How to make slime without borax

Good Food team

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Our homemade edible slime recipe is easily made from everyday kitchen ingredients, including cornflour and coconut milk. It's ideal for families who enjoy DIY crafts.

Slime, playdough and other messy kitchen crafts are always a hit with kids. Whether you're hosting a birthday party or are looking for a rainy day activity, our straightforward slime recipe uses just three ingredients, plus colourings and decorations of your choice.

Because it's made from storecupboard basics, it's safe for children to put in their mouths – although we'd advise against making a meal of it! Once you've got the knack of the technique, you can get creative with different colours and shapes.

For more on slime, read our comprehensive guide to making your own, which includes troubleshooting tips if you're struggling to get the right texture and finish.

For more hands-on crafts, see how to make salt dough, bath bombs, paper mache, playdough, oobleck and moon sand with affordable ingredients and easy steps.

Edible slime recipe

Makes 1 large ball or 2 smaller balls Prep 15 mins No cook

Ingredients
200g cornflour, sieved
50g icing sugar
175ml coconut milk (from a can), stirred
a few drops gel food colouring

Method
1. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with a spoon until you have a smooth, thick paste. Once the slime has come together, use your hands to roll a little of the mixture into a ball. If it crumbles, add a little more coconut milk, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too soft or liquid, add a little more cornflour until it’s pliable and stretchy.

2. The slime can dry out a little as you play with it. If this happens, simply knead with wet hands to soften it up again.

Is it safe to make this slime?

Slime made with borax can pose risks to young children, particularly those with sensitive skin or a tendency to explore with their mouths. Borax, a common household chemical, can irritate skin and isn't safe for ingestion, making it less than ideal for little ones. This cornflour-based recipe is a gentler option – soft, squishy and made from kitchen cupboard staples. It's a brilliant way to let kids get hands-on with sensory play, without worrying over harsh ingredients.

Top tips for making edible slime

If the slime firms up too much while you're kneading it, add extra water or coconut milk to loosen.
For the best finish, add gel food colourings rather than liquid versions. They'll give a stronger colour without altering the consistency. If you are using liquid food colouring, add a little more cornflour until you get the desired texture.

How to customise edible slime

Give your cornflour-based edible slime a playful twist with these tasty, safe-to-eat additions:

Edible glitter – adds sparkle without compromising safety
Mini marshmallows – soft, squishy and fun to mix in
Funfetti or rainbow sprinkles – for a burst of colour and crunch
Chocolate chips or drops – a treat hidden in every stretch
Food colouring – swirl in natural or gel colours for vibrant slime
Flavoured extracts (like vanilla or strawberry) – a tiny drop goes a long way in making it smell delicious
Crushed cereal (like Rice Krispies or Cheerios) – for texture and an extra sensory element
Soft sweets (eg gummy bears or jelly beans) – press them in for a colourful surprise

Kids' crafts and cooking projects

Indoor activities for kids
Playdough recipe
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Good Food Kids' YouTube recipes

Do you make your own slime? We'd love to hear your tips and suggestions...

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