When you think of American classics, does Kool-Aid come to mind? The famous powdered drink has been around for ages, filling up pitchers and punch bowls everywhere.
What you may not have known is that a packet of this stuff can do much more than satisfy your thirst for something sweet. We’ve gathered a ton of ideas for Kool-Aid that won’t cost much and are kid-friendly. Have fun taking it out of its comfort zone with these cool household uses. You can even eat it if you want!
Clean Your Dishes
Whip up your own dishwasher detergent with a handful of ingredients. A bonus? The citric acid in lemon Kool-Aid disinfects and cleans the dishwasher too! Learn how the Newlyweds did it on their blog.
Fry It
Popular among state fair foods, FRIED Kool-Aid tastes like a delicacy from the doughnut world. Go ‘head, you know you want to try it! Find the recipe here.
Lip Gloss
Someone in your immediate circle has to love shiny, fruit-flavored lip balm. Gift them with these using the recipe from The Krazy Coupon Lady.
Cupcakes and Frosting
Make both with a flavor or two of your choice. Here’s a recipe from Mix and Match Mama.
Hair Dye
A popular way to dye hair, Kool-Aid comes in enough colors to go full unicorn if you wish. But if you want to settle for lilac or another single color, follow this tutorial from A Subtle Revelry.
Slushies
Skip the trip to the gas station and make your own slushies at home. Click on this vid from Fun Foods!
Check for Leaks
Toilets and Kool-Aid work together nicely for bathroom issues. It can help you detect leaks and clean rings from inside the bowl. Read this and become a believer.
Pasta Fun
Little ones will love to play with colored pasta for sensory fun or for art projects. Check out Mama Miss for the how-to!
Tie-Dye Tees
Design your own colorful tee with a Kool-Aid dye job. Look at this finished product on the blog One Hundred Dollars a Month.
Egg Dye
Leave the dye kits alone and get it done with Kool-Aid packs. The Budget Savvy Diva can show you how.
Edible Fingerpaint
This mom made edible fingerpaint with yogurt. Check out her mix at Fun at Home with Kids.
Sherbet
Kool-Aid as a frozen dessert? Oh yeah! Here’s a recipe from Butter with a Side of Bread.
Cookies
Flavorful and pretty, these cookies from This Silly Girl Kitchen will make your sweet tooth happy!
Bubblegum
Did you know you can make your own bubblegum? Kids will love to give it a shot with this Kool-Aid and corn syrup recipe from Cookies, Cupcakes, and Cardio.
Pickles
A Southern treat, Koolickles have a heavy following among devotees – especially cherry. Make your own by following these instructions from A Simple Home Cook.
Decorate Stationery
Prettify your own note cards and other stationery with Kool dye. Freutcake has the know-how.
Snow Paint
This clever idea from Growing a Jeweled Rose will have you wanting to color the snow. So cute!
Yarn Dye
Weavers: behold the power of custom yarn colors with Kool-Aid. The color charts at Dye Your Yarn are off the charts!
Edible Slime
Slime kids can eat! Click on the tutorial here.
Popcorn Blends
You’ve seen it at specialty shops, but now you can DIY your own colorful popcorn. Check out these recipes at Moms and Munchkins.
Bath Salts
Kids will love when you turn their bath water rainbow shades from the Kool-Aid collection. You can find one way to do it on the site, Savy Naturalista.
Cocktails
Grownups can imbibe on Kool-Aid beverages with a twist of liquor. Learn how to mix it up with recipes from Home Wet Bar!
No-Bake Pies
Go big or go mini with these no-bake pies from the Unsophisticated Cook. Check out the steps!
Roll out to your nearest store to drop a few cents on your favorite Kool-Aid color or fruity scent. You don’t have to be a devout fan of the drink to try out these ideas in your household. You may just become a convert though!
Have you ever used Kool-Aid in a novel way? Which of these DIY uses would you love to try?