This is how to dye rice for sensory bins in three easy steps. These easy steps to dye rice with food coloring for sensory play is relatively mess-free and the kids can help do the mixing and shaking for an added element of fun!

Rice colored orange, yellow, green in a variety of fall hues.

Have you seen colored rice used as a base for sensory bins when you’re scrolling through Pinterest or your favorite kid activities? I know it is often a base for my sensory bins since I already have it available and my boys love the feeling of letting the rice run through their little fingers. Make sure you are always supervising when younger children are playing with sensory bins, as some items may be unhealthy for consumption and present a choking hazard.

Once you have a batch of colored rice, why not go ahead and use it for other sensory play and calm down bottles as well!

How To Dye Rice With Food Coloring

I’ve made different combinations of rainbow rice for many different sensory bins. You will see some of the different combinations below just for inspiration. The process is always the same, just using different colors of food coloring. I have also used brown rice since that is what I had in my pantry, and it worked as well. So be sure to just use what you already have on hand.

Supplies Needed for Rainbow Rice

White vinegar
Food coloring
Rice
Sealable plastic bags
Parchment paper
Baking sheet

Green, yellow, and purple rice on a baking sheet with the materials needed to dye rice

Dye Rice with Food Coloring STEP 1

In a large zipper bag, add the amount of rice you would like to add food coloring to. To color the rice, add one teaspoon of vinegar and a drop of food coloring for each cup of rice that you use. Zip the bag and mix it until it is covered. Repeat for different color batches.

Dye Rice with Food Coloring STEP 2

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the rice out on it. Place in an oven on warm for 15-20 minutes just to dry it out. When the rice is dry, it is ready to use. Pour it into your plastic bin.

orange, green, and yellow rice for sensory play

Dye Rice with Food Coloring STEP 3

When the rice dries, get creative and add your manipulatives to the bin! Use a variety of textures to keep it interesting. There are SO many fun, colorful, tactile items to choose from!