Blog

Edible ink printing has been gaining popularity in recent years. This innovative printing method allows sweet treat makers to create stunning and unique designs on a wide range of edible surfaces. Whether you're a professional baker looking to expand your services or a home cook interested in experimenting with new techniques, edible ink printing can be a fun and exciting way to take your creations to the next level.

In this complete guide for beginners, we'll take a closer look at the equipment needed, the types of food edible images can be applied to, and the various design options available with edible ink printing.

Equipment Needed for Edible Ink Printing

The equipment needed for edible ink printing is similar to that of traditional printing, with a few key differences. The following items are necessary for getting started with edible ink printing:

• Edible ink printer: These are ink jet printers compatible for use with food-grade ink, which is safe for consumption. They are available in a range of sizes and capabilities, from small desktop models to large-format printers. Edible Image Supplies offer A4 and A3 sized models.

• Edible Ink Cartridges: These cartridges contain food-grade ink in CMYK colours, which can be loaded into the printer. They are manufactured specifically for a printer brand (eg, Canon). Just in case you were wondering - no, you cannot just put standard food colouring in an ink cartridge to print edible images.

• Printable Media: These are the food safe surfaces onto which the designs will be printed. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and include wafer paper, icing sheets, and chocolate transfer sheets (EIS Wonder Sheets).

• Design Software: To create designs for edible image printing, you'll need access to design software that allows you to import photos, add text and create templates. Edible Image Supplies has a specialised design program available, Icing Artist, that is specifically tailored to edible image printing. A free 3 month subscription to Icing Artist comes with every Edible Image Supplies printer bundle.

Which Foods can Edible Images be Applied to?

One of the most exciting aspects of edible images is the range of food surfaces that they can be applied to. Some of the most popular options include:

• Cakes and cupcakes: Edible ink printing can be used to print edible images such as photos, logos, or other designs. Once printed these can then be placed onto cakes and cupcakes, creating a stunning and personalised presentation.
• Cookies and other baked goods: Edible images can also be used with cookies, macarons, or other baked goods, adding a unique and customised touch.
• Chocolate and other confections: Using an edible ink printer with EIS Wonder Sheets (chocolate transfer sheets), it's possible to transfer designs directly onto chocolate or other confections, creating beautiful and unique decorations.

• Drinks and cocktails: Our edible ink printers are capable of printing designs onto edible paper that can be used to decorate drinks or cocktails.

Photo: Grain Bar

Design Options for Edible Ink Printing

The design options for edible ink printing are virtually limitless. With the right software and a little creativity, you can create just about any design you can imagine. Some popular options include:

• Photos and logos: Edible ink printing can be used to print high-quality photos or logos to be placed on food surfaces, creating a unique and personalised touch. Great for corporate clients!

• Custom patterns and designs: Whether you're looking to create intricate designs or bold patterns, edible ink printing allows you to print just about anything onto an edible surface.

• Text and lettering: Edible images are perfect for placing names, messages, or other types of lettering onto baked goods or other food surfaces.

Edible ink printing is a fun and exciting way to take your baking and decorating to the next level. With the right equipment and a little bit of creativity, you can create stunning and unique edible image designs to be applied to a range of  surfaces. Edible ink printing is a versatile and exciting technology that is definitely worth exploring.