Understanding the Difference Between Edible Glitter and Edible Luster Dust

In the world of sugar art, presentation is just as important as taste. The final flourish on a beautifully baked cake or delicately crafted dessert can transform it from ordinary to extraordinary. Two popular choices for adding that touch of magic are edible glitter and edible luster dust. While edible glitter and edible luster dust both add sparkle and shine, they are quite different in their composition, application, and final effect. In this blog, we will delve into the differences between edible glitter and edible luster dust, helping you decide which is best for your next culinary masterpiece.

What is Edible Glitter?

Edible glitter is a type of decorative dust used to add sparkle to food and drinks. It is made from FDA approved food colors and additives. Edible glitter is designed to mimic the sparkle and shine of traditional glitter, but it is completely safe for consumption.

Characteristics of Edible Glitter

1. Appearance: Edible glitter is known for its sparkly, reflective quality. It comes in a variety of colors and can add a touch of glamour to any dish.
2. Texture: The FDA approves a larger particle named mica to be used in conjunction with food colors. The mica mineral can be either naturally occurring, or synthetic. The mica gives that indicative sparkle and shine. It also is considered an interference color, and can refract certain colors in the spectrum. Thus offering the appearance of a gold, green, pink, etc. Edible glitter tends to be thicker than luster dust - so that it stands out on cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. It truly gives a glitter affect that is 100% safe to consume on your food or in your cocktails. 
3. Use: Edible glitter is versatile and can be used on a wide range of foods and drinks. It is often sprinkled on top of frosted cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even added to beverages for a festive touch.

How to Use Edible Glitter

1. Sprinkling: The most common way to use edible glitter is to sprinkle it directly onto the surface of your treats. This can be done by hand or using a shaker for more control (like our small or larger shaker jars).
2. Spraying: A very popular way to use edible glitter is inside of a dry spray bottle, so that the glitter is dispersed more evenly across your confection. 
3. Drinks: For a magical touch, add edible glitter to cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages. Simply stir a small amount into the drink and watch it shimmer.

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$9.00

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Benefits of Edible Glitter

1. Eye-Catching: The sparkle and shine of edible glitter make it a great choice for special occasions and celebrations.
2. Versatile: It can be used on a wide variety of foods and drinks, making it a versatile addition to your baking toolkit.
3. Easy to Use: Edible glitter is simple to apply and can quickly elevate the appearance of your culinary creations.

Other relevant Vlogs / Tutorials:

1. Two Ways to add Edible Glitter To Cookies (click here)
2. How To Use Edible Glitter (click here)

What is Edible Luster Dust?

Edible luster dust is a fine luster powder used to add a subtle shimmer and sheen to food. It is also made from food-grade mica powder, titanium dioxide, and FD&C-approved color additives. Unlike edible glitter, which is designed to be sparkly and reflective, luster dust creates a more understated, metallic shine. Another key component of understanding the difference of edible glitter and edible luster dust.

Characteristics of Edible Luster Dust

1. Appearance: Luster dust has a fine, powdery texture and creates a subtle, pearlescent shimmer. It comes in a range of colors, including metallic shades like gold, silver, and bronze.
2. Texture: Luster dust is very fine and silky, which allows it to blend seamlessly into frostings, fondants, and other surfaces.
3. Use: Luster dust is often used to highlight details on cakes, cookies, and other confections. It can be applied dry or mixed with a liquid to create a paintable solution.

How to Use Edible Luster Dust

1. Dry Application: To apply luster dust dry, use a clean, dry brush to dust it onto the surface of your treats. This method is great for adding a soft shimmer to fondant, gum paste, and chocolate.
2. Wet Application: For a more intense, metallic finish, mix luster dust with a few drops of clear alcohol (such as vodka) or lemon extract to create a paint. Use a fine brush to paint the mixture onto your confections.
3. Airbrushing: Luster dust can also be used in an airbrush for an even, professional finish. Dilute the dust with the appropriate liquid medium and spray it onto your desserts.

