You Don't Need Dye To Make Great Easter Eggs — Here's The Secret Substitute

There's a bit of controversy surrounding food dye. Some artificial coloring agents — such as those known in the U.S. as Red No. 40, Red No. 3, and Yellow No. 6 — are synthesized from petroleum and have been linked to hypersensitivity in some people and thyroid cancer in animals. And while the science is still debatable about just how safe food dyes are for human consumption, it's not insane to want to stay away from these products.

But, with Easter quickly approaching, the question arises: How should one decorate Easter eggs without exposing children to possibly dangerous chemicals?

While you could opt for natural dyes such as beets, turmeric, and chili powder, these food-based dyes aren't particularly potent and could add bizarre, non-kid friendly flavors to your hard-boiled eggs.

The solution lies in something you likely already have laying around your home: crayons.

Yes, those waxy coloring utensils are the perfect way to get unique, bright designs on your Easter eggs.

To decorate your eggs with crayons, you'll need to work quickly. After you cook the perfect hard-boiled eggs, remove them from the pot of water but don't put them in an ice bath. Instead, let them cool for one or two minutes, then break out the crayons. While the eggs are still warm, draw designs on the shells, allowing the wax to spread and melt. This will give the eggs a tie-dye effect that is cool and totally unique compared to run-of-the-mill dyed eggs.