Edible glitter, also known as disco dust or glitter sugar, has become a popular decoration for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods. The tiny bits of edible glitter add sparkle and fun to desserts. But some people wonder – does edible glitter go bad? Does it have an expiration date that you need to watch out for?
What is Edible Glitter?
Edible glitter is made from sugar and cornstarch. The most common varieties are colored with food dyes to create a rainbow of glittery colors. Edible glitter comes in two main forms:
- Crystal sugar – These are large grain sugars that reflect light and add sparkle. Crystal sugars come in various sizes from sanding sugar to coarse rock candy crystals.
- Luster dust – Extremely fine colored powder that contains tiny particles that reflect light. Luster dust has a very smooth, soft glitter effect.
Both crystal sugar and luster dust are considered safe to eat. However, some edible glitters may contain non-toxic mica powder to add shimmer.
Does Edible Glitter Expire?
Yes, edible glitter does have an expiration date. Since edible glitter is made from sugar, it can go bad after a period of time. Here are some signs that your edible glitter has expired:
- It develops a grainy or hardened texture
- The color fades or darkens
- It smells stale or loses its sweet sugary aroma
- It starts to clump together
- You notice mold growth
The shelf life depends on the specific type of edible glitter:
Crystal Sugar Glitter
Crystal sugar glitter lasts longer than luster dust. It typically stays fresh for 12-18 months when stored properly in an airtight container. The expiration date may be printed on the packaging. Over time, crystal sugar can harden as the sugar crystallizes further. It may also lose its shimmer.
Luster Dust
Luster dust has a shorter shelf life of around 6-12 months. Due to the fine texture, it tends to clump and lose its shimmer more quickly. Keep an eye out for color changes or fading.
Unopened vs. Opened
An unopened container of edible glitter will last longer than one that has been opened. Exposure to air causes the ingredients to stale faster. An opened container may only last 6-12 months.
How to Store Edible Glitter
To help edible glitter last as long as possible:
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
- Keep away from heat sources like ovens which can cause hardening.
- Always reseal the container tightly after each use.
- Don’t transfer glitter to containers without tight lids.
- Keep edible glitter in a cupboard rather than the fridge where condensation can form.
How to Tell if Edible Glitter Has Gone Bad
Here are some simple ways to test if your edible glitter is still good to use or if it’s expired:
Look
Give the glitter a close visual inspection. Check for changes like hardening, clumping, fading of colors, or an uneven texture. Edible glitter that still looks smooth and vibrant is likely fine.
Smell
Give the glitter a sniff test. It should have a sugary sweet smell. Any staleness, mustiness, or loss of aroma indicates it’s time to throw it out.
Taste
Taste a small bit to check the flavor. Edible glitter will taste like sweet granulated sugar when it’s fresh. Discard if the taste is off.
Test on Frosting
Add a pinch of the glitter to plain white frosting. Check how it adheres, sparkles, and blends. Expired glitter will clump or sink rather than smoothly integrate.
Can You Use Expired Edible Glitter?
It’s not recommended to use edible glitter that is past its prime. Not only will it look less vibrant, but there could be food safety issues:
- Stale sugar can develop harmful bacteria like mold.
- Off-flavors and textures are unappealing.
- The glitter may not adhere well and flake off the food.
So check those expiration dates and don’t use glitter that is clearly past its shelf life. When in doubt, just toss it out.
Can Expired Edible Glitter Make You Sick?
Consuming expired edible glitter is unlikely to make you seriously ill. But it can certainly lead to unpleasant digestive symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Intestinal upset
- Diarrhea
These symptoms will usually be temporary, but it’s best to avoid eating moldy or rotten glitter that could contain harmful microbes. Discard any expired glitter rather than taking a chance.
How to Dispose of Expired Edible Glitter
Don’t toss old edible glitter in the trash or flush it down the sink. The glitter can spill and make a mess. Follow these steps for safe disposal:
- Place the expired glitter in a sealable plastic bag.
- Seal the bag tightly.
- Put the sealed bag in the main trash bin or bag.
- Wash your hands after disposal.
Removing it from the original packaging prevents the glitter from spilling out and containing it in a sealed bag prevents any potential mold spores from spreading.
Can You Salvage Old Edible Glitter?
It’s generally not recommended to try to resurrect edible glitter that has hardened or faded. But if you want to try, these methods may refresh it slightly:
- Sift – Use a fine-mesh sieve to separate out any clumps.
- Blend – Place in a blender on low briefly to break up chunks.
- Add a pinch of cornstarch and shake in a sealed container to absorb moisture.
- Stir in a few drops of vodka to loosen and re-soften the texture.
However, these techniques may not completely reverse the expiration process. It’s best to just replace your edible glitter with a fresh container.
How to Prevent Edible Glitter From Expiring Too Quickly
To help your edible glitter last as long as possible:
- Buy only as much as you’ll use within 6-12 months.
- Store containers airtight in a cool, dry place.
- Keep glitter away from steam, humidity, and heat.
- Always reseal immediately after using.
- Don’t mix old glitter with fresh batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does edible glitter go bad?
Yes, edible glitter does expire and go bad over time. The sugars can harden, fade, or develop mold. Discard any glitter that smells or looks off.
How long does edible glitter last?
Unopened edible glitter typically lasts around 12-18 months. Once opened, its shelf life decreases to around 6-12 months.
Can expired edible glitter make you sick?
Consuming expired edible glitter likely won’t make you seriously ill, but it may cause nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea. Mold growth would be the biggest concern.
Can you use old hard edible glitter?
It’s not recommended. Hardened edible glitter won’t adhere to foods properly, loses its shimmer, and could have food safety issues.
Does freezing extend edible glitter’s shelf life?
Freezing is not recommended, as condensation when thawing can cause clumping. Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry cupboard instead.
The Bottom Line
Edible glitter does have an expiration date and can go bad over time. Unopened containers stored properly should last around 12-18 months. Once opened, use edible glitter within 6-12 months for best quality. Discard any glitter that smells or looks stale, faded, or shows signs of mold growth. Following proper storage methods and checking expiration dates allows you to decorate to your heart’s content while avoiding tummy trouble from consuming expired edible glitter.
