Edible Candle

Today almost one-third of the energy we produce in the U.S. comes from oil, and we use it daily — for transportation, to create electricity that powers our houses, schools, offices, and stores, and to run industrial factories. But we only have a limited amount of crude oil on Earth! It’s a non-renewable resource, which means that one day we will run out of it. Not only is it non-renewable, it’s also harmful to the environment because it releases a gas called carbon dioxide that pollutes the air.

One alternative to burning crude oil is burning vegetable oil! Vegetable oil is healthier for the environment because oil from plants is carbon neutral. This means that when you burn plant oil, it only releases as much carbon dioxide as was used during the plant’s life.

Try making this edible, zero-waste candle (and snack) and discover the power of plant energy!

  1. Ages: 5 - 16

  2. <30 minutes

  3. Messy

  4. Grownup needed

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Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Step 1

    Gather your materials.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 1

  • Step 2

    Remove the candle from the container and wash it.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 2

  • Step 3

    Fill the container to the top with soft cheese. Then, smooth the top over with the back of a butter knife.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 3

  • Step 4

    Break a pecan in half lengthwise and stick it in the middle of the cheese.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 4

  • Step 5

    Light the very tip of the pecan with a lighter!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 5

  • Learn moremagnifying icon graphic

    You can light the pecan on fire because certain nuts contain a large amount of oil. This allows them to burn for a few minutes, just like a candle wick! Experiment further by burning different nuts, like walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, or peanuts.

  • Final result!

    Blow it out and eat it. Mmmm, delicious!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 6

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