Edible inks: are they safe to eat?
A common question from confectioners — is a printed cake really safe to eat? We explain what edible inks are, how they are certified, and how to store them properly.
What is edible ink?
Edible ink is a water-based colourant that uses approved food dyes (E numbers) as pigments. Unlike regular ink, it contains no solvents, heavy metals or toxic compounds.
EU certification
JetLT uses only certified inks compliant with EU Regulation 1333/2008 on food additives. Each batch comes with a Certificate of Conformity that can be presented to food safety inspectors.
Do they affect taste?
No. Edible inks are tasteless, odourless and do not affect the flavour of cakes or cookies. This has been verified in independent sensory studies.
Shelf life and storage
- Unopened inks — up to 12 months.
- Opened — up to 6 months.
- Store in a dark, dry place at 10-25 °C.
- Do not freeze.
Storing printed products
Printed cakes and cookies should be consumed within 24-48 hours. Longer storage may cause colour fading due to humidity, but food safety remains intact.
Related articles: How to print on cakes • How to personalize chocolate • Printing on wafer paper and sugar sheets
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