Wedding Gold Luster Dust

$8.00

OUR BEST EDIBLE GOLD LUSTER DUST FOR CAKES, COOKIES, CHOCOLATES, & MORE! DRY-DUST THIS EDIBLE GOLD POWDER ON BAKED GOODS AND SWEET TREATS FOR A GORGEOUS SHINE! ALSO MIX THE LUXURIOUS LUSTER DUST WITH EXTRACTS & SPIRITS TO CREATE AN EDIBLE… read more

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The Color Solution For Edible Paint

$10.00

CREATE THE MOST INCREDIBLE DIY EDIBLE PAINT WITH OUR BRAND NEW FOOD COLOR PAINT SOLUTION!  BEST USED WITH ELITE COLORS AND EDIBLE LUSTER DUSTS! FOR MORE INFORMATION AROUND THE PRODUCT AND FOR A VIDEO DEMONSTRATION, CLICK THE LINK BELOW! PLEASE… read more

2 oz. Bottle - $10.00 0.7 oz. Bottle - $5.00

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Benefits of Edible Luster Dust

1. Subtle Elegance: The fine shimmer of luster dust adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your culinary creations.
2. Detailed Work: Luster dust is perfect for highlighting intricate details and adding depth to your designs.
3. Professional Finish: Using luster dust can give your desserts a polished, professional appearance.

Other relevant Vlogs / Tutorials:

1. Adding Luster Dust to Cookies (click here)
2. Adding Luster Dust To Chocolate (click here)
3. Airbrushing Luster Dust (Click here)
4. How to Know if Luster Dust is Edible (Click here)

Comparing Edible Glitter and Edible Luster Dust

Visual Impact

• Edible Glitter: Provides a bold, sparkly effect that catches the light and draws attention. Ideal for festive and celebratory occasions where you want your treats to stand out.
• Edible Luster Dust: Offers a more refined, pearlescent shimmer. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your desserts.

Texture

• Edible Glitter: Somewhat thicker texture that adds a distinct sparkle. It is a fine glitter powder that is tasteless. 
• Edible Luster Dust: Fine, silky texture that blends seamlessly into surfaces. It does not affect the texture of the food when consumed.

Application

• Edible Glitter: Best used for sprinkling on top of frosted cakes, cookies, and other desserts. Can also be mixed into batters and drinks for an all-over sparkle.
• Edible Luster Dust: Ideal for dry brushing or painting onto fondant, gum paste, and chocolate. Can be used for detailed work and creating a professional finish.

Versatility

• Edible Glitter: Highly versatile and can be used on a wide range of foods and drinks. Great for adding a festive touch to any dish.
• Edible Luster Dust: Versatile but best suited for adding subtle shimmer and highlighting details. Perfect for more refined and elegant desserts.

Safety

Both edible glitter and edible luster dust are made from food-grade ingredients and are safe for consumption. However, it is important to ensure that the products you use are labeled as edible and meet food safety standards.

Conclusion

Edible glitter and edible luster dust are both fantastic tools for adding a touch of magic to your culinary creations. Whether you choose the bold sparkle of edible glitter or the refined shimmer of luster dust depends on the look you want to achieve. Understanding the differences between these two products will help you make the best choice for your next baking project. So go ahead, get creative, and let your desserts shine with edible glitter and edible luster dust!

THANK YOU!

We appreciate your support so much and hope you enjoyed this free tutorial on explaining the difference between Edible Glitter and Edible Luster Dust, by Edward Frys, the cake guy! We hoped you learned the difference between edible glitter and edible luster dust, too! Be sure to check out all of the tutorials we have on our blog! Incredible decorating techniques are taught, along with delicious and challenging dessert recipes!

The Ed-Ucational Blog (click here)

You can also find so many more amazing tutorials on our Edible Glitter and Luster Dusts at the link above! 

All The Edible Glitter Blogs Right Here (click here)

All The Luster Dust Blogs Right Here! (click here)

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