“Does it work on the stovetop?” · Stephanie
Author Yes. The author points to several reader comments from people who made it successfully on the stovetop.
The story behind it
By TurkeyMom · February 2014
Ages2–6 yrs
Prep10 min
Activity30 min
Leveleasy
MessMedium
Works for1:1 · Small group · Class
Cook a spoonful of psyllium fiber supplement with water and food color for about 5 minutes to make a stretchy, borax-free slime that is taste-safe if accidentally mouthed. Make one batch per color for a rainbow.
⚠️ Safety first
- Adult does the cooking: the mixture rises and bubbles up, so use a very large microwave-safe bowl and watch it the whole time.
- The slime is HOT in the middle straight out of the microwave or pot. Let it cool and check the center before handing it to kids.
- Taste-safe, not a snack: the ingredients are non-toxic, so an accidental taste is no cause for panic, but don't let kids eat it. Too much fiber isn't good for them.
- Supervise sensory play at all times.
- Flavored or colored supplements and food color can stain hands.
Before the kids arrive
- Check the fiber supplement label: the active ingredient must be psyllium (some 'clear' formulas are inulin or wheat-based and won't work).
- Plan to make the slime on the day of play; it keeps only 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Steps
Put 1 tbsp of psyllium fiber supplement into a really large microwave-safe bowl.
Add your favorite food color.
Pour in 1 cup of water and whisk well.
Adult: microwave on high for about 5 minutes, checking at 3 minutes. If it starts to bubble over, pause, then restart.
Adult: take the bowl out and let the slime cool for a minute or so. Stir with a wooden spoon and check that the middle isn't hot.
Tip the slime out of the bowl onto the table or a tray. It oozes right out.
Squish it, pinch it, stretch it and pass it from hand to hand.
Repeat with a new color for each batch to make a rainbow.
Tips
- More fiber supplement and less water gives a non-sticky, flubbery slime. More water and less supplement gives an ooey-gooey sticky slime. The choice is yours.from the author
- Doubling the recipe (2 tbsp to 2 cups water)? Start checking after 7 minutes. It doesn't always need 10.from the author
- If you add too much water or don't microwave long enough, it ends up gooey. Still fun!from the author
- The best part for some kids is that it doesn't stick to hands. Ours kept passing it from one hand to the other.from the author
- It's so easy to make with just a tablespoon of supplement that we didn't bother storing it. The kids pulled it into tiny bits anyway.from the author
- Stovetop works too: boil on high for about 5 minutes.from readers
- If it still looks loose after 3 minutes, microwave about 1.5 minutes more. Slightly sticky means a little less water or a bit more psyllium next time.from readers
- Berry-flavored Metamucil gave amazing color and smell but stained hands.from readers
- Expired fiber caplets ground to powder didn't work for one reader.from readers
- A teacher made it for 15 two-year-olds and then made big batches for the whole center. Plan several batches for a group.from readers
Make it your own
- Add toy dinosaurs for a slimy dinosaur world.
- Throw in googly eyes for a Halloween party.
- Mix in glitter or sparkles.
- Use Kool-Aid instead of food color for color and scent.
Questions readers asked
Can I make it on the stovetop?
Yes. Several readers boiled it on high for about 5 minutes, and the author confirms it works on the stove, even with whole psyllium husks.
What microwave setting should I use?
High for 5 minutes, pausing to check after 3 (for 1 tbsp of supplement).
Which fiber supplement works?
Any powdered fiber supplement whose active ingredient is psyllium. Regular Metamucil works; so do clear or unflavored store brands with psyllium. Miralax and Benefiber don't contain psyllium and stay watery. One reader's clear Metamucil listed inulin instead and didn't work, but regular Metamucil did.
Why is mine just watery liquid?
The supplement probably has no psyllium (e.g. Miralax or Benefiber). Psyllium is what forms the slime.
Why is mine sticky?
Check that your supplement contains psyllium. Using more supplement and less water also gives a less sticky slime.
Do whole psyllium husks work?
The author says yes, including on the stovetop. One reader in Germany ground the husks first and it worked perfectly.
What is it called outside the US?
Readers suggest Fybogel (ispaghula husk) in the UK and 'Flohsamenschalen' in Germany. A UK reader used 100% psyllium husk successfully. The author's advice: a generic powdered fiber supplement with psyllium from the drug store.
How long does it last?
At least 2-3 days in an airtight container. It contains a lot of water, so it eventually goes bad. For a class party, make it in class if there's a microwave, or the morning of the party.
