Product safety & ingredients

Last updated: 7 September 2026

Overview

lekkerklei is handmade playdough made with natural, food-grade ingredients. We craft every batch in small quantities in Potchefstroom, using plant-based colourants and no synthetic dyes or artificial preservatives.

Our products are designed for sensory play — not for eating. Although our ingredients are food-grade, lekkerklei is a toy and craft product. Please read this page before giving lekkerklei to a child.

Intended use

• For children to mould, squeeze, roll, and explore through play.
• Recommended for ages 3+. Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazards and risk of ingestion.
• Always supervise children during play, especially if they are prone to putting things in their mouths.
• Not suitable as a food substitute, teething aid, or for children with known allergies to any listed ingredient without medical advice.

What's in our playdough

Every lekkerklei tub is made from a simple base of:

• Wheat flour — the body of the dough (contains wheat / gluten)
• Organic coconut oil — keeps the dough soft and pliable
• Food-grade salt — a natural preservative (high salt content)
• Water
• Plant-based colourants — such as turmeric, beetroot, spirulina, and butterfly pea flower

Contains wheat / gluten. We do not use synthetic dyes, artificial preservatives, or ingredients we wouldn't be comfortable with our own children touching.

Scented, therapy & glitter ranges

Some products include additional ingredients:

• Scented range (Aroma) — natural fragrance oils for sensory play (spearmint, sweet orange, lavender).
• Signature scented colours — some colours include natural scent, such as vanilla (Room Wit) or coffee (Boeretroos-bruin).
• Therapy range (Terapie) — a firmer dough with lavender or wintergreen scent, designed for hand exercise and older children or adults.
• Glitter range (Sterrenag, Glinster) — cosmetic-grade glitter for sparkle. Glitter does not dissolve and should not be eaten.

If your child has sensitive skin or is sensitive to scents, we recommend starting with an unscented signature colour and supervising closely.

Allergen information

lekkerklei contains the following known allergens:

• Wheat / gluten — present in all products (wheat flour is a primary ingredient)
• Coconut — organic coconut oil is used in all products
• Essential oils or fragrance oils — present in scented, therapy, and some signature products (see product range above)

Additional sensitivities may apply to specific plant colourants (e.g. beetroot, turmeric) or fragrance ingredients (lavender, spearmint, wintergreen, orange, vanilla, coffee). Contact us before ordering if your child has food allergies or sensitivities.

We make our playdough in a home kitchen. While we take care to avoid cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee our products are free from traces of other allergens.

Ingestion warning

lekkerklei is not a food product and must not be eaten. Although our ingredients are food-grade, this product is intended for play only.

Contains high levels of salt. Ingestion of even moderate amounts can pose a medical risk — particularly to young children and small pets — including salt poisoning (hypernatremia). Glitter, fragrance oils, and colourants are also not safe for ingestion.

• Do not use as a teething aid or food substitute.
• Keep out of reach of children under 3 and pets.
• Discourage eating and redirect to play.
• Seek medical attention immediately if a significant amount is swallowed.

Skin & sensory sensitivities

Our playdough is gentle on skin for most children. If your child has eczema, very sensitive skin, or known contact allergies, we recommend:

• Doing a small patch test on the inside of the wrist before extended play
• Washing hands after play
• Stopping use and contacting us if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs

Storage & shelf life

To keep your lekkerklei fresh and safe:

• Store in the airtight tub with the lid closed when not in use
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
• Do not leave dough out uncovered — it will dry out
• If dough becomes hard, dry, crumbly, or develops an off smell or mould, discard it

When stored properly, lekkerklei typically stays soft and usable for several months. Because it is handmade without artificial preservatives, shelf life may vary slightly between batches.

Natural variation

Because we use plant-based colourants and make every batch by hand, you may notice slight differences in colour, scent strength, or texture between tubs. This is normal and part of what makes lekkerklei natural — it is not a defect.

Choking & small parts

Playdough itself can break into small pieces during play. Always supervise young children and ensure pieces are not put in the nose, ears, or mouth. Glitter does not dissolve and should be kept away from eyes.

Some kits include small accessories (for example miniature flashlights, compasses, charms, dinosaurs, or stamps). These are not suitable for children under 3. Keep small parts away from babies and toddlers, check the kit before play, and use them only with adult supervision.

Cleaning up

• Playdough is easiest to remove from surfaces once it has dried — brush off, then wipe clean.
• Avoid getting dough on carpet or fabric where possible.
• Wash hands after play.

Disclaimer

By purchasing and using lekkerklei, you acknowledge that it is a play product — not food — and agree to use it only in accordance with the safety instructions on this page. Adult supervision is required at all times during play. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring the product is used appropriately, that children follow age recommendations, and that patch testing is carried out where advised.

lekkerklei is provided in good faith with clear safety guidance. Use of this product contrary to these instructions may affect any remedy available under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. Nothing in this disclaimer limits rights that cannot be excluded under South African law.

Questions or concerns?

If you have questions about ingredients, allergies, or whether lekkerklei is right for your child, we're happy to help before you order.

Contact us