Does Edible Candle Wax Exist?

Edible candle wax refers to candle wax that is made from food-grade ingredients and is safe for human consumption. While regular candle wax is made from paraffin or other petroleum-based ingredients, edible candle wax is made from ingredients like beeswax, soy wax, or gelling agents like gelatin.

Edible candles have become popular party decorations and treats in recent years. The candles are made to look, feel, and often smell like real candles, but they are formulated to be eaten once lit. Biting into an edible candle reveals a sweet, flavored interior. Popular edible candle flavors include cake batter, chocolate, maple syrup, and various fruit flavors. The interior is sometimes creamy, fudgy, or chewy like a confection.

History of Edible Candle Wax

The history of edible candle wax dates back thousands of years. According to Wikipedia, candles were first made from animal fats as early as 200 BC in Han China (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_candle_making). Tallow candles made from beef or mutton fat were commonplace in ancient Rome beginning around 1000 BC.

Edible candles made from beeswax became popular in the Middle Ages in Europe. Beeswax was prized for its sweet honey aroma and natural golden color. The affordability and availability of beeswax made edible bee wax candles accessible. The wax from beeswax candles could even be chewed or eaten for nourishment during famines, as noted by The Candle Land (https://thecandleland.com/why-was-candle-wax-eaten-during-famine/).

The popularity of edible candles continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Tallow and beeswax candles were standard until the mid-1800s. The wax from these animal-based and bee-based candles was considered safe for human consumption in small amounts.

Making Process

Making edible candles involves fairly simple ingredients like sugar, water, gelatin, and flavor extracts. The basic process is to bloom the gelatin in cold water, then heat sugar and water to make a syrup. Once the syrup boils, remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Finally, mix in flavors and food coloring as desired. Here are some tips for the process:

Use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water for the syrup. Boil until the syrup reaches 245-250°F on a candy thermometer for proper texture.

Bloom gelatin in cold water first, using about 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of syrup. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until softened and expanded.

Stir bloomed gelatin into the syrup once removed from heat until fully dissolved. This prevents the gelatin from clumping.

Work quickly and pour into molds once flavors are added. The mixture will thicken as it cools.

Food safety is important when working with gelatin. Only use heat-treated, microbial-free gelatin. Ensure all equipment is sanitized. Refrigerate any unused portions within 2 hours.

Candles made with gelatin are not vegetarian or vegan. Agar agar can be substituted for a vegetable-based alternative.

Uses and Applications

Edible candles have two main uses and applications in cooking and food presentation: cake decorating and drink garnishes. The malleable and decorative nature of edible wax makes it ideal for embellishing cakes and cupcakes. Small, molded, edible candles can serve as cake toppers, adding a festive touch to birthday cakes. Chefs can also use edible wax to seal in moisture, create cake layers, and build decorative elements. Thanks to its pliability and ability to hold its shape, edible wax allows for intricate cake decorating techniques like sculpting, piping, texturing, and color-blending on frosting.

Edible candles also enhance the visual appeal of cocktails and mocktails. Mini candle wicks can be placed in drinks as swizzle sticks and stirrers. Bartenders might add a tiny “flame” made of solidified wax to alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. The candles can also provide a subtle flavor to the drink. Edible candles offer a playful, celebratory garnish for special event drinks and cocktails.

Taste and Texture

The taste and texture of edible candle wax can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients used. Many edible massage candles are formulated to have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. For example, the Earthly Body edible massage candle in banana flavor is designed to taste lightly of bananas. The wax itself is made from soybean oil, shea butter, and other food-grade ingredients to ensure it is safe for consumption.

In terms of texture, edible wax is designed to melt at a low temperature, just above body heat, in order to be thin, smooth, and easy to apply as a massage oil. As it cools on the skin, it takes on a thicker, more viscous texture, but remains slick and smooth rather than chunky or gritty. Beeswax candles would have a chewing gum-like texture if eaten.

Some reviewers describe the texture as similar to frosting or condensed milk. The mouthfeel is creamy and coating, but dissolves relatively quickly with warmth and saliva. The wax is not intended to be chewed like gum, but rather consumed in small amounts during a sensual experience. Consuming large quantities would likely result in an unpleasant waxy buildup in the mouth. Overall, edible massage candle wax provides a light flavor experience and smooth, meltable texture when used properly.

