Easter is right around the corner, which means many people will be dyeing eggs as part of the festivities. But is it actually safe to eat dyed eggs? Keep reading to find out.
The Short Answer
Yes, it is completely safe to eat eggs after dyeing them, as long as they are dyed properly with food-safe dyes. The dyes commonly used to decorate Easter eggs are non-toxic and FDA-approved for food use.
Are the dyes used on Easter eggs toxic?
Most artificial egg dyes that are sold specifically for dyeing eggs are considered non-toxic and safe for food use. The dyes must pass FDA regulations for food coloring before being allowed on the market. As long as you use dyes specifically intended for egg decorating, such as common PAAS or vinegar-based dyes, they are generally recognized as safe.
According to the PAAS website, their egg dyes are “laboratory-tested and guaranteed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to contain only FDA approved, nontoxic coloring.” Vinegar-based dyes are also non-toxic.
Some parents use regular food coloring, such as the liquid drops you use to dye icing or bake with. While safer than non-food coloring, there are some potential concerns with using liquid food dye.
First, liquid dye may seep through the eggshell into the egg more easily than traditional egg dyes, which could alter the taste. Second, it takes a lot more dye to achieve a bright color, which means more exposure to the dye overall.
As long as you follow the package instructions, regular liquid food dye should still be safe. But for optimal safety and best results, traditional PAAS or vinegar dyes designed for egg decorating are recommended.
What ingredients are in egg dyes?
Commercial egg dyes contain food-grade dyeing agents that are approved by the FDA for food use. Different brands contain slightly different formulations, but common ingredients include:
- Vinegar – Helps the dye set.
- Propylene glycol – Helps keep the colors uniform.
- Sodium hydroxide – For adjusting pH.
- Potassium sorbate – Preservative.
- Disodium phosphate – Stabilizer.
- Artificial food coloring – Provides the actual colors.
Vinegar-based homemade dyes contain vinegar and food coloring. While not formulated specifically for eggs like commercial dyes, the ingredients are still considered food-safe.
Can Easter egg dyes go bad or spoil?
Commercial egg dyes can expire and degrade in quality over time. The dyes themselves don’t actually spoil or go bad, but the colors may fade or get weaker.
Liquid egg dyes generally have a shelf life around 1-2 years if stored properly. The mixes can last a bit longer – up to 3 years. If your dyes are older than that, you may need extended dyeing times or more dye tablets to get the desired color.
Some signs your dyes are expired include:
- Pale, weak colors that take a long time to set.
- Dyes don’t dissolve well.
- Weird clumping or textures.
- Faded tablet/color packs.
Vinegar-based dyes don’t have as precise an expiration date, but can lose strength over time. Make sure your vinegar is still good and your food coloring is not clumpy or separated.
Do you need to refrigerate dyed eggs?
Refrigeration is not necessary for preserved dyed eggs. As long as the eggs are uncooked, the shell helps protect them from bacteria and they do not require refrigeration.
You primarily need to refrigerate dyed eggs if:
- The eggs have been cooked – Hard boiled eggs and egg salad should always be refrigerated.
- The shells have been cracked, punctured or compromised in any way.
- You dyed blown eggs by puncturing a hole in the shell first.
Since blown eggs are empty inside, they are more susceptible to bacterial growth than ordinary dyed eggs. Refrigerate just to be safe.
If you want to keep your dyed eggs as decorations for more than 2 weeks, refrigeration can help extend their shelf life. But it is not essential for plain in-tact shell eggs.
How long do dyed eggs last?
Dyed eggs can typically last 2-4 weeks if stored properly at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend that to 4-6 weeks.
To maximize shelf life:
- Use eggs that are 2-3 weeks old, not brand new eggs.
- Make sure shells have no cracks.
- Keep eggs away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Store in a cool area around 60-70°F.
The main reasons dyed eggs go bad are:
- Cracks in the shell letting air and bacteria in.
- Temperature changes causing condensation inside the shell.
- Eggs getting old and breaking down naturally.
Avoid cracks, drastic temperature swings, and you can comfortably display your eggs for up to 4 weeks. Refrigeration can extend that lifespan by slowing bacterial growth.
Do dyed eggs need to be washed or peeled before eating?
Washing or peeling dyed eggs before eating is not strictly necessary as long as food-safe dyes are used. The dyes are non-toxic.
With that said, some people prefer to wash or wipe down the eggs gently before eating to remove any residue left on the shell. You can use a damp paper towel or soft brush.
