Water-based inks for printing on confectionery

Non-pigmented, water-based inks are disclosed which are compatible with industrial piezojet printheads and which can be used to form high resolution images on edible substrates, including sugar shell confectionery polished with a hydrophobic wax polish. The ink comprises a hydrolyzable polysaccharide adhesive agent, such as tapioca dextrin or gum arabic, which enhances the compatibility of the ink for hydrophobic surfaces.