprinkles in the U.S. but are banned in the U.K.:
Erythrosine (Red No. 3)
Used for bright red coloring in food.
Banned in the U.K. due to potential links to thyroid tumors.
Still widely used in the U.S., though it’s being phased out in some cases.
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
Commonly found in bright yellow and green sprinkles.
Can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those with asthma.
The U.K. requires labeling for products containing tartrazine, while the U.S. does not have this requirement.
Blue No. 1 and No. 2
Commonly used for vibrant blue and purple hues in sprinkles.
These colourings have been associated with hyperactivity in children and other health issues, which has led the U.K. to regulate their use more strictly.
It’s so important to educate yourself on theses to keep you and your customers safe! please do your own research to keep everyone safe.
TIP: To be safe stick to ordering your sprinkles from well known trusted companies in your country as well as supermarkets. There are some beautiful sprinkles out there so we don’t really need to be buying sprinkles from overseas these days.
How to Identify Safe Sprinkles
To ensure that your sprinkles are safe and approved for use in your region:
Read labels carefully: Look for country-specific regulatory stamps or approvals.
Research brands: Some brands specialise in "clean" sprinkles that do not contain artificial dyes or banned ingredients.
Ask suppliers about ingredients: If you're unsure, reach out to suppliers for detailed ingredient lists.
Using Non-Edible Decorations
Many cake decorators use non-edible items to enhance the visual appeal of their creations. While these items can look stunning, they pose certain risks.
What are no edibles on cakes?
Dowling - straws/ sticks/ cocktail sticks / dry spaghetti
Cardboard -details
Fresh flowers (not all flowers are edible; some are toxic)
Artificial flowers
Plastic figurines (such as toys, action figures, or themed decorations)
Wires (often used for attaching decorations or making cake toppers)
Ribbon (silk, satin, or other fabric ribbons for wrapping around tiers)
Feathers
Consider All The Risks Of Using Non-Edible Items on Cakes:
-Choking Hazards: If non-edible items are small, they can easily be mistaken for edible decorations, leading to choking hazards, especially for children.
- Toxicity: Some non-edible decorations might contain chemicals or materials that are unsafe if ingested, such as certain glitters, wires, or beads.
- Cross-Contamination: Items like fresh flowers or other natural decorations may carry pesticides or bacteria that could contaminate the cake.
Safe Practices for Non-Edible Decorations
As good practice always:
Labelling: Always inform customers if certain items on the cake are not edible. You can place a small sign or label next to the cake at an event.
Use Cake Spikes/ Cake Safe floral tape/Picks: For fresh flowers or other items that aren't food-safe to create a barrier between the decoration and the cake.
Opt for Edible Alternatives: Choose edible flowers, edible glitters, or food-safe picks to ensure that all items on the cake are safe for consumption.
Precautions for Small Cake Businesses
As a small cake business, the safety of your clients is crucial. Taking the time to establish clear safety practices can help protect your business and build trust with your customers. Here are some safety tips:
Use Food-Safe Ingredients Only: Ensure all ingredients are approved for food use, especially if you're selling cakes internationally.
Check for Allergens: Some sprinkles contain common allergens like dairy or gluten. Inform your customers if your decorations contain any potential allergens.
Train Staff: If you have employees, train them on food safety practices and the importance of using food-safe decorations.
Stay Updated with Regulations: Food regulations can change over time. Stay updated on any changes to ensure your ingredients comply with current standards.
Provide Clear Instructions: When delivering cakes, inform customers about which decorations are edible and which are not. A small info card or sticker on the box works well.
Promoting Safe Cake Practices
Educate Your Customers: Offer information on social media or your website about food-safe practices you follow in your business.
Standard Practice: Considering including a PDf adding details of all edibles and any non edibles used within all your cakes & bakes your customers with your ingredient list? This transparency can really help build trust as well as protecting you and them.
Use Safe Suppliers: Purchase ingredients and decorations from reputable suppliers who comply with food safety standards.
Document Your Practices: Maintain records of your suppliers and ingredients in case of any issues. This can be useful for tracking any recalls or ensuring compliance with health regulations.
TIP: E127 is an illegal edible ingredient in the UK/EU and banned from use in edible colourings. It can, however, still be used in cocktail cherries and candied cherries ( odd lol)
Did you know you can make your own Sprinkles too?
Making your own sprinkles out of fondant or icing is a fun and easy way to create custom colours and shapes for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other treats. Plus, homemade fondant sprinkles are entirely edible and allow you to avoid unwanted artificial ingredients or allergens. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make them:
Materials Needed
Fondant in your chosen colours (you can use pre-colored fondant or color it yourself)
Rolling pin
Small, sharp knife or pizza cutter
Small piping tips or tiny cookie cutters (for different shapes)
Cornstarch or powdered sugar (for dusting)
Wax paper or parchment paper
Airtight container (for storage)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace- Dust your work surface lightly with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent the fondant from sticking.
