Using the hands to mix, squish, pull, knead, squeeze, stretch, and roll is one way to provide the body with deep pressure input that can be very calming and organizing. Touch is beneficial for people of all ages. Firstly, touch input helps people understand their surroundings. Secondly, it helps a person feel secure in their body and environment. Thirdly, sensory-rich activities are great for brain exercise! Sensory recipes provide one of many tools to increase touch.
Taste-safe recipes are helpful when doing an activity with someone who puts non-food objects in their mouth. Keep in mind, “taste-safe” does not mean it should be eaten. However, if small bits get ingested the ingredients should not be harmful as they are ingredients commonly found in a kitchen pantry.
There are multiple ways to incorporate touch experiences in everyday activities. For instance, pottery, gardening, woodworking, knitting, and petting a dog or cat. This article focuses on examples related to arts, crafts, and preparing recipes. Explore the different textures together, create something new together, and be in the moment together (whether that moment lasts for a few seconds or minutes). Most importantly, have fun!
Important considerations when using sensory recipes for tactile exploration
Often, adults with dementia do not have as many opportunities to explore different objects, materials, and textures with their hands. When a person is understimulated or deprived of sensory input, they may seek sensation in different ways using whatever is most accessible in the moment.
- Present tactile materials in fun ways! Use rolling pins, cookie cutters, or dough stamps. Decorate the dough with flowers, stones, gems, or edible supplies (for example, chocolate chips, gumdrops, sprinkles, squeezable frosting/gel, etc.).
- Never force someone to engage in tactile exploration, even if you think it is going to be beneficial for them. Some people can feel easily overloaded or overwhelmed, so let them take control over how much they can engage.
- Have supplies nearby for cleaning and wiping hands. For example, a damp washcloth, paper towels, or wet wipes.
- Offer gloves or mixing spoons to decrease non-preferred wet or sticky sensations while still receiving deep pressure input
- Increase visual contrast to support engagement. For example, use white dough inside a blue container. Similarly, place white dough on top of a dark surface.
DIY natural dye for sensory recipes
Are you interested in a natural alternative for food coloring? Check out these resources:
- How to Make Natural Food Coloring: create liquid pastel pink, yellow, purple, and green dyes using fruits, vegetables, and water.
- Dairy-Free Icing: How to naturally dye vegan icing? Andrew and Larisha share tips for powdered dyes using freeze-dried fruits/vegetables, fruit powders, or spirulina powder. Additionally, they recommend a ready-to-go natural food dye packet.
Naturally-scented sensory recipe ideas
- Grated citrus peel for an alerting scent (for example, lemon, orange, or grapefruit)
- Lavender buds for a calming scent
- Spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove
- Fresh coffee grounds
- Cocoa powder
- Crushed mint leaves
- Essential oils (certainly, consult with an aromatherapy professional to ensure safe essential oil use)
6 Tactile Sensory Recipes
*Provide appropriate levels of supervision when making recipes, using recipes, and doing activities with someone who has decreased cognition, including all types of dementia.
1. Mini water beads
Source: “Fun at Home with Kids” blog
Ingredients:
- basil seeds
- water
- food coloring
Click here for the FULL RECIPE: Mini Water Beads
2. Cloud dough dirt
Source: “Montessori From the Heart” blog
Ingredients:
- flour
- cinnamon
- cocoa powder
- vegetable oil
Click here for the FULL RECIPE: Cloud Dough Construction Bin
3. Coconut oil dough
Source: “Inspire My Play” blog
Ingredients:
- plain flour
- salt
- cream of tartar
- coconut oil
- boiling water
- food coloring (optional)
Click here for the FULL RECIPE: Coconut Oil Dough
4. Sensory kinetic sand
Source: “Surviving a Teacher’s Salary” blog
Ingredients:
- flour
- cornmeal
- oil (any kind)
- corn syrup
Click here for the FULL RECIPE: Non Toxic Sensory Kinetic Sand
5. Finger paint
Source: “Living Well Mom” blog
Ingredients:
- yogurt
- food coloring
Click here for the FULL RECIPE: Two Ingredient Edible Finger Paint
6. Allergy-friendly finger paint
Source: “Nerdy Mamma” blog
Ingredients:
- water
- rainbow-colored sprinkles
- corn starch
- food coloring
Click here for the FULL RECIPE: Allergy-Friendly Textured Edible Finger Paint
Bonus tip for sensory recipes
Finally, would you like to modify a favorite baking recipe to make the uncooked dough taste-safe? Are you working with someone who has an egg allergy, eats a vegan diet, or just loves cookie dough?? Try replacing the raw egg with one of the following alternatives (sources: Jessica in the Kitchen, Sharan India, Fed and Fit):
| Flax egg (pictured above) | Mix 1 TBSP ground flaxseed with 3 TBSP water. Let sit ~5 minutes until thickened. |
| Chia egg | Mix 1 TBSP chia seeds with 3 TBSP water. Let sit ~5 minutes until thickened. |
| Applesauce | 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce |
| Creamy nut butter | 3 TBSP peanut butter, almond butter, etc. |
| Mashed banana | 1/2 small, ripe banana |
| Pumpkin or sweet potato puree | 1/4 cup |
Have you had success with one of these swaps or do you have other suggestions? Share below!
Disclaimer: Although I am an occupational therapist and the information compiled is based on years of training and clinical experience, this is NOT a place for skilled therapeutic intervention. The ideas presented on this website and in products are for informational/educational purposes only and are not medical advice.
Additionally, a website does not replace an individualized plan of care developed as the result of assessment, clinical observation, and collaboration between therapist, client, and care partner(s). If you are concerned about the cognitive, sensory, or functional abilities of yourself or someone you know, then you should talk with your physician or your therapist.
Before using these recipes, consult with your personal healthcare provider to ensure recipes are “taste safe” for you, your clients, and/or your loved ones.