Reindeer food is a fun tradition for many families around the holidays. It typically consists of edible treats like oats or rice cereal mixed with glitter. The “food” is left out on Christmas Eve to guide Santa’s reindeer to your home. However, some people prefer to avoid glitter due to environmental concerns or messes. Luckily, there are plenty of great glitter substitutes to make reindeer food sparkle! Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on glitter alternatives for reindeer food.
Why Use a Glitter Substitute?
There are a few key reasons why using a glitter substitute can be better than traditional glitter:
- Glitter is made from tiny pieces of plastic, which can be harmful to the environment. Substitutes made from natural materials are more eco-friendly.
- Glitter can be messy and get everywhere in your home. Alternative sparkly items are less likely to spread.
- Some kids may try to eat reindeer food with regular glitter. Safer substitutes reduce health risks.
- You may already have substitute items at home, saving a trip to buy glitter.
Overall, swapping out regular glitter helps the planet, your home, and your family’s health.
Best Glitter Substitutes for Reindeer Food
When searching for a glitter replacement, aim for festive items that add shimmer or brightness to reindeer food. Try to pick biodegradable options when possible. Here are the top recommendations:
Ground Spices
Ground spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger add natural sparkle. Use finely ground versions for the most glittery effect. Spices also provide enticing aroma and flavor for reindeer food. Start with 1⁄4 cup spice per 3 cups of cereal or oats.
Crushed Candy Canes
Crush leftover candy canes from Christmas cookies and mix the small pieces into reindeer food. The candy adds crispy sweetness that reindeer will love. Crush the hooks well to reduce sharp edges. Use about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup crushed candy per 3 cups of oats.
Colored Sugar
Decorative sugars like sanding sugar, coarse sugar, or jimmies bring a subtle glittery look. Use sugars that match the holiday, like red, green, white or rainbow colors. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar per 3 cups of reindeer food.
Crushed Graham Crackers
For a buttery, cinnamon flavor, finely crush graham cracker pieces. The sparkle comes from the sugar coating on the crackers. Use about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup crumbs per 3 cups of reindeer food.
Chopped Nuts
Finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds add natural shimmer. Nuts provide protein and nutrients for reindeer. Use 1-2 tablespoons per 3 cups of food. Avoid nuts for kids with allergies.
Popping Candy
These festive candies crackle and “pop” when moistened. Mix in a few teaspoons per 3 cups of food. Do not use for very young children who could choke on the candy.
Crushed Granola
For a healthy, child-safe option, crush granola into small pieces. The granola particles reflect light like glitter. Use 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup crushed granola per 3 cups of food.
Edible Glitter
There are some edible glitters made from ingredients like sugar, acacia gum and maltodextrin. These are a good choice if you want true glitter without plastic. Use sparingly, as they are still fine particles.
Choosing the Best Glitter Substitute
When deciding which glitter substitute is right for your reindeer food, consider these factors:
Safety
Pick an edible, non-toxic option if making reindeer food for children. Read labels to avoid ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. Items like nuts, popping candy or gum should be used with caution around little ones.
Allergies
Avoid any ingredients that could cause allergic reactions. Common food allergens include nuts, dairy, eggs and soy.
Texture
Look for a substitute with a fine, smooth texture to mimic glitter. Coarsely chopped or crushed items work better than large pieces.
Color
The glitter substitute should match the general color scheme of your reindeer food. Red, green, white, silver and gold colors tie in well with the holidays.
Flavor
Spices, candy canes, nuts and sugar add yummy taste to reindeer food. Just don’t use substitutes that conflict with other ingredients’ flavors.
Sparkle Factor
Pick glitter alternatives that really shine and shimmer. Ingredients like sugar and finely crushed candies reflect light best for Brilliant sparkle.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can find the perfect glitter substitute to make your reindeer food shine.
How Much Glitter Substitute to Use
A light coating is all you need to give reindeer food some glimmer. As a general rule of thumb:
- For spices: 1⁄4 cup per 3 cups reindeer food
- For crushed candy/cookies: 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup per 3 cups reindeer food
- For sugar/nuts: 1-2 tablespoons per 3 cups reindeer food
- For edible glitter: 1-2 teaspoons per 3 cups reindeer food
Start with less glitter substitute if mixing into cereal with other ingredients. You can always add a bit more once combined. Too much substitute may overpower the other flavors.
Glitter Substitute Ideas for Reindeer Food
With so many glitter substitutes to pick from, the options are endless. Here are unique combinations to spark inspiration:
Cinnamon Oat Mix
- 3 cups oatmeal
- 1⁄4 cup ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup crushed candy canes
- Dried fruit like cranberries or raisins
The cinnamon and brown sugar add classic holiday flavor. Candy canes and dried fruit provide extra crunch and sweetness.
