Nonedible Play Dough

Prep: 10 min Cook: 3 min

Nonedible play dough offers a fun, velvety-textured activity for children, with simple ingredients that are safe for creative play and easy to store for weeks.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/2 c. salt
  • 2 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • food coloring

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients; add oil, water and food coloring.
  2. Cook 3 minutes or until mixture pulls away from sides of pan.
  3. Remove from pan and knead slightly almost immediately.
  4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the best texture, sift the flour and salt before mixing. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder, but keep in mind the texture may vary. For vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid, as it gives a more intense hue. Knead the dough until smooth for the best play experience.

Serving Suggestions

This play dough is perfect for creative play and can be shaped into various figures and objects. Consider pairing it with cookie cutters or molds for added fun. Kids can also use tools like rolling pins or plastic knives to enhance their sculpting experience. It makes a great activity for birthday parties or playdates.

Storage & Reheating

Store the nonedible play dough in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks. If the dough becomes too stiff after storage, you can add a few drops of water and knead to restore its original consistency before use.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nonedible Play Dough contains roughly 549 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of potassium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

549 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.3g 1% DV
Total Fat 60g 77% DV
Carbs 4.2g 2% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 486.6mg 21% DV
Potassium 621.5mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 1.4mg
Iron 0.3mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this play dough edible?

No, this play dough is not meant for consumption. It is made from nonedible ingredients and should be kept away from young children who might be tempted to taste it. Always supervise kids during play to ensure they don't ingest any of the materials.

How can I make the play dough softer?

If your play dough turns out too stiff, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time while kneading until it reaches your desired softness. It’s important to add water gradually to avoid making it too sticky. Kneading well will also help improve the texture.

Can I add scents to the play dough?

Yes, you can add a few drops of essential oils or extract (like vanilla or peppermint) to the dough for a pleasant scent. Just be mindful of any allergies and keep it away from younger children who might put it in their mouths.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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