The Top 5 Food Colorings

Food coloring is a staple in many pantries. But finding the right brand of food coloring can be difficult. As an ardent baker, you need a color that will pop without affecting the taste of your food. Should you choose a gel or a liquid? How many colors do you need? To help you in your search, we've rounded up our top picks from all the different food colorings on the market. Whether you're trying to make the perfect dinosaur cake, or whip up a batch of red velvet muffins, read on to find the food coloring that will make your baked goods shine.

Gel Food Primary Color Set by Wilton

The most cost-effective option on the market, this 4-color set has all the vibrance you need to make some delicious goodies. Each bottle contains coloring gel for extra vibrance. Choose from pink, yellow, green, and blue to make the desserts of your dreams.

Pros:

Affordable
Concentrated gel makes brighter colors
Comes with four basic colors
Mix for endless color combinations

Cons:

The colors are pastel, which may not be ideal if you are looking for bold colors

McCormick’s Assorted Food Color Set

Whether you’re looking for classic colors to brighten up your kid’s Easter eggs or put some shimmer in your adult drinks, this is the set for you. McCormick’s liquid food dye comes in four primary colors: red, yellow, green, and blue. The shades are vivid and the drop-control containers make it easy to measure out the right amount of color.

Pros:

Reasonably priced
Simple to measure
Bright primary colors

Cons:

Small size

Food Coloring Student Kit with 12.75 oz Soft Gel Paste Bottles

Extra vibrant, easy to use, and a beautiful array of hues… We couldn’t be happier with this boxed set from AmeriColor. The kit comes with 12 assorted colors. If you’re an avid baker who likes to use lots of different colors for cake frosting, this would be the perfect option. It’s also a great way to spice up arts and crafts time. The bottles make it simple to measure out the amount of color you need, and the gel lasts longer than your traditional liquid dye.

Pros:

Long lasting
Excellent color selection
Good for allergies (the dyes are peanut, tree nut, and gluten free)

Cons:

More costly than smaller packages

Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors

Do you have food sensitivities or allergies? Or are you simply worried about the chemicals and additives in food coloring? Then this is an ideal choice for you. This plant-based food coloring powder is made from all-natural ingredients found in vegetables, plants, and seeds. Rest assured that you’re not putting any artificial ingredients in your body. The dye comes in three colors: sky blue, berry, and sunflower, and it works well in frosting, drinks, and any other non-baked food.

Pros:

All natural
No artificial dyes or chemicals
Great for frosting

Cons:

Color does not hold up well under heat

Gel-Based 12-Count Icing Food Colors

If you’re looking for a high-quality dye for your cake frosting, look no further. This set of 12 bright-colored dyes includes all the primary colors you need to create every shade under the rainbow — plus some. Gone are the days of reusing the same tired shades. Also, each bottle comes in a gel, which lasts longer than traditional liquid colorings. Get ready to ice and decorate to your hearts’ content.

Pros:

Does not affect the taste or consistency of your food
Large variety of colors
Long-lasting
Very affordable

Cons:

Does not come with a dropper

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between liquid food coloring and food gel?

Gel food coloring is usually made with a corn syrup or glycerin base. It tends to be a lot more concentrated than liquid food coloring, and because of that, it produces bright, vibrant colors. Gels can also be more cost effective than liquid food colorings. Both types of coloring produce the same effect. However, liquid food colorings simply have higher levels of dilution.

Does food coloring expire?

Typically, no. As long as you keep the colors sealed and away from heat or cold, the liquid will stay in good condition. If you’re using a natural food coloring alternative, you should pay closer attention to the expiration date because it is likely made from raw materials and will expire. However, most traditional food colorings do not go bad over time.

What is food coloring made of?

Food coloring is either made of chemicals or natural ingredients. Synthetic food dyes are more common, and they’re typically highly processed and made in a lab. Natural food colorings are typically derived from plants, veggies, or seeds. Think of your matcha latte or a dish or turmeric curry.