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How to Color Popcorn Kernels

Ever wonder how to color popcorn kernels? Both inexpensive and easy to do, colored popcorn kernels are a great to use in a variety of holiday crafts. when dyed with food coloring, popcorn kernels take on rich vibrant colors which are great for using with Fall Crafts.

It's so easy! How to color popcorn kernels for fall crafts.

Color as much or as little as you need for crafting projects with your children. It is recommended that parents supervise children with the coloring of popcorn kernels. If the cups containing the dye spill, it can get messy and the dye may stain clothing. Cover the work area with newspaper before starting.

What You Will Need to Color Popcorn Kernels

  • Plain, un-popped popcorn kernels
  • Food color
  • Vinegar
  • Small glass bowls
  • Strainer
  • Paper towels or newspaper

First determine what you will be coloring the popcorn for and how much you think you will need. This will determine the amounts of popcorn and food color that will be needed.

  1. Divvy the popcorn up and place in separate small glass bowls. It is best to use glass instead of plastic since the glass will not be stained by the food coloring. Most plastic containers will absorb the color of the dye.
  2. Next, add enough vinegar to each bowl so that the popcorn kernels are just covered.
  3. Add several drops of food color to the vinegar. The more food coloring, the richer the color will be. Most dye kits only contain blue, green, red and yellow. Mix yellow and red for orange and red and blue for purple. If you kit doesn’t come with green food coloring, then mix blue and yellow. See primary and secondary colors – printable color wheel.
  4. Let the popcorn kernels soak in the vinegar and food coloring for about an hour.
  5. Carefully drain the liquid from the bowls with a strainer. Consider using gloves to keep the dye from staining your hands. Rinse the strainer with water after each use so that none of the prior color stays on the strainer.
  6. Place a paper towel on a plate or cookie sheet and spread out the popcorn in a single layer and let it dry. Try to keep the different colors from touching. Once dry, you can keep the colors separated or mix together for crafting projects.
Easter Word Search Puzzle for Kids
Uses for dyed popcorn kernels.

Colored Popcorn is an easy and inexpensive way to add fall colors to your decorating. The vibrant fall colors also work well for holiday crafts. One easy decorating idea is to put a few tablespoons of the colorful kernels in a clear glass container and include a plain white candle.

Easter Word Search Puzzle for Kids
Easy Indian Corn Magnets Craft for kids. Thanksgiving craft

Use colored popcorn kernels to make Indian Corn Refrigerator Magnets.

About Theresa Johnston

Activities For Kids has been an on-going passion of mine since 1998. I'm a long-time Orlando resident and huge Disney Fan! Prior guide for About.com and current editor for AboutOrlando.com. I hope you enjoy the crafts, recipes and ideas that you find here.

One comment

  1. Donna Colville

    Once dyed, can the kernels be popped and consumed? My daughter-in-law is looking for bright, colorful kernels to pop for a children’s party. She hopes the popped corn will retain the color; however, I keep cautioning her that won’t be retained once popped. True?

    I look forward to hearing from you!