Gold leaf is a decorative material made of gold that has been hammered into thin sheets by a process known as goldbeating, for use in gilding. Gold leaf is a type of metal leaf, but the term metal leaf is normally used for thin sheets of metal of any color that do not contain any real gold. Gold leaf is available in a wide variety of karats and shades, with the most commonly used gold being 22-karat yellow gold. Pure gold is 24 karat, and real, yellow gold leaf is approximately 91.7% pure (i.e. 22-karat) gold. Gold leaf is sometimes used in art in a "raw" state, without a gilding process, and has been used in jewelry in various periods, often as small pieces hanging freely. Gold leaf is also the basis of the gold ink used in Islamic calligraphy and Islamic manuscript illumination.

Edible gold leaf is a gold product that can be used to decorate food. It is considered "biologically inert," meaning it passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed. Edible gold leaf is mostly used in desserts and candy making and is available in sheets and as flakes. It is one of the worlds priciest foods, but considering it is real gold, the sheets and flakes are relatively inexpensive. It is important to buy quality gold leaf as cheaper versions contain impurities. Edible gold leaf does not have any taste at all and is only used for its luxurious and shiny appearance, and to add a festive and impressive touch to a dish.