12 best food colorings

Food colorings, also known as food dyes or food additives, are substances added to food and beverages to impart color or enhance their visual appeal. They are commonly used in cooking, baking, and food processing to achieve specific colors and create visually appealing products. Here's what you should know about food colorings:

Types of Food Colorings: Food colorings come in various forms, including liquid, gel, powder, and natural extracts. There are two main categories of food colorings: synthetic/artificial and natural.
Synthetic/Artificial Food Colorings: These are chemically synthesized colorants and are often designated by a specific color code or name. Common examples include Red #40 (Allura Red AC), Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), and Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue FCF). These artificial colorings are widely used in processed foods, candies, beverages, and baked goods.
Natural Food Colorings: Natural food colorings are derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and plants. Examples include beet juice (for red color), turmeric (for yellow-orange), and spinach extract (for green). These natural colorings are often preferred by consumers looking for more wholesome and additive-free options.
Uses in Cooking and Baking: Food colorings are used in cooking and baking to achieve a desired appearance in a wide range of products, from colorful frostings and decorations on cakes and cookies to vibrant sauces and beverages.They can be used to create visually appealing presentations for special occasions.
Regulation: Food colorings are regulated by food safety authorities in many countries. These regulations specify the types and amounts of colorants that can be used in food products. Some artificial colorings have been associated with potential health concerns, leading to increased scrutiny and regulation in certain regions.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities: Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain food colorings, particularly artificial ones. It's important for individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to read food labels carefully and avoid products containing specific colorings.
Natural Coloring Alternatives: Due to health concerns and consumer preferences for natural ingredients, many food manufacturers and home cooks are turning to natural coloring alternatives. These may include using ingredients like beet powder, spirulina, or matcha powder to achieve specific colors naturally.
Food Presentation: Food colorings are often used to enhance the visual appeal of dishes, especially in professional cooking and baking. Chefs use artistic techniques to incorporate colors into their creations, such as garnishes and decorative elements.
Food Safety: While food colorings are generally considered safe when used within regulatory limits, it's important to use them responsibly and in moderation. Excessive use of food colorings in homemade recipes can alter the taste and texture of dishes.
Labeling: In many countries, food products containing artificial colorings are required to list them on the ingredient label. This allows consumers to make informed choices based on their dietary preferences and any potential sensitivities.

Food colorings are versatile tools in the culinary world, allowing cooks and bakers to add creativity and visual appeal to their creations. Whether artificial or natural, they play a significant role in the aesthetics of many food products on the market today.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best food colorings on the market

Sterling Auto Car INSURANCE Registration Holders 2 Pack Automobile, Trailer, Truck etc. A MUST to have! Velcro Closure. 2 Pieces.Perfect for organizing glove compartment

Sterling Auto

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Necessary Car Auto Insurance Registration BLACK Document Wallet Holders 2 Pack Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck, Trailer Vinyl ID Holder & Visor Storage - Needed in Every Vehicle - 2 Pack Set. Perfect for keeping important automobile information readily available, this Auto Registration and Insurance Case features a black vinyl car document wallet with cover auto and writing in gold. Measures approximately 5 1/8" x 4 5/8" and is flat until filled. A hook and loop closure holds documents safe within the 2 inner clear pockets.

Important Automobile Information Readily Available
Keeps Document Free From Tearing, Bending or Being Ruined by Moisture
Takes up little Space in Glove Compartment
Velcro/Hook and Loop Closure
Order 6 (12 units- Not FBA) or More and get FREE Priority Shipping

