How to Make Flavored Toothpicks

Suzanne now lives in the Puglia region of Italy. A former Beauty Therapist and Make-Up Artist who is passionate about Crafts.

Making your own unique flavored toothpicks is something you may not realize is doable. But believe me, it is, and at a fraction of the cost of commercial ones. It was while I was researching something else that I came upon such a product, and curiosity got the better of me.

I was amazed at the simplicity in theory. And as I am an avid toothpick fan hating to be without them, this was definitely a project to get my teeth into!

Looking at the prices I saw on one particular site, a pack of 12 flavored toothpicks costs $3. When you buy 500 plain toothpicks for under $10 on eBay, however, you start to see the difference and advantage of making your own signature sticks!

This recipe only requires wooden toothpicks and essential oils. What could be easier?

Choosing Essential Oils

Essential oils are extremely potent and are NOT all suitable for ingesting. This is as extremely important for this recipe as it is for any oral hygiene products. The oils to choose from are those that are known as ”generally recognized as safe” or GRAS.

As with all recipes including essential oils, always check that any medical conditions are not contra-indicated to particular oils. Always seek medical advice before using any new oils or using them in this form for the first time.

Every country has different rules and regulations governing the GRAS list. For example, Canadian laws do not sanction the use of ANY essential oils to be taken internally. While many essential oils are used in the flavor industry, they do so under very strict guidelines and conditions.

Oils Classified as GRAS by the American FDA

• Lemon
• Orange and Sweet Orange
• Lime
• Grapefruit
• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Anise
• Cinnamon
• Tea Tree
• Nutmeg
• Clove
• Fennel

How to Make Your Own Flavored Toothpicks

Here is the recipe for making your own flavored toothpicks.

Supplies

• Wooden toothpicks
• 1–2 oz essential oil of choice
• Small glass jar with lid (The wider it is at the bottom, the more toothpicks you will fit in a single layer.)
• Paper towels
• Pair of tweezers and/or tongs
• Small container for toothpicks (Glass jar with lid preferably.)

Directions

1. First, make sure your glass jar is thoroughly sterilized. Use boiling water, or a wipe with hydrogen peroxide works perfectly too.
2. Add a handful of toothpicks into the jar and give them a shake to make them flat on the bottom in a single layer.
3. Pour over your essential oil until it covers the sticks.
4. If using a few oils, I suggest mixing them up together first in a sterilized jar, so they are well blended and then pour over.
5. Screw on the lid securely and leave to infuse overnight—approximately 12 hours is what I gave them.
6. When it is time to remove them from the jar, have your paper towels (two to three), tweezers and tongs (if needed) ready.
7. Set out two paper towels on top of each other on the counter next to the bottle.
8. Open the lid and start to remove the sticks, shaking off any excess oil into the jar before setting the sticks on the towel.
9. Set the sticks out in a single layer and gently cover with another towel, pressing down gently.
10. Leave like this for two to three hours until completely dry.
11. When dry, you can transfer them into small jar holders or little packs for your bag, so you are never stuck!

Tips and Suggestions

• You can mix and match a few together if you feel in a creative mood. How about lemange (lemon and orange), limint (lime and peppermint) or cinnameg (cinnamon and nutmeg) for starters!
• These make fantastic gift ideas when popped into some homemade envelopes, boxes or containers—the choices are limitless.
• They make perfect additions for any food-based business, such as a restaurant, cafe, bed & breakfast or guest house.
• These are not only fun, but most essential oils have antibacterial properties, making them good for keeping the mouth healthy.
• Keep your container of essential oil for the next batch you make—don't throw it out. Screw the lid on tightly and store away marked with a label what it is for, the blend and the date.
• They're handy to have a few in work for those bad breath cases!
• Any time you have a craving for something sweet or are waiting to eat, pop one in to give you that sweet fix.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2013 Suzanne Ridgeway

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How to Make Flavored Toothpicks Comments

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 30, 2015:

I had no idea that there was such a thing as flavored toothpicks. The things one learns by reading hubs! Very interesting Suzie and will be happy to share this with others.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 29, 2013:

Hi GTF,

This was a fun one as I always have toothpicks or cocktail sticks here. It is amazing what you can find for sale and when I saw them advertised online I just thought how funky but i bet essential oil would work better, be healthier and end up so much cheaper. Glad you enjoyed!