Creative Examples

Edible candles allow for creative and fun cake decorations. Many bakers and cake artists have experimented with different designs and techniques for edible candles. Some popular edible candle cake decorating ideas include:

Tiered cake with edible birthday candles – Stacked cake with candy melt candles on top is a common design. The different height candles can represent different ages.

Ice cream cone candles – Ice cream cones dipped in candy coating create cute edible candle designs. Sprinkles or other decorations can be added.

Number candles – For milestone birthdays, spelling out the age in candle shapes is a fun idea. Candy melts are perfect for forming numeric candles.

Drip cake candles – On drip or naked cakes, elongated strip candles dripping down the side complement the design.

Multiple colors and shapes – Get creative with candle shapes and colors. Hearts, stars, numbers, flowers – anything is possible with candy melts.

Edible candle holders – Cupcake liners, cookies, and cake pops can all hold edible candles for unique designs.

With candy melts and imagination, bakers can create any kind of edible candle design for cakes and desserts.

Recipes

One of the most popular edible candle wax recipes uses butter or cream cheese as the base. A basic butter candle can be made by melting 2 sticks of salted butter and pouring it into a container with a wick (Source). After it cools and hardens, the “candle” can be lit and will melt into an edible pool of butter that can be used for dipping bread or vegetables. For added flavor, ingredients like garlic, herbs, or honey can be mixed into the melted butter before pouring (Source).

Cream cheese can be used in a similar way to make edible candle wax. Softened cream cheese is put into a candle container and hardened in the refrigerator before adding the wick. Flavorings like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or lemon juice can be swirled into the cream cheese for a marbled, scented effect. Chopped fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips can also be folded into the cream cheese batter before pouring for extra texture and taste (Source).

For a completely customizable edible candle, melt white chocolate wafers or candy melts and mix with your choice of extracts, spices, or food colorings. Stir in any additional mix-ins, then pour the chocolate into a container and chill until solid. Insert the wick, then light the chocolate candle and dip fruit like strawberries or pretzels into the melted wax once lit.

Buying Guide

Edible candles made from wax are available for purchase from several online retailers like Amazon and specialty stores like Let Them Eat Candles (https://www.amazon.com/Edible-Candles/s?k=Edible+Candles, https://letthemeatcandles.com/). Many formulations also come pre-packaged and ready to use from brands like Earthly Body (https://shop.earthlybody.com/hemp-seed-body-care/earthly-body-edible-massage-candle4-oz-strawberry-flavor/).

Ready-made edible massage and aromatherapy candles typically range in price from $15-$30 for a 4oz candle. Larger 8-10oz candles are around $25-$40. The price depends on the quality of ingredients, essential oils used, and special formulations. For example, chocolate edible candles with fair-trade cocoa tend to be more expensive.

Be sure to look for candles made with food-grade and non-toxic ingredients if you plan to ingest the wax. Candles sold specifically as “edible” will comply with FDA guidelines for food products.

Storage and Shelf Life

To maximize the freshness and shelf life of edible candle wax, proper storage is important.

According to Lone Star Candle Supply, soy wax will last for about 2 years when stored properly. They recommend keeping soy wax in a climate-controlled room or even refrigerating it. Paraffin wax also has a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

The key factors for maximizing shelf life are keeping the wax free of moisture, away from heat sources, and sealed in an airtight container. Opened packages should be resealed tightly or transferred to an airtight jar or zipper bag with the air pressed out. With proper storage, most edible candle waxes will remain fresh for 1-2 years past the production date.

Edible candle wax can last for a few months up to 2 years, depending on the specific type of wax and how it is stored. Following tips like refrigeration and airtight containers will help maximize the longevity and freshness of homemade or storebought edible waxes.

Conclusion

In summary, edible candle wax does exist and provides a fun, creative way to add decoration and flavor to desserts and drinks. The wax is typically made from ingredients like beeswax, soy wax, or gelling agents that allow it to be molded into candle shapes while still being food-safe. Edible candles can be customized with colors, flavors, and decorations to suit any occasion. While they take some effort to make, the end result is a showstopping edible design element for special events and holidays. As we’ve seen, edible candle wax opens up many possibilities for culinary creativity and innovation. With the proper handling and storage, these candles can be a delicious, eye-catching addition to all types of foods and beverages. So next time you need a decorative element for a baked good or cocktail, consider crafting your own edible candles to add festive flair and wow your guests.