2. Roll Out the Fondant - Take a small piece of fondant and knead it until it’s soft and pliable. Roll the fondant out to your desired thickness. For sprinkles, aim for about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut the Fondant, For Classic Sprinkle Shapes: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the fondant into thin strips, and then cut across the strips to create small, sprinkle-sized pieces.
For Circular Sprinkles (like confetti sprinkles) You can use a small round piping tip or a tiny circle cutter to punch out small circles from the rolled fondant.
I also like to roll fondant into little balls to match a colour scheme.
For Other Shapes: You can use small cutters in various shapes, such as stars or hearts, to create fun, custom sprinkles.
4. Let the Sprinkles Dry -Spread the cut pieces onto wax paper or parchment paper in a single layer. Allow them to dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours, depending on humidity. Drying will help the sprinkles harden and keep their shape.
5. Store the Sprinkles - Once the sprinkles are dry, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place for up to several weeks.
Tips for Making Fondant Sprinkles
Colour Variation: If you want sprinkles in various colours, divide the fondant and add different food colouring to each portion. Knead until the colour is fully blended.
Marbled Effect: To create marbled sprinkles, twist together two or more colors of fondant without fully mixing them, then roll out and cut as usual.
Flavouring: If desired, you can add a drop of flavor extract to the fondant when you knead it to give the sprinkles a mild taste.
Adding Sparkle: Once cut, you can dust the sprinkles lightly with edible shimmer dust for a little extra shine.
Homemade fondant sprinkles can be used just like store-bought ones on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream! They’re a creative, customizable addition to your decorating toolkit and are completely safe and edible. Enjoy experimenting with colours, shapes, and designs to match any theme or occasion.
TIP: If you have a colour scheme you're working with using the same fondant you have used to colour your cakes/ cupcakes to create your sprinkles ensures your colours are identical.
What About Staying Safe with Edible Dusts, Colourings, and Glitter
When it comes to decorating holiday treats, edible dusts, colourings, and glitter can make your creations sparkle! However, it's essential to use these products safely, especially when kids are involved. Not all edible decorations are created equal, and some products labeled as "non-toxic" may not actually be safe for consumption. Here’s a guide to ensure that you’re using these beautiful accents safely for everyone to enjoy.
Safety Tips for Using Edible Decorating Products: Always Choose Edible: Only use products labeled "edible" or "FDA-approved" for consumption. Some glitters are labeled "non-toxic," which means they won't harm you if ingested accidentally, but they're not intended for eating. Look for labels such as "food-grade" to ensure they're safe for consumption.
Check Ingredients: Read the ingredient list to make sure there are no harmful additives or allergens. This is especially important if you're serving treats to people with food sensitivities or allergies.
Buy from Reputable Brands: Purchase from well-known and trusted brands that comply with food safety regulations in your country. Larger brands often provide clearer labeling and adhere to stricter safety standards.
Look for Country-Specific Approvals: Different countries have varying regulations for edible products. Check to see if the product complies with your country's food safety authorities, such as the FDA in the U.S. or the FSA in the U.K.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate brushes and tools for edible and non-edible glitters to avoid accidental mix-ups. Wash all tools thoroughly after use.
How to Find Safe Edible Products in Your Country: Each country has its own safety standards for edible products, so it's important to choose items that comply with your local regulations:
Check for Food-Grade Labels: In the U.S., look for labels such as “food-grade,” “edible,” or “approved by the FDA.” In other countries, look for similar wording and certifications from food safety authorities.
Research Local Regulations: Make sure you’re familiar with the food safety standards in your country. For example, in the European Union, food colouring must comply with specific EU food additive regulations.
Buy from Local Retailers: Products sold by local retailers are more likely to meet your country’s safety standards. If buying online, make sure the product ships from a trusted source within your country.
Consult Local Food Safety Guidelines: Some countries offer guidelines on their food safety websites for using products like edible glitters and dusts. Checking these resources can help you make informed choices about what’s safe for your family.
By following these tips and staying informed about the products you're using, you can enjoy the beauty of edible decorations without compromising on safety. Your cakes & treats will not only look amazing but also be safe and delicious for everyone to enjoy!
TIP: Be carfeul when you find yourself at an international cake shows and don’t get caught up in all the shiny pretty sprinkles without checking what’s suitable for you an your customers safely.
Please also do your own research and double check everything you're using in and on your bakes to ensure you keep your customers safe and protect yourself.