User questions & answers

Question:	California now has registration on 5.5x8.5 paper. Does this fit
Answer:	Humidity is a relative number, the amount of moisture in the air as a percentage of the amount the air at the current temperature can hold in vapor form before condensation starts to form. It doens't remove moisture, but by heating the air it increases the amount of water vapor the air can contain and thus the _relative_ humidity (same amount of moisture as before, higher capacity for the air to store more in vapor form) is indeed reduced. Functionally this has the intended effect because it prevents condensation (and thus rust and corrosion.)
Question:	Do 1 book or 2 come with it
Answer:	The main characteristic difference that I've been able to figure out (besides the color*) is that the GoldenRod units are higher wattage heaters. Take a look at the chart I made below, where I've compiled heating wattage information for different length rods from Lockdown, and also another manufacturer, SnapSafe, all available on Amazon. Hope this helps! :^) Wattage and Price Charting for Different Size Rods Description of Rod Power Cost (Amzn) Lockdown "Dehumidifier Rod," 12" 8 W $17 <-- Black Rod Lockdown "Dehumidifier Rod," 18" 12 W $26.22 <-- Black Rod Lockdown GoldenRod, 12" 8 W $33 Lockdown GoldenRod, 18" 18 W $38 Lockdown GoldenRod, 24" 25 W $39 Lockdown GoldenRod, 36" 38 W $44 SnapSafe Dehumidifier Rod, 12" 7 W $15.29 SnapSafe Dehumidifier Rod, 18" 10 W $17.50 SnapSafe Dehumidifier Rod, 24" 12 W $16.54 * The color and reflectivity of the surface makes a small amount of difference for emittance (i.e. - heat radiating efficiency) - matte, less reflective black objects radiate somewhat better than more reflective gold).
Question:	I have a aube th111gfci-p 120 vac thermostat that died. will this one work in its place
Answer:	Refer to link for instructional video: https://youtu.be/DUMUQ3NnQRg
Question:	Has anyone successfully use this with a suntouch floor sensor? Alternatively,what range of resistances (and at what temperature) come from the sensor
Answer:	Sorry for the inconvenience. The fountain filters are currently out of stock, but should be back in mid-March.
Question:	Can you connect 2 circuits to this thermostat? For example, run 2 heated floor mats simultaneously on this thermostat
Answer:	I don't know. However, whomever made it did a great job! I love it!
Question:	Will this work with Viega radiant system
Answer:	Mine did not come with any mat... So I am not sure if they previously had a promotion including a mat or not.

CANOPUS Registration and Insurance Card Holder, Car Document Holder, Wallet for Auto, Trailer, Truck - 2 Pack with EZ Pass Mounting Kit, Ez Pass Strips

Based on 333 reviews Check latest price

New Set of 2 Auto Car Registration & Insurance Card Holder
Car registration and insurance wallet protects documents from wear and tear, takes up little space in glove compartment
Your automotive documents are protected and kept neat for inspection with these registration holder
When asked, confidently reach for your documents, knowing exactly where they are. Perfect as a glovebox document holder.
3M Reclosable Fastener that works with most toll passes including: EZ Pass, IPass, FastLane, and other toll passes

Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four .3 oz bottles

Watkins

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our food coloring is free from artificial colors and made by nature. Derived from pure vegetable juices and spices including beet juice, turmeric and spirulina extract.

Derived from pure vegetable juices and spices including beet juice, turmeric and spirulina extract.
FD&C Dye Free
No Artificial Colors
Non-GMO, Gluten Free
Crafted in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this work for homemade cotton candy
Answer:	Watkins Food Coloring can be used in any recipe that calls for food coloring. Since this product is made of natural ingredients, color results may vary especially, in baked goods over 350 degrees. We recommend you test in small batches to get your desired results.
Question:	Is this made in a nut free facility
Answer:	Watkins is not a nut free facility; however, Watkins follows extremely rigorous cleaning routines designed to eliminate the risk of cross contamination. These routines are part of our total commitment to good manufacturing practices.
Question:	Can I use this to color fondant red? I would like to achieve a true mickey mouse red
Answer:	Because they are natural you likely can’t get a really strong red. Use gel color instead.
Question:	What are the ingredients
Answer:	According to their website: The FOOD COLORING'S Complete Product Ingredient List:Red: Glycerin, invert sugar, water, vegetable juice, citric acid, potassium hydroxide. Yellow: Glycerin, water, polysorbate 80, turmeric. Green: Water, glycerin, polysorbate 80, trehalose, spirulina extract, turmeric, sodium citrate. Blue: Glycerin, water, trehalose, spirulina extract, sodium citrate. https://www.jrwatkins.com/products/Gourmet/Food-Coloring/Assorted-Food-Coloring/

Product features

Watkins Baking Decorations

Unlike other baking decorations that use FD&C dyes, our food coloring is free from artificial colors and made by nature. Derived from pure vegetable juices and spices.

