Is Play Dough Gluten-Free?
Original Hasbro Play-Doh does contain wheat and therefore is NOT gluten-free! According to a statement on the Hasbro website: “The exact ingredients of Play-Doh compound are proprietary, so we cannot share them with you. We can tell you that it is primarily a mixture of water, salt and flour. It does NOT contain peanuts, peanut oil, or any milk byproducts. It DOES contain wheat.”
Playdough can keep my kids busy (and quiet!) for HOURS, but there can be consequences with traditional “Play-doh” that most of us played with as kids. While it seems harmless, it can be risky for those with Celiac Disease or a wheat allergy, especially if it gets in the mouth.
In order to keep my celiac daughter healthy and safe, I've been making gluten-free playdough at home for years. It's really simple and quick to make your own at home! Customize the scent by adding essential oils for aromatherapy benefits, and of course add some fun colors too!
What Ingredients do I Need to Make Gluten-Free Play Dough?
This easy recipe is budget friendly and so fun to customize with your favorite scents and colors!
- 1 cup of gluten-free flour
- 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
- ½ cup of sea salt
- ½ cup of hot water
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 drops essential oil. I love Edens Garden!
- To add color use food colored water in place of regular water or purchase natural decorating colors
Is there a store-bought gluten-free play dough?
If you're looking for a store bought option, or a fun gift idea for gluten-free kids, be sure to check out these celiac-safe playdough alternatives:
- Aroma Dough-Gluten Free Aromatherapy Dough
- Educational Insights Play Foam
- Kinetic Sand
- Mad Mattr Modeling Dough
- Chuckle & Roar Woah Dough- available at Target
Have fun creating!
Homemade Gluten-Free Playdough
Ingredients
- 1 cup of gluten-free flour or white rice flour
- 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
- ½ cup of sea salt
- ½ cup of hot water
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 drops essential oil
- To add color use food colored water in place of regular water or purchase natural decorating colors
Instructions
- On medium-low heat combine all ingredients into a pan. Blend well until it forms a ball.
- Knead the essential oil into the ball.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Double the recipe to make more.
- To make it less sticky, add more flour.
- If it is too dry, add a little more water or oil.
- Natural colors can be easily made right at home. Click here for some great food coloring recipes.
Do you have a child newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease? Be sure to check out these helpful resources too:
- Newly Diagnosed With Celiac Disease? Start Here.
- Gluten Free Food Swaps: Grocery Store Guide
- Are Rice Krispies Gluten-Free?
Suewade
I will give it a go with my granddaughters 🙏🏼