All About Ink Series: Edible Ink

What is Edible Ink?

The name says it all. Edible ink is used to print on items for consumption by humans. Due to the nature of edible ink, it is essential the ink not contain anything harmful for humans to eat. In addition, edible ink is used on items that humans may not necessarily consume but risk possible digestion by coming into contact with someone’s mouth.

Two types of edible ink:

• Edible ink for freehand use – Edible ink used for freehand application is often used by food decorators such as bakers and can be used in pens, bottles, and even airbrushing canisters. This type of ink is applied to food and food grade products directly by the artist to create images, text, and effects.
• Edible printer ink – The edible ink used in a printer to transfer an image onto a product rated for consumption through the use of a print-head delivery system and computer control. Some printers are used to print an image directly on products, and others will print the image on specialty edible paper which can then be cut out and applied to the finished good.

What Types of Printers Can Use Edible Ink?

Digital printers that can use edible ink are typically flatbed inkjet printers in which the printer feeds the product through the machine and drops the specific colors of ink onto the substrate to create the final image from a digital file. Inkjet printers used may be equipment that only print sheets, such as edible paper, and other digital printers may be flatbed inkjet devices that can move the product directly through the machine, up to five inches in height depending on the capacity of the machine. Although many printers can be used for both regular and edible ink, you should never use a printer for edible ink that has previously been used to print with standard ink. The risk of cross-contamination is too great.

What Are Edible Inks Made Of?

Most inks will be made up of ingredients commonly found in regularly consumed food such as carbohydrates, sodium, and food coloring. While there is little nutritional value to edible ink, there is nothing harmful or problematic when it is consumed, making it safe for almost everyone including those with food allergies.

What Materials Can Edible Ink Be Used For?

When edible images are used for the creation of pictures or graphics that will be placed on large or flat edible items such as cake, it is usually printed on edible paper or a chocolate transfer sheet. In some machines, you can print directly onto the food or candy that is a thickness small enough to fit through the carrier mechanism of the printer. When printing full-color photos or graphics, you will need to print on a white or light image as white ink is not available in edible ink. If you are printing on darker materials you will have the ability to print dark text.

What Industries Utilize Edible Ink?

The primary industries that utilize edible ink would be the baking, candy making, event planning, and promotional industries. These industries will use edible ink to customize products that are used for food consumption with personalized photos, names, slogans, and logos. Some of the products you may often find edible ink used for include:

• Cakes
• Chocolate
• Candy
• Mints

Edible inks are a unique way to create personalized food products either for an event or to promote a business. With edible ink technology, you can take your full-color images, texts, and messages to create the perfect food product for guests and customers.