*Watkins products are certified as Non-GMO as of 08/13/17 with certification ID: C0250498-NGMOHNG-2

Decoration Sugars

Watkins Decorating Sugars free from artificial dyes. Made with natural colorings, our sugars are vibrant without using FD&C colors.

Sprinkles

Watkins Sprinkles are made with natural colorings. Our sprinkles are free from artificial dyes and colors, continuing the Watkins tradition of excellence.

Assorted Food Coloring

Our 4 pack of Assorted Food Coloring is free from artificial colors and made by nature. Derived from pure vegetable juices and spices including beet juice, turmeric and spirulina extract.

Single Color Food Coloring

Our Food Coloring is free from artificial colors and made by nature. Derived from pure vegetable juices and spices including turmeric and spirulina extract.

Spice Supreme Assorted Food Colors Red Blue Green Yellow - 4 Color Cake Liquid Variety Kit for Baking , Decorating ,Fondant , Cooking, and Slime Making - .30 fl. oz.Bottles

Spice Supreme

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Add some color to all your culinary creations! Fun for coloring dough and icing in sweets, great for punches and other drinks, plus food colors are also used in egg dying and other crafts.

Includes 1 of each - blue, green, yellow and red.
4 - 0.3 oz bottles
Made in the USA
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, crafts and more!

User questions & answers

Question:	Can these be used to color eggs
Answer:	But, of course they can! Just remember the Vinegar when boiling eggs.
Question:	Do these alter the taste at all
Answer:	No, it does not alter taste.
Question:	Do the ingredients include Red 40 dye
Answer:	Hi Kristen. Yes it does contain Red #40.
Question:	Why is this not cheaper? Because at the dollar tree it’s
Answer:	Not sure why you’d ask this question? Unless your access to Dollar Tree is across the street or in your back yard? I think the few cents more on the dollar would surely account for the convenience of home delivery...unless you need it right now...then the dollar tree jaunt might be worth it?

U.S. Cake Supply 2-ounce Liquid Candy Food Color 8 Bottle Kit with Mixing Wheel

US Cake Supply

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Used to Color Chocolate, Candy Centers, or Hard Candy
Oil based, Slowly add more color, one drop at a time, until desired shade is reached
By adding just a small amount of this concentrated formula you can achieve the exact shade you want without watering down your product.

User questions & answers

Question:	Does it go bad in heat
Answer:	I'm sorry can't get to it right now. It's wrapped for Christmas already.
Question:	Can I color Apples with this
Answer:	China
Question:	Could you use in the marcaron merengue
Answer:	I have the 18" model in a nearly 12 cubic feet gun safe (24 long gun capacity) and it has done fine thus.
Question:	When will you restock this
Answer:	I used a temperature “gun” with a red laser dot: 116 degrees Fahrenheit pointed directly on the gold tube. Internal safe temperature is 75. Just installed the 18” model yesterday, September 26, 2020.

Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Starter Set of 12

Chefmaster

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Liqua-Gel is an effective food coloring at its finest. Highly concentrated vibrant colors mix easily and provide consistent tones without altering the texture of your product. Liqua-Gel can be easily used by home users. This package contains 12 .7 Fl Oz bottles of gel food coloring in a variety of colors. Made in USA.

Liqua-Gel is an effective food coloring at its finest
Highly concentrated vibrant colors mix easily and provide consistent tones without altering the texture of your product
Liqua-Gel can be easily used by home users
This package contains 12 .7 fluid ounce bottles of gel food coloring in a variety of colors
Made in USA.

User questions & answers

Question:	How many ounces per bottle
Answer:	The label shows NET WT. 0.70 oz (20g).
Question:	How long will the bottles last after opening
Answer:	The bottles last a very long time. I bought these last year some are opened and some isn’t. The ones that’s open is still good. I just used the open ones yesterday for some candy apples and the chef master liquid gel was still good
Question:	Do they have any taste
Answer:	They don't have any taste.
Question:	What colors are included
Answer:	12 