As is the 2024 tradition, we’ve found yet another commonplace ingredient that has apparently been plotting our demise for decades. This time, the culprit is fairy bread. Or rather, the 100s and 1000s scattered on top.

Health experts have issued warnings about the artificial colourings in processed foods (not just sprinkles) for years – linking them to hyperactivity, behavioural and developmental issues, and increased risk of some cancers. However, the celebration of National Fairy Bread Day (which is a totally real and not at all made-up holiday) on November 24 got tongues wagging again.

What food colourings are used in sprinkles?

Artificial colours like amaranth (E123) and tartrazine (E102) are hugely popular in food manufacturing for their rich red and yellow colours, but have come under scrutiny in Australia and overseas. 

The food additive amaranth (E123) was named after the plant amaranth, the seeds of which can be used in a similar way to wheat or quinoa. The additive has been banned in the US since the mid-1970s after being identified as a potential carcinogen. In the same vein, tartrazine (E102) has previously been banned in some European countries, however it is now approved for use if the food product contains a warning. Both food colourings are legal in Australia and used in the manufacture of many sprinkles onshore.

Related story: We just learned what makes Cadbury Creme Eggs yellow, and it’s not what you think

Artificial colours have been the subject of studies across the globe, with many raising concerns of increased food allergies and intolerances, inducing hyperactivity in children, and myriad other effects. It’s potentially scary stuff. 

But is it any scarier than the innumerable other substances we’re exposed to on the daily?

It may seem cynical, but unless we’re eating only 100 percent organic vegetables, filtering our own rainwater captured in non-reactive titanium, breathing pure mountain air after a heavy downpour and living in a bubble, we’re unlikely to be able to dodge every single thing that’s possibly harmful to us. Do we really need to start panicking about fairy bread? White bread. Margarine. Colourful sugar balls. Did anyone think this was a health food?

Life is hard enough as it is. For example, have you tried catering for a kids’ birthday party recently? You can still chop up the carrot and celery sticks to avoid the judging eyes of the P&C crowd, but we all know it’s the party pies, sausage rolls and fairy bread that will get wolfed down, while those vegies are left to sit and wilt in their own wholesomeness. 

Let the kids have the dang sprinkles.

But if you’re really worried, there are 100s and 1000s products available that contain no artificial colours. Just check the label before you buy. 

How to make fairy bread

Ingredients

• 1 loaf white bread
• Butter or margarine
• 100s and 1000s

Method

1. Thickly slather a piece of plain white bread with either butter or margarine.
2. Pour a generous amount of 100s and 1000s onto a plate and press the buttered bread face-down in the sprinkles.
3. Transfer the slices to a platter and cut into triangles.
4. Repeat until the loaf is finished.
5. Serve, and let the joy resound.

Related story: 10 recipes with 100s and 1000s for fairy bread fans