Peeling can also minimize exposure if you are concerned about taste or food coloring transferring to your fingers. But there is no food safety reason eggs must be scrubbed or peeled after dyeing.
Do dyed egg shells change the taste?
Dyed eggshells do not typically affect the taste of the egg inside. As long as food-safe dyes are used properly, they do not seep through the shell into the egg.
However, there are a few cases where dyed shells can impact flavor:
- Using low-quality or non-food dyes that leak through the shell.
- Leaving eggs to soak in dye for very long periods.
- Dyeing cracked or punctured eggs.
- Cooking eggs before dyeing them.
Food coloring could potentially transfer from the shell to the egg in those situations. But with sound dyeing practices using proper egg dyes, the taste should not be altered.
Do dyed eggs pose any risks to pets?
Commercial egg dyes are generally pet-safe and non-toxic. However, it’s best to keep dyed eggs and dyeing supplies out of reach of pets to prevent upset stomachs.
Dogs and cats attracted to the bright colors may try to bite or lick the dyed eggs out of curiosity. Ingesting food coloring or the chemicals in egg dye could potentially cause:
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Allergic reaction in sensitive animals
Monitor your pets closely if dyed eggs are out. Store eggs safely out of paws’ reach when unattended. Make sure dye tablets, liquid dyes, and rinse water are securely discarded after use.
If ingested, call your vet or animal poison control immediately as a precaution. But serious toxicity is unlikely if safety precautions are followed.
Can you dye eggs after refrigerating them?
Yes, it is fine to dye eggs that have been refrigerated as long as they are still within their expiration date.
The shells may absorb a bit more dye when cold, so expect deeper colors. Allow refrigerated eggs to come closer to room temperature before dyeing for easier peeling.
Do not dye eggs past their expiration date, even if refrigerated. Old eggs have more porous shells that may take on a rotten odor when dyed.
Can dyed eggs be frozen and eaten later?
Dyed eggs can be frozen raw or hard boiled to extend their shelf life. Freeze them:
- In air-tight containers or bags.
- With protective wrap between eggs to prevent cracking.
- For up to 4-6 months maximum.
Thaw frozen dyed eggs safely in the refrigerator overnight before decorating, cooking, or eating. Cook hard boiled eggs within 1-2 days.
The freezer will cause some color fading, especially with homemade dyes. Expect paler, more pastel shades after thawing.
Can you eat cold or old dyed eggs?
Eating dyed eggs that have been sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F) risks food poisoning. Do not eat cold, old eggs.
Some key risks of old, cold dyed eggs include:
- Bacterial growth, especially salmonella
- Rotten odor or sulfur smell
- Discoloration or sliminess
- Off tastes or textures
While the shell may appear normal, bacteria can grow rapidly inside if eggs sit too long unrefrigerated. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can dyed eggs be cooked and eaten?
Yes, dyed eggs can be cooked and eaten safely as long as they are still fresh and properly refrigerated after cooking. Both hard boiling and frying/scrambling are fine.
The dyeing process does not affect the integrity or nutrition of the eggs. Some tips for cooking dyed eggs:
- Refrigerate cooked eggs within 1-2 hours, just like regular hard boiled eggs.
- Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
- Remember the shells will still be colored after cooking.
- Frying or scrambling will remove the color from the shells.
Enjoy your dyed eggs in egg salads, deviled eggs, baked goods, and any other favorite dishes. The dyeing process does not affect flavor or nutritional value.
Are glittered or confetti eggs safe to eat?
Glittered eggs made with edible glitter and food confetti are generally safe to eat. However, it is best to avoid consuming the decorative elements if possible.
Look for glitter and confetti sold specifically for culinary use, as they are formulated with food-grade ingredients. Avoid craft glitter or decorative products not intended for consumption.
When dealing with edible glitter eggs:
- Crack very carefully to avoid getting glitter on the egg inside.
- Consider peeling before eating.
- Cook hard boiled eggs thoroughly if concerned about raw eggs contacting glitter.
- Avoid giving glittered eggs to very young children or pets.
While small amounts of edible glitter are not toxic, large quantities could potentially cause an obstruction. Use caution and supervise young kids.
Conclusion
Dyeing eggs is a fun craft that can be safely incorporated into your Easter celebrations. As long as food-safe dyes intended for egg decorating are used properly, the dyed eggs are completely safe to handle, cook, and eat.
Avoid non-food dyes and practice good kitchen hygiene to keep your dyed eggs from spoiling. Discard any eggs that smell bad or appear very old or runny when cracked open. With a little common sense, you can feel good about enjoying those colorful, festive eggs!