Claudia Mitchell on September 29, 2013:

Now I think you have thought of everything! What an awesome gift idea for someone who uses a lot of toothpicks. Shared!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 16, 2013:

Hi teaches,

Many thanks, lovely to see you are a fan! Cinnamon is a gorgeous flavor and especially for this time of year. I love my citrus, I can't deny and they are definitely a nice one for these toothpicks. Appreciate your comments and input as always!

Dianna Mendez on September 16, 2013:

I love flavored toothpicks, the cinnamon type is my favorite. Your list of suggestions is interesting and would love the sweet orange flavor. Thanks for the ideas and method of preparation.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 10, 2013:

Hi Thelma,

Thanks for commenting. I never did either until I came across an article on it and so forth.Hopefully you may give them a go, make cool presents too! Thanks for your interest, votes and pins!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 10, 2013:

Hi Eddy,

Glad you like this idea, something new and different! Appreciate your comment, opinion and for the thumbs up!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on September 10, 2013:

Awesome! I have never thought of flavouring my toothpick. Thank you for this idea. Voted up and pinned.

Eiddwen from Wales on September 10, 2013:

What a great idea ;totally unique and I am so glad I have the chance of reading and learning. Voted up of course.

Eddy.

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 09, 2013:

Hi CraftytotheCore,

Glad you found this an interesting idea and have seen them in a restaurant, I think they would be fabulous for eating places to offer them to customers. You could make them and sell them so inexpensively. Appreciate your visit and comment!

CraftytotheCore on September 09, 2013:

Wow Suzie! I never thought to make my own flavored toothpicks, but this Hub is surely where I would start! Come to think of it, I have seen mint ones at restaurants, but I've never seen them for sale at a store. Very interesting!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 09, 2013:

Hi Rose,

So glad you enjoyed this and took time to comment!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 09, 2013:

Hi Natasha,

Good to see you are a fan and enjoyed this homemade option. Essential oil safety is crucial, they are so potent they need respect when handling. Cheers for your pin, appreciate it and your comment!

Rose Clearfield from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 08, 2013:

What a great idea! There are so many possibilities for customization.

Natasha from Hawaii on September 08, 2013:

Really cool idea! I used to have some mint toothpicks and I really liked them. I appreciate that you point out to make sure to use safe flavoring oils! Very important stuff. Pinning!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Bill,

So good to hear from you, back from your travels!! What a fabulous time I trust you had on your cruise! Can't wait to see your hubs as you went to a few of my favorite spots in Santorini and Turkey.

All is good, bubblews seems to be the talk of the online world and many here are writing there too including me. No doubt you will see much on it about HP. Thanks for your comment and yes it is a little odd maybe but so useful and while fun has benefits like fresh breath! Appreciate the votes, share on and pin :-)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you for the lovely comment, that means so much considering your own fabulous writing and books published. I love reading your articles and find them all so interesting. Appreciate your interest even though you do not use toothpicks and they really do make good gifts. Cheers for your votes and sharing on!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi DzyMsLizzy,

Yes, you could probably pick up cheaper in local grocery stores and it would be more convenient. The oils apart from online stockists (mountain rose herbs.com are one of my favorites) should be available in a good health food store or some department stores run them too. Quality makes a difference and if possible use organic oils. They do make great gift ideas I think, especially if you package them nicely. Thanks for your votes and thumbs up!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Audrey,

many thanks my friend, good to hear you enjoyed this!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Kathryn,

Lovely to hear from you, hope you have been enjoying your time and all is going well. Riddick is one we want to see too! Your trip to Quincy sounds gorgeous and just my kind of lunch venue!Good to hear you have a hub in the pipeline, not always easy to write at times, look forward to it.

Thanks so much for your comment here, glad you found it interesting. I love the citrus flavors and the mint ones I have to say and are usually keenly priced compared to other oils. Mj is good, been making us a table-tennis table which has turned out amazing! We are playing a few hours a day and what a hub it would make as he has done it on stuff he had here already, very little outlay. Just need to paint now.

