• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Get Our Latest Updates: Download a FREE Set of Coloring Pages! ⇾

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Friends Art Lab

Friends Art Lab

LOGIN

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
go to homepage
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
Friends Art Lab / Blog / How to Dye Chickpeas with Liquid Watercolors or Food Coloring

How to Dye Chickpeas with Liquid Watercolors or Food Coloring

By Kristian Klebofski   Published: April 21, 2023    Updated: May 19, 2023

Once I learned how to dye chickpeas with liquid watercolors and food coloring, my sensory bins were out of this WORLD. This quick, easy method is my go-to for stunning sensory play.

Two hands hold colorful dyed chickpeas in purples, pinks, and teals.
Table of Contents:
  1. Do you know to dye chickpeas?
  2. There are many methods for how to dye chickpeas, and this one is VERY easy
  3. Materials
  4. Directions
  5. The #1 question I get asked Will color transfer to kids’ hands?
  6. How do you store dyed chickpeas?
  7. FAQ
  8. Now you know how to dye chickpeas and the fun can begin!

Do you know to dye chickpeas?

For YEARS I was thoroughly confused about how people dyed chickpeas.

I envisioned someone opening a can of chickpeas, adding color, and then watching the wet, soggy chickpeas getting stinky, slimy, and moldy.

But then, one day, I saw dried chickpeas on the dried bean aisle, cracked up, and took a few bags home to try.

Related: Looking for a fun activity for the whole class or family? Our giant 10-foot coloring banners are everything and more!

Kristian smiles at the camera while holding a shallow tray of dried chickpeas. She pours on neon pink liquid watercolors.

There are many methods for how to dye chickpeas, and this one is VERY easy

I have dyed chickpeas with acrylic paints, BioColor paint, and liquid watercolors. I’d give all three of those methods 10/10.

They all work wonderfully, and it’s convenient for families and teachers to use what they have on hand. If you have acrylic paints, perfect! If you have BioColor paints, perfect!

I know many people have liquid watercolors and/or food coloring on hand, and they make STUNNING colored beans.

Let me show you how!

Looking for more ways to use liquid watercolors? You’re in luck:

  • How to Dye Rice Without Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol – Friends Art Lab
  • Egg Carton Chimes – Art Bar
  • Ice Chalk – Gift of Curiosity
A shallow bin has dyed chickpeas and a small jar of purple liquid watercolors.

Materials

Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

  • Dried chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans)
  • Liquid watercolors or food coloring
  • Large zippered plastic bag OR small container with lid + spatula
  • Shallow tray – ex: baking sheet
A spatula mixes bright pink liquid watercolors and dried chickpeas.

Directions

If you can, do this step WITH your kids! Making the beans is just as much fun as it is to play with them.

  • Add chickpeas and coloring into a bag, then zip and shake. Start with about 2 cups of dried beans and ½ tablespoon of color, adding more color if needed. If using a small container with lid instead of a bag, add beans + color, shake, then mix with spatula as needed.

As you shake, you’ll see the tan-colored chickpeas become hot pink or lime green or whatever color you choose right before your eyes. It’s mesmerizing!

  • Lay the chickpeas out to dry in a shallow layer on a shallow tray. Occasionally, you can go by and move them around to make sure air is circulating all around.
  • Once dry, it’s time to play! Pour your colorful chickpeas into a container, add props, and voilà, you have a beautiful, homemade sensory table. 
A close up of purple, pink, and teal dyed chickpeas mixed together.

The #1 question I get asked: Will color transfer to kids’ hands?

As long as your kids’ hands are dry, you should have no issues with color transfer to hands.

PLUS, you don’t want the beans getting wet anyway because it will dramatically decrease their longevity. 

With that said, their hands could get stained while dyeing the beans when the paint is wet, and if that happens, it’s okay! Liquid watercolors stain for a much shorter time than food coloring, but neither is permanent on skin.

A hand holds an unopened bag of dried chickpeas over a container with loose dried chickpeas in it.
You can find dried chickpeas in the dried bean section of the grocery store.

How do you store dyed chickpeas?

We store ours in zippered bags or airtight containers. 

In fact, we have large, bulk-sized twist-top storage containers, and we store 25-50 pounds of dried corn, dried bean medleys, salt, baking soda, dyed rice, plain rice, lentils, oat groats, and more 24/7. 

As long as your materials are stored correctly, you can use them year after year!

Teal liquid watercolors are poured into a container of dried chickpeas. A container of dyed pink chickpeas sits in the background.

FAQ

Can I used canned chickpeas?

Sure! But, they won’t be able to be stored for long-term use.

What age is this recommended for?

Any age that won’t try to eat or consume the materials (though technically, if you use food coloring, this could be taste-safe with appropriate adult supervision).

Can I use paints instead of liquid watercolors or food coloring?

Absolutely! Check out our chickpeas dyed with acrylic paints.

Purple, teal. light pink, and dark pink chickpeas dry in a baking sheet. Each color is separated into lines.

Now you know how to dye chickpeas and the fun can begin!

I share many sensory bin ideas online, and chickpeas are a consistent favorite of adults and kids.

 They sound really cool, feel really cool, and are super simple to make.

Friends Art Lab Best Resources:

GIANT 10-Foot Coloring Banners 🎨
Directed Draw Sets for Kids ✍🏼
Learn About Virtual Preschool 🖥️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
← Previous Post
Dyed Chickpeas: Easy to Make for Sensory Play
Next Post →
How to Dye Pasta for Sensory and Crafts

EXPLORE A CATEGORYScience, Sensory

Related Activities

  • Valentine's Day Coloring Pages
  • Easter Coloring Pages for Kids
  • Dyed Chickpeas: Easy to Make for Sensory Play
  • Giant Outer Space Coloring Banner

Let’s Stay Connected!

Get our favorite ideas and news sent directly to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

LEAVE A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I love all things early childhood. Having earned a master's degree in education, I love sharing my passion and knowledge both as a classroom preschool teacher and college professor. Friends Art Lab is my heart and I'm excited to share with you! LEARN MORE

Our Favorite Art Posts

Non-Toy Gift for Kids: DIY Bead and Bubble Kit

10+ of the BEST Non-Toy Gifts for Kids Under $30

How to Color Coffee Filters + 3 Kid Crafts to Try!

Preschool Ladybug Art Muffin Tin Prints

ALL ART POSTS

Our Favorite Sensory Posts

How to Make Colored Salt for Sensory Play

Bug Sensory Bin

Metallic Water Table Summer Activity 

Berry Basket Water Table Upcycling Activity

Non-Toy Gift for Kids: DIY Science Kit

Spring Flower Sensory Table – Water Play Activity

ALL SENSORY POSTS

Footer

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Friends Art Lab Shop

  • Coloring Banners
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Directed Draws
  • Affiliate Shop

Visit the Blog

  • Sensory
  • Art
  • Outdoor
  • Science
  • Draw
  • Math

Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Shipping
  • Return Policy
  • Gift Card
  • FAQ
  • About Us

© 2023 Friends Art Lab ·  Privacy Policy ·  Terms & Conditions ·  Disclosure ·  Website by Anchored Design