College Students Invent Tastee Tape, an Edible Adhesive Designed to Keep Burritos and More Together

Photo credit: John Hopkins University
A group of students from John Hopkins University have invented Tastee Tape, an edible adhesive designed to keep burritos, gyros, wraps and more together when being eaten. This team of chemical and biomolecular engineering students used their own experiences with messy meals to make this a reality. The tape itself is composed of food-grade fibrous scaffold and an organic adhesive.

Tastee Tape is a clear, edible tape that keeps things closed, while for demonstration purposes, a blue dye has been added to show it in-action. Since the team is applying for a patent, the exact formula for creating Tastee Tape has not yet been revealed. Months were spent prototyping the strip design, and the result was a rectangular shape that measures roughly 0.5-inches by 2-inches affixed to waxed paper. To use a strip, just remove it from the waxed paper and wet thoroughly to activate. Who knows? You may be able to use Tastee Tape on these LEGO waffles for your next food creation.

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First, we learned about the science around tape and different adhesives, and then we worked to find edible counterparts. What I can say is that all its ingredients are safe to consume, are food grade, and are common food and dietary additives,” said Tyler Guarino.