Homemade Natural Easter Egg Dyes

Did you know you can make simple Easter eggs dyes from ordinary food items? It's one of my favorite methods and as a bonus, they're all natural too! You can read all the details about these Natural Easter Egg Dyes on my blog, where I have a handy printable pdf with the instructions too.
This always feels like a bit of a science experiment to me too as some of the finished colors aren't what you first expect. For instance the red cabbage makes a very purple looking dye, but results in a lovely blue egg.
The basic process has two steps. First the food stuff is boiled with water and vinegar, and then left to simmer for a while to more deeply color the water. I then strain the liquid off into a bowl and let it cool. For the second step, I hard boil the eggs in the dye water I made, let them absorb the color, and watch them turn into beautiful Easter eggs. (One exception is the yellow dye water which can be made by just adding turmeric to the water)
For a couple of the dyes, you need to let the eggs continue to soak for a few more hours, but if you're patient you'll be rewarded!
It still kind of amazes me that onion skins, red cabbage, blueberries, and turmeric can make this pretty rainbow of colors.
You can read the complete instructions on my blog using the link below, and be sure to print the handy cheat sheet of colors when you're there too!


Bev @ The Make Your Own Zone
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  • Rachael Basye Rachael Basye on Mar 23, 2018

    Do the eggs taste like the food they were dyed in? We have a chicken that lays dark brown eggs so I doubt yellow will work but we have two that lay small white eggs.

  • Rachael Basye Rachael Basye on Mar 23, 2018

    Do the eggs taste like the food they were dyed in? We have a chicken that lays dark brown eggs so I doubt yellow will work but we have two that lay small white eggs.

  • I usually make deviled eggs with my survivors. Does the flavor of the vegetable dye get into the eggs?

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  • GINNY SUN GINNY SUN on Mar 23, 2018

    I am inspired by this egg dying. I will do it this year. Thanks for the post. 😘👍

  • Joanie Joanie on Mar 02, 2020

    My 4 boys are men in their early 40's now. They are dying eggs with their kids. When they got out of dying eggs I went into the onion dying. Grandma was from Hungary. They wasted nothing. This Gem of an idea is a Memory of her, I use every year!! The flavor of the skins DO NOT bother the eggs. They are beautiful and natural looking....Hi Grandma!

    • Jennifer Jennifer on Mar 18, 2021

      My Grandma was from Poland and did the eggs with the onion peels or beet juice. Most beautiful eggs ever

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