Non-edible aloe vera is referred to as the “chinensis” variety—so if you’re getting aloe vera to eat, don’t pick that one! Edible aloe vera can also be found in some grocery stores and Latin American markets. If you find it in the produce section, it’s the safe-to-eat variety. [3] X Research source

There haven’t been a lot of studies done on what constitutes a healthy or safe amount of aloe vera gel to consume, but it isn’t much. A little (meaning a quarter-teaspoon or less) goes a long way. If you’re buying commercially prepared aloe vera products, follow the label’s instructions regarding serving size. These products typically contain less than 10 ppm (parts per million) of aloe-derived material. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source This isn’t something you can eat a lot of! Keep aloe vera as an occasional treat. There is also some evidence that eating aloe vera regularly (for as little as 3 weeks) can lead to acute hepatitis. [6] X Research source

Your sections don’t have to be any particular size—you just want them to be manageable as you scrape the gel out. If you want to use the leaves in cooking, you can always cut them into smaller pieces once you get the gel out.

Always rinse off the gel with water to get rid of all the latex (yellow sap). Aloe vera latex is a powerful laxative, so you don’t want to eat that!

Taking just 1 gram of aloe vera latex can lead to kidney failure and even death. At best, you’ll suffer severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Sweet fruits that have a stronger flavor can help mask the taste of aloe vera if you find it slightly bitter.

Aloe gel doesn’t have a very strong taste, so it shouldn’t change the flavor of your dip very much. Still, you might find that you need to adjust your seasonings after adding it.

When your poached aloe gel is done, place the cubes on top of a bowl of your favorite flavor of yogurt and it’s ready to eat! Cooked aloe vera has a milder taste, so you might prefer it this way if you find the taste of raw aloe vera too bitter for your palate. [15] X Research source

Aloe vera has a cooling flavor, which makes it a natural fit in spicier salads or salsas that pack a little heat.

Aloe vera juice is simply aloe vera gel mixed with fruit juice (usually citrus). Check the label to see what’s included in the drink before you buy it. You can drink the juice or water straight from the bottle or mix it into your favorite smoothie.

Don’t eat aloe vera if you’re pregnant or nursing. It could harm your baby. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Since aloe vera is also a laxative, it might interfere with your body’s ability to absorb any medications you’re taking. If you’re on a medication for a chronic condition, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before you eat or drink aloe vera. [20] X Research source