How much does one batch make?
The post doesn't give a yield. The photos show double batches: 2 tbsp supplement to 2 cups water for each color.
Is it really edible?
The author says it is NOT for eating. 'Edible' means the ingredients are non-toxic, so accidental ingestion is no cause for panic. Always supervise sensory play.
Can I add glitter or sparkles?
Yes, the author says you can.
What readers say
💬 92 comments ✍️ 27 answered by the author 🍎 tried with 2 classes or groups
Answered by the author
“What microwave setting should I use?” · Katherine
Author High for 5 minutes, pausing to check after 3. That timing is for 1 tablespoon of fiber supplement.
“I used Benefiber and got watery liquid. What went wrong?” · Angela
Author Benefiber doesn't seem to contain psyllium, which the slime needs to form. Metamucil has it.
“Mine keeps turning out sticky. Any ideas?” · cheri
Author Check which brand you used: the supplement needs psyllium in it. Metamucil is a safe bet, and psyllium husks work well too.
“Do whole psyllium husks work?” · Catherine
Author Yes, psyllium husks work, even on the stovetop.
“How long does it last?” · Holly
Author It contains a lot of water, so it eventually goes bad, but it keeps at least 2-3 days in an airtight container. It's so quick to make that the author doesn't bother storing it.
“How early can I make it for a kindergarten party?” · Patricia
Author If the class has a microwave, make it there; a batch takes about 5 minutes. Otherwise make it the morning of the party, and add googly eyes.
“What is psyllium called in the UK?” · Elaine Macphail
Author Look for a generic powdered fiber supplement at the drug store that lists psyllium as a component.
🍎 In the classroom
Big hit with 15 two-year-olds
A daycare worker made it for her room of 15 two-year-olds. They played for hours, so she made big batches for the whole centre.
“Just did this at work with my 15 two year olds and it was a huge hit!”
🍎 In the classroom
Toddler daycare group loved it
A toddler daycare teacher used berry-flavored Metamucil. The color and smell were great, but it stains hands; neither she nor the kids minded.
“I used the berry flavour Metamucil; the colour and smell were amazing, but the colour does stain the hands.”
✨ Readers' twist
Stovetop with Kool-Aid works
No microwave? A reader boiled it on the stovetop on high for 5 minutes and used Kool-Aid for scent and color.
“Boiled on high for 5 minutes, and used kool-aid to scent and color it.”
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Clear Metamucil failed, regular worked
A reader's clear Metamucil (which listed inulin) never set in the microwave or on the stove. Switching to regular Metamucil worked.
“I bought some of the regular Metamucil, and it worked great!”
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Still loose? Microwave a bit longer
A reader using store-brand psyllium capsules found it loose at 3 minutes and added 1.5 more. Slight stickiness meant a little less water next time.
“It still looked a little too loose so I put it in the micro again for about another 1.5 minutes.”
✨ Readers' twist
Grind whole husks first
A reader in Germany, where borax isn't sold, ground psyllium husks (Flohsamenschalen) into powder and got a perfect slime.
“I grounded "Flohsamenschalen" as they are called here and it worked perfectly.”
🎉 Worked for us
Glue-free option for a toddler taster
A parent of a 15-month-old who still tastes every project found this glue-free slime a perfect substitute.
“I didn't want to use anything with glue because she still tastes all of our projects. This is a perfect substitute!”
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Ground fiber caplets don't work
One reader found that expired fiber caplets ground into powder did not make slime. Use powdered psyllium supplement instead.
“expired fiber caplets ground to powder don't work.”
Read all 92 comments
Lu Smith · Nov 2019 · replying to Liz J.
No, psyllium husk is just a natural ingredient. Aspartame is a man-made chemical.
nur · Jan 2019
This is awesome! I bought a whole huge thing of Metamucil a while ago when a doc suggested it for my daughter. She only needed it for less than a week and now I have so much left! Now I will use it all up…for play...
Andrea B. · Feb 2015
Cool I want to try that but one problem is my mom will not buy metamucil or fiber powder whatever you use and especially just to make that.
DrJ · Nov 2014
How is this 1 ingredient? There are 3 ingredients listed.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Nov 2014 · replying to Constance
You can add glitter and sparkles.
Constance · Nov 2014
Can you add things to it? Sparkles and such? Or will it mess up the chemical/structural bonds?
