Oobleck is a fun, squishy substance made from mixing cornstarch and water. It has some interesting properties, as it acts like a liquid when being poured slowly, but acts like a solid when force is applied. Oobleck is often used to demonstrate non-Newtonian fluids in science classrooms and is a popular kids’ toy. But can this gooey concoction actually be eaten? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Oobleck?
Oobleck gets its name from a Dr. Seuss book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck, in which a gooey green substance, Oobleck, falls from the sky and wreaks havoc on the kingdom. The real-life version is made by mixing cornstarch and water in roughly a 1:2 ratio. The cornstarch particles suspended in the water create a non-Newtonian fluid – meaning its viscosity changes depending on the force applied.
When oobleck is sat undisturbed, the cornstarch particles settle and the mixture takes on a more solid, thick consistency. But when you apply force by squeezing, hitting, or stirring the oobleck, the mixture becomes more liquid-like and will start to drip and splash. This effect is what gives oobleck its fun, squishy texture that makes it satisfying to play with.
Is Oobleck Toxic?
Oobleck is made from two kitchen staples – cornstarch and water – that are non-toxic. Cornstarch is a common thickening agent used in cooking and baking. Both ingredients are safe to ingest on their own. However, there are a few things to consider before eating oobleck:
- Choking hazard – Due to oobleck’s thick, gummy texture it could present a choking risk if swallowed. Supervision is recommended if allowing kids to sample oobleck.
- Raw cornstarch taste – Cornstarch has a distinct starchy, raw taste that some find unpleasant to eat on its own. The taste of raw cornstarch may come through in the oobleck.
- Contaminants – If made in an unclean environment, oobleck could pick up contaminants you wouldn’t want to ingest. It’s best to make edible oobleck with clean, fresh ingredients.
As long as choking hazards are considered and it’s made in a hygienic environment, oobleck made from cornstarch and water should be non-toxic for consumption.
Does Oobleck Taste Good?
On its own, oobleck does not have much flavor. The raw cornstarch gives it a starchy, somewhat bland taste. The oobleck’s extremely thick, gummy texture can also be off-putting in the mouth.
For these reasons, plain oobleck made from just cornstarch and water does not make for a tasty treat. However, the taste and texture can be improved by adding extra ingredients:
- Flavors and Sweeteners: Adding a touch of vanilla, cocoa powder, fruit juice, honey or sugar can help mask the raw cornstarch flavor. Extracts and food coloring can provide fun flavors and vibrancy.
- Milk: Substituting some or all of the water for milk can give a creamier, richer taste and texture.
- Fats: Small amounts of oil, butter, or cream cheese can smooth out the gummy texture in the mouth.
- Mix-ins: Stirring in peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, sprinkles, or fruit can transform oobleck into a delicious edible treat.
With added flavors and fats, oobleck can take on taste and texture similar to pudding, custard, or dough. Getting creative with mix-ins gives you the versatility to make sweet or savory edible oobleck creations.
Edible Oobleck Recipes
Here are some recipe ideas for turning plain oobleck into edible treats:
Cookies and Cream Oobleck
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies
Whisk together cornstarch, milk, sugar and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently until thickened to pudding consistency, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crushed Oreo cookies. Enjoy warm or chilled.
Peanut Butter Oobleck Dip
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
In a small saucepan, whisk cornstarch into milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Serve warm with graham crackers or apple slices for dipping.
2-Ingredient Nutella Oobleck
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1 cup cornstarch
Combine Nutella and cornstarch in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until hot and thickened to a pudding-like consistency, about 2-3 minutes total. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying this quick chocolate hazelnut oobleck treat.
How to Make Oobleck Safe for Eating
If you want to whip up a batch of oobleck that will be sampled, there are some food safety practices to keep in mind:
- Wash hands and prep surfaces thoroughly before starting.
- Use clean utensils and cookware.
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh and within their use-by date.
- Use pasteurized egg products if adding eggs.
- Heat oobleck to 165°F/74°C if recipe calls for cooking.
- Refrigerate perishable oobleck creations within 2 hours.
Making edible oobleck is fun because you get to play with your food! Just be sure to follow kitchen hygiene basics when whipping up recipes to enjoy.
Can Oobleck Go Bad?
Plain oobleck made with just cornstarch and water does not easily go bad, as it does not contain perishable ingredients. It may start to grow mold if left for extremely prolonged periods at room temperature. The water could also eventually evaporate, leaving just dry cornstarch behind.
However, oobleck made with dairy products like milk or butter, or perishable mix-ins like fruit, can go bad if left unrefrigerated. The dairy can spoil or the fruit can grow mold. Refrigerating any oobleck recipes containing perishable ingredients is recommended to extend the shelf life.
Here are some signs your oobleck may have gone bad:
- Visible mold
- Lumpy texture
- Curdled appearance
- Sour smell
- Change in color
When in doubt, it’s best to throw it out. Oobleck is simple and inexpensive to make, so it’s not worth risking eating a spoiled batch.
Storing Leftover Oobleck
To extend the life of leftover oobleck:
- Refrigerate oobleck creations containing perishable ingredients.
- Store oobleck in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Add a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin forming.
- Properly seal and promptly refrigerate any oobleck with eggs or dairy after portioning.
- Use refrigerated oobleck within 3-4 days.
Plain oobleck can be left at room temperature in a sealed container if it doesn’t contain any perishable ingredients. It can last for weeks, though it may start to dry out over time.
For longer storage of plain oobleck, transfer to an airtight plastic bag, press out excess air and seal. This oobleck can be kept in a cool, dry spot for up to 3 months.
Can You Freeze Oobleck?
Most oobleck recipes can be successfully frozen for longer term storage. Here are some tips for freezing oobleck:
- Do not freeze plain oobleck made with just cornstarch and water, as this will become solid when frozen.
- Only freeze oobleck recipes containing perishable dairy, eggs, fruit or other mix-ins.
- Portion oobleck into freezer-safe resealable bags or containers.
- Flatten bags to remove excess air before sealing.
- Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace in containers to allow for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw refrigerated overnight before using.
The oils and sugars in most edible oobleck recipes prevent them from freezing completely solid. Frozen oobleck may have a thicker, gummier texture once thawed but can still be used for playing or eating.
Fun Edible Oobleck Ideas
Once you realize oobleck can be edible, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fun ways to use edible oobleck recipes:
- Use as a dip for fruits, graham crackers, or pretzel sticks
- Layer parfaits with oobleck, whipped cream, and crushed cookies
- Fill donut holes or cupcakes with oobleck fillings
- Make oobleck “pancakes” by pouring onto a griddle or pan
- Add edible glitter, sprinkles, crushed candy or sanding sugar
- Pipe through a zip-top bag for oobleck decorating
- Add molecular gastronomy ingredients like calcium lactate for fun effects
- Create oobleck “aquariums” with Swedish Fish or gummy sharks
Edible oobleck opens up a whole new world of tasty, playful recipes perfect for kids and adults. Get creative with flavors and toppings to make a truly unique treat!
Safety Tips for Eating Oobleck
While oobleck can be fun to eat, it’s important to keep in mind it still poses some risks:
- Choking hazard: Oobleck’s thick, sticky texture could cause someone to choke if large amounts are swallowed. Supervise children when sampling.
- Allergies: Those with corn allergies should avoid oobleck made with cornstarch.
- Raw eggs: Oobleck recipes with raw eggs may contain salmonella. Only consume fully cooked egg oobleck.
- Foodborne illness: Contaminated ingredients could cause food poisoning. Follow food safety guidelines closely.
Here are some general safety tips when eating oobleck:
- Small bites only, chew thoroughly before swallowing.
- Sit down while eating, don’t run or play.
- Have water on hand to help clear any stuck oobleck.
- Avoid giving oobleck to children under 3 years old.
- Monitor children at all times when sampling oobleck.
Using common sense precautions will help ensure oobleck eating is fun and safe for everyone involved!
Conclusion
While plain oobleck made from cornstarch and water may not seem appetizing, with some added flavors and creative mix-ins, it can be transformed into edible treats. Oobleck puddings, dips, pancakes, and parfaits can provide novel textures and tastes to delight both kids and adults.
Safety does need to be kept top of mind when consuming oobleck, as it can pose choking risks and harbor bacteria if not made properly. But following basic food prep guidelines allows oobleck to be enjoyed with minimal risks. Approached with care, edible oobleck unlocks a world of possibility for playing with your food in entirely new ways!