See you during the week, have a great week ahead!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi pinto,

Appreciate your interest and comment here!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi livingsta,

it was a new idea for me too that i just by chance saw something on in an article which sparked my curiosity. Delighted you enjoyed and maybe you will try out sometime!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi janet,

Cheers for visiting and commenting, a bit different but cool and fun to make! Glad you enjoyed :-)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Bill,

LOL, no never boring I hope! The sculptures done with toothpicks are incredible including bridges!! LOL

Glad you found this amusing my friend,always a pleasure to see you!!

Elizabeth Parker from Las Vegas, NV on September 08, 2013:

I love your writing and the way your organize your hubs. Perfect! I never use toothpicks, but this is helpful for those who do and what a great idea to give as a gift. Voted up and shared!

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Shauna,

I am not a toothpick sucker either I have to say! LOL I use them to make sure no strawberry seeds etc are caught! LOL having a bonus of freshening breath appealed with this which does make your mouth feel so much better after a meal. WOW, a binder on your bookshelf . . . i am honored and it put a huge smile on this face reading that! I am still beaming!!

May be worth a few dollars when I am rich and famous!! LOL

Cheers for you support, always so welcome and cherished.

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on September 08, 2013:

I never even thought about this. What a fun idea. (I do think that plain wooden toothpicks could be had much cheaper at local grocery stores than on e-bay, though...)

I would have to research where to find the oils...but this might be a really creative and inexpensive holiday gift.

Voted up and interesting.

Audrey Howitt from California on September 08, 2013:

This is such a great idea! I love this!!!

Kathryn from Windsor, Connecticut on September 08, 2013:

What a cool idea! I wonder if something similar can be done with floss. I have had flavored floss before, and it has that same kind of taste as the flavored toothpicks.

I am amazed at the ideas you come up with, Suzie! I will definitely try this , as soon as I get one of those essential oils. The cinnamon, or maybe one of the citrus ones.

I hope you are having a great weekend, Suzie! Mine has been pretty good. Andy and I went to the movies on Friday (as friends) to see "Riddick". This morning I took a walk before sunrise, and watched the sun come up over the water. And this afternoon we went on a cruise (in a car) to a cute little clam shop in Quincy, near a Bay, and had a delicious lunch! I have also worked on a hub. I haven't been writing as much, so it's nice to get back to it!

Have a spectacular Sunday, and I hope all is well in your life. Tell MJ I said hi :)

~ Kathryn

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on September 08, 2013:

Hi Suzie. What an interesting idea. This is definitely something I would never have come up with on my own. You are the creative one here.

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things here after being away for a few weeks. Great to see you here today. Hope all is well, have a great Sunday. Voted up, shared, pinned, etc.....

Subhas from New Delhi, India on September 08, 2013:

Very nice and innovative thinking out of the box.

livingsta from United Kingdom on September 08, 2013:

What a brilliant idea Suzie. You never fail to surprise me with your interesting recipes and this is one I have never heard before. Very creative. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Janet Giessl from Georgia country on September 08, 2013:

What a great idea! I haven't thought of this. Plain toothpicks are boring but your flavored ones are cool. Thanks for sharing.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on September 08, 2013:

Well nobody can accuse you of being boring.

I used to have my science students make bridges out of toothpicks. Does that relate to this article??? LOL That's as close as I can get since I don't suck on toothpicks....I find my thumb to be much more satisfying. :)

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday, Irish!

bill

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on September 08, 2013:

Interesting, Suzie. I'm not a toothpick sucker, but one of my neighbors constantly has a toothpick stuck in his mouth. What will you think of next? Oh - I have to tell you. I have a binder dedicated to Suzie's Tips. You now have a spot on my bookshelf! :-)

Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 08, 2013:

Hi Carol,

Many thanks for your interest! It was something a bit different but when i saw prices I could not believe it! Always trying to push the envelope to see what is doable more effectively all round, that's me! LOL

The essential oils are key and the dangers real so it is VITAL correct ones are used. When I checked the list with the FDA it is lengthy of ones they deem okay. From other essential oil sites visit frequently for good info recommendations may differ so therefore there are ones I prefer not to recommend. Appreciate your comment greatly and thanks for taking time to check this one out!

carol stanley from Arizona on September 08, 2013:

Tasty toothpicks...Sounds interesting. You do come up with the best ideas. Thanks for particularly letting us know which essential oils are not suitable for ingesting.