Tropical Mix
- 3 cups rice cereal
- 1⁄4 cup flaked coconut
- 2 tablespoons chopped macadamia nuts
- 1 tablespoon green sanding sugar
- Dried pineapple and mango chunks
Give your reindeer food a tropical twist with coconut, nuts and colorful fruits. Green sanding sugar adds glittery color.
Peppermint Mix
- 3 cups puffed wheat cereal
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies
- 1 tablespoon crushed candy canes
- 1⁄4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and white sprinkles
Peppermint candy pieces and extract infuse this mix with wintry flavor. Red and white sprinkles continue the candy cane color theme.
Snowy Morning Mix
- 3 cups granola
- 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon silver dragees
- Dried blueberries and marshmallows
This combination evokes images of a snowy winter morning. Powdered sugar mimics snow, while silver dragees add glittery shine.
Decadent Mix
- 3 cups granola
- 1⁄4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon green sugar sprinkles
- Dried cranberries and chocolate chips
The graham cracker crumbs, pecans and chocolate make this a more indulgent reindeer food recipe. A pop of color comes from the green sprinkles.
Making Your Own Substitute Mix
Once you select ingredients, making homemade glitter substitute is simple:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Measure out the cereal or oats. Then prepare your glitter substitute items. Crush candies and cookies into small pieces using a food processor or rolling pin. Finely chop any nuts. Measure out spices, sugars, coconut and any additional mix-ins.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cereal/oats, glitter substitute and any spices or sugars. Stir thoroughly until fully blended.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center and pour in any wet ingredients like extracts or honey. Mix again to evenly coat all pieces.
Step 4: Add the Mix-ins
Finally, mix in any additional ingredients like sprinkles, dried fruit or chocolate chips. Stir gently to distribute throughout.
Step 5: Admire the Sparkle!
Your glittery reindeer food is ready to sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve. The edible glitter substitute makes it shine brightly for Santa and his reindeer.
Storing Leftover Reindeer Food
Leftover reindeer food keeps well in an airtight container. Follow these storage tips:
- Let reindeer food cool completely before storage to avoid moisture buildup.
- Use an airtight plastic container or resealable plastic bag.
- For the best quality, store up to 1 week at room temperature.
- For longer storage, place container in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
- Label container with date and contents.
Proper storage keeps reindeer food fresh until next season. Simply give it a stir before re-sprinkling outside next holiday.
Making Reindeer Food Kid-Friendly
Reindeer food is a fun holiday project for children. Keep these tips in mind for a kid-safe activity:
- Supervise young children closely to prevent choking hazards.
- Avoid small hard foods like nuts, seeds or hard candy if under age 4.
- Use child-safe scissors for cutting or shaping dough.
- Read all labels to ensure non-toxic ingredients if hands or surfaces are mouthed.
- Use gluten-free oats or cereal for children with food allergies.
- Reduce or omit sugar for diabetic or highly active children.
- Observe any food avoidance diets like vegan or paleo.
With the proper precautions, making edible reindeer food can be a beloved holiday project for kids. The glittery results add festive magic when sprinkled outdoors on Christmas Eve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about glitter substitutes for reindeer food:
Is there an edible gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free oats, rice cereal, quinoa or other grains as the base. Always check labels to confirm gluten-free status.
Can I use something shiny instead of food items?
It’s not recommended, as reindeer may try to eat non-edible glittery objects left outside. Stick to food substitutes to be safe.
Is foil confetti a good glitter substitute?
Foil shapes are pretty but pose risks to reindeer and the environment. Stick to biodegradable, edible glitter alternatives instead.
Can I use craft glitter even though it’s plastic?
It’s best to avoid craft glitter. The plastic pieces are non-biodegradable and potentially harmful if ingested by animals. Choose eco-friendly options.
What can I use if I don’t want to buy anything new?
Check your kitchen for items like spices, nuts, crushed cereal or candy. You likely have ingredients on hand you can creatively repurpose.
Conclusion
Glittery reindeer food is a beloved holiday tradition, but plastic craft glitter raises some valid concerns. Thankfully, there are so many great edible, eco-friendly glitter substitutes to choose from. Nutritious options like spices, nuts, seeds and crushed candy offer festive shine without the mess or risks of regular glitter. Get creative with ingredients you have at home or try a fun recipe combination. With a glitter substitute, you can craft reindeer food that sparkles beautifully yet remains safe for little hands, homes and the environment.