Joanne · Nov 2014
Okay so I just put clear Metamucil in and some water and some Kool-Aid and boiled on high for five minutes what's my next step please help
mel · Nov 2014
Just did this at work with my 15 two year olds and it was a huge hit! Absolutely loved it! So easy to make and they enjoyed it for hours! Now on my lunch break making up big batches for the whole centre cos everyone wants a turn! Thanks so much!
Anke · Nov 2014
Oh, that's such a great idea. Here in Germany, you can buy this stuff as "Flohsamen". Thanks for sharing!
Jessica Alexander · Oct 2014
Thanks so much for this. It came out amazingly well. I am in the UK and I used 100% psyllium husk from I have been looking for a borax free recipe for ages. We will definitely be making this on a regular basis.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Oct 2014 · replying to Patricia
Hi Patricia, If your class has a microwave I suggest you make the slime there. It takes about 5 minutes to make a batch. If you are making it earlier, I would make it the day of the party ( probably early morning before you carry it to his class) Throw in some googly eyes for good measure. Hope the class has fun with this slime.
Patricia · Oct 2014
I plan on making this for my sons kindergarten halloween party on the 24th. I read a comment that said after a few days it needs to be thrown out. when would be the earliest i should make it so the kids can have fun playing with it? and what does it look like when it starts going bad?
Elaine Macphail · Oct 2014
I just found this site and it looks great. I'm in the UK and are not familiar with Metamucil or Psyllium. Are they known by any other names, because I would like to give this a try with nursery children - 3-5 year olds.. Thanks.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Oct 2014 · replying to Elaine Macphail
You can get a generic Fiber Supplement ( powder kind) from your drug store with Psyllium ( a component) in it
Cli · Oct 2014 · replying to Elaine Macphail
It's Fybogel in the UK hon x
melissa · Jun 2014
will miralax work with this also
TurkeyMomAuthor · May 2014 · replying to Liz
I'm so glad that your boys love it
Amy · May 2014
I think for my first batch it was a success! I had some leftover fiber capsules from my post-partum phase. They are Target brand psyllium husk - beige powder color. I figured I'd give it a try with this stuff since it compared the active ingredient to Metamucil. Took a few minutes to break open the capsules and get the 1 tbsp of powder needed. I followed the instructions above. After about 3 minutes I took a peak at the bowl in the micro and sure enough it had grown and got all puffy and shiny. It still looked a little too loose so I put it in the micro again for about another 1.5 minutes. Forgot to mention I added blue and red food color drops to make it purple. I poured the goo into another bowl to cool. Seems pretty close to what yours looks like. It sticks just slightly to my fingers so I think I may have needed a tad less water or maybe one or two more capsules of psyllium. But I'm quite happy with the results and how easy it was. Working with my daughter on her sensory needs based in her being enrolled in early intervention. Around 15 months old she started pulling her hair, to the point of almost being bald. We've been told it happens with some toddlers and they usually grow out of it. The EI people have been really helpful with the issue and have said sensory is a really great outlet for her. I had no idea how important sensory activities are for toddlers. We are trying to work this sort of thing into our daily routine. Thanks!
Liz · May 2014
Just made this for my 4 year old twin boys, they love! Been playing with it for almost an hour. Thank you!!!
mrsbluemoons · May 2014
hi. on a note unrelated to the wonderful project, you shouldn't post peoples IP address publicly like you did in your notes, because it leaves them open to unscrupulous people ( type of thing)
Julie · May 2014
The hardest part is waiting for it to cool! What happens if you refrigerate it?
Tara · May 2014
we dont use food coloring anymore and i wonder if you could use natural food products like beets or spinach or something to color this?
Crazy crafter · May 2014
FYI, from my experience today, expired fiber caplets ground to powder don't work.
Cli · Apr 2014 · replying to Sophie
Psyllium Husk is also known as Isphagula Husk, so Fybogel in the UK should work. I'm going to try it tomorrow x
Sam · Apr 2014
This isn't 1 ingredient.
Catherine · Mar 2014
We love it!! Do you know how to conserve it and how much time?
cathleen · Mar 2014
Ours is sticky too....want less sticky and more stretchy
cathleen · Mar 2014
I bought the whole husks...can't get the stretch
TurkeyMomAuthor · Mar 2014 · replying to cathleen
I will try to contact the person who used the whole husks and got it to work.
Tara · Mar 2014
I just made this as a sensory activity for my toddler daycare group and it was a HUGE hit! Thanks for the recipe, we love it! :) One note: I used the berry flavour Metamucil; the colour and smell were amazing, but the colour does stain the hands. That doesn't bother me (or the kids!) at all, just an FYI for those who might not be aware.
Liz J. · Feb 2014
I thought psyllium husk was aspartame, is that true?
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to hovie
No it doesn't. The supplement needs psyllium to work.
cheri · Feb 2014
I made this with my grandkids and it keps turnig our sticky so it sticks to their hands and fingers, having fun with it but a sticky mess ... any ideas followed directions
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to cheri
Hi Thanks for reading. What brand of fiber supplement did you use ? Metamucil is a safe bet. The supplement needs psyllium in it. Psyllium husks work well too.
Tanaika · Feb 2014
Hi I work at bulk barn and we carry Psyllium husk would that work?
Leslie · Feb 2014 · replying to TurkeyMom
But you call it edible several times...?
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Leslie
The ingredients are not toxic and accidental ( operative word being accidental) ingestion of the slime need not cause the caregiver any extreme panic or worry. Hence the word "edible" It's always a good idea to supervise sensory play.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Tanaika
Yes they do. If you scroll through the comments you will see a few comments mentioning the same. The post has been updated as well.
Rachel · Feb 2014 · replying to Rebecca
I was wondering the same thing as we don't have a micro either. Let me know if you try it!
Rebecca · Feb 2014 · replying to Sophie
I used the Walmart generic version- it was labeled as unflavored rather than clear, but the active ingredient was psyllium. Worked like a charm on the stovetop!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Rachel
It works on the stove top.
Stephanie · Feb 2014 · replying to Rebecca
Did you find out if it worked on the stove top as we don't even have a microwave! Thanks!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Stephanie
Yes if you scroll down you will see a couple of comments from people who used a stovetop to make this.
Lisa · Feb 2014 · replying to Nancy
Me too! Although have just tried the microwave. Anyone have any ideas of what's going on?
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Laura Trumbo
Apologize for the error! Clear fiber supplements from regular pharmacies work.
Uli · Feb 2014
Thank you so much for this great receipe! I live im Germany and i was hoping for a Borax free slime for playing for quite a while! You cannot buy Borax here - for a good reason since it is toxic... My son was so happy with the psyllium slime!! So was I :-) I grounded "Flohsamenschalen" as they are called here and it worked perfectly. Thanks from far away!!
Laura Trumbo · Feb 2014
Really disappointed. I ordered the Metamucil you have a link for in this post thinking that it would have the Psyllium that is required to make this work, but I got it and just tried to make the slime and it didn't work. I checked the ingredients and it doesn't contain any Psyllium. Glad I spent $10 on that. I would change your link to a fiber supplement that actually works.
Catherine · Feb 2014
I know the main thing is the psyllium so do you think psyllium husks would work.....? I bought t today without re-reading your post and knew it had to have the psyllium in it but have I gone a bridge to far by buying husks.? Thanks x
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Catherine
Yes psyllium husks do work. They even work on stove tops.
Nancy · Feb 2014 · replying to Nancy
Update (because I'm so happy): I bought some of the regular Metamucil, and it worked great! My son had a ball. Thanks so much! (The clear variety I had also had the Inulin, and it was expiring next month -- don't know if that had any effect.)
Rebecca · Feb 2014 · replying to Dianna Y.
Just made this on the stovetop as well and it turned out great! Boiled on high for 5 minutes, and used kool-aid to scent and color it. Love this recipe!!!!
amy · Feb 2014
this was so fun!! thank you!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Jehar
The images you see on the post are a double batch ( for each color I did 2TBSP/ 2 cups water)
Dianna Y. · Feb 2014
Just made this on the stove top. It worked out great!! Very excited because we do not use a microwave. I also made it organic/green. Thank you so much!! So easy to make and my daughter is having great fun playing with it right now! :)
Sophie · Feb 2014
Hi - can I check the Metamucil you mention has the ingredient 'Inulin'? I'm in the UK and the only one I can find (listed on Amazon) has Inulin listed as its only ingredient, no mention of Psyllium. Or am I looking at the wrong kind of Metamucil? I'd really like to have a go at this but that supplement isn't cheap and I don't want to get the wrong thing! Thanks for the great post.
Nancy · Feb 2014
I love this idea so much, but couldn't get it to work. I used the clear Metamucil, a glass bowl, the microwave (multiple sessions), and even the stove one time. Any ideas? I'm so bummed--but don't want to give up yet. Thanks so much!
Art Mom · Feb 2014
This looks like some much. I've made borax and glue slimes/goo before but I love the idea of using something edible and safe! Thanks! and the rainbow slime photos are awesome!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Tanya
Hi Tanya, as mentioned in the post it is the Psyillium husk in the fiber supplement that is necessary to form the slime-like substance. I believe Miralax has a different chemical composition.
Angela · Feb 2014
I used benefiber and it turned out just watery liquid too. What did I do wrong?
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Angela
It doesn't look like Benefiber has psyllium in it.. You need pysillium for this to work. Metamucil has the component.
Jehar · Feb 2014
Could you please tell me how much a finished batch should yield?
Tanya · Feb 2014
I tried it with some leftover miralax, and it doesn't work? Any suggestions? I used less water and even cooked it longer, still looks just like water.
Katherine · Feb 2014
What heat setting do you make the microwave? I can't wait to do this activities with my daycare kiddos!!! Thanks!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Katherine
I'd do high for 5 minutes. Pause and check after 3. This is for 1 tbsp of fiber supplement.. So much with this sensory activity.
Rebecca · Feb 2014 · replying to TurkeyMom
Let us know if you do! I may try it as well, it looks like great fun and I love the safety of this one!
hedderlee · Feb 2014
What did you use to color your slime? That is such a brilliant blue!
Jacqueline · Feb 2014
Thanks for this idea. I saw some other blog posts for slime and knew that my 15-month old would have a good time playing with it. However, I didn't want to use anything with glue because she still tastes all of our projects. This is a perfect substitute!
sarah · Feb 2014
This is a great idea. It would be safe it it was accidentally ingested, but wouldn't let them just eat it when they are done playing because like most things to much fiber is also a bad thing.
Lauren · Feb 2014
This is awesome! I bought a whole huge thing of Metamucil a while ago when a doc suggested it for my daughter. She only needed it for less than a week and now I have so much left! Now I will use it all up...for play!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Lauren
Thanks Lauren!
Holly · Feb 2014
This is wonderful! And seems so much easier than the borax method. We'll be giving this a try. Any idea how long it lasts?? Forever in an air tight container?
Kirstylee @ Moms Have Questions Too · Feb 2014
This looks so cool! I'll definitely have to pick up some clear fiber supplement next time I'm at the store. Thanks for the idea!
Meri Cherry · Feb 2014
WHAT???!!!! Making this Friday!!!
Amber L. · Feb 2014
I'm going to have to try this one! I have put off making slime because I was worried about my two year old trying to eat it. I just pinned this :)
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Meri Cherry
Yes, that's exactly what I said when I first saw this.. Apparently it is very popular in the preschool circles...
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Amber L.
Thanks Amber. It's a perfect toddler sensory play activity.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to wildflowerramblings
Thanks, it is so fun!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Holly
Hi Holly, thanks for reading. Since this contains lot of water, it will eventually go bad. But you can keep it in an airtight container for 2-3 days atleast. We have made it 3 times and every time the slime was "really" play with. The kids just made tiny bits out of it hahahaha and I has to toss it. Since it is so easy to make with just a tablespoon of Metamucil, I just didn't bother to store it. Hope you kids love this slime :)
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Lauren
Yeah Lauren, now you can make tons of slime! Remember to use a very large container..
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Kirstylee @ Moms Have Questions Too
Thanks for reading. Remember you only need clear fiber supplement if you want to color it.. Metamucil works just fine..
jenjamsam · Feb 2014
Borax is TOXIC! So many people do not know this (myself once included). It says all natural, but just because something is "natural" does not mean it is "safe". My son ate some silly slime we made (he was 3) using a little bit of borax. He ate some it! He threw up for 3 days straight! THREE DAYS of torture knowing something I made for a fun evening made him so ill. He couldn't hold food or water down and they almost had to keep him in the hospital and put him on IV's. Borax in small amounts are lethal to children and especially small pets. Even in the tiniest doses. So THANK YOU for this!!!! THANK YOU! I wish more people knew the dangers of Borax so they do not have to go thru what I did. A parents worst nightmare!
alexa · Feb 2014
Can you add flavors sense the kids might eat it
Rebecca · Feb 2014
I was wondering if this can be made on the stovetop?? We don't use a microwave. Thanks!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to Rebecca
Hmmm good question. I'm gonna try this!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to alexa
I'm not sure if I understand you correctly. But yes you can add a bit of Kool-Aid instead of food color for color and scent. This is NOT for consumption.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Feb 2014 · replying to katepickle
Thanks Kate. Hope your little ones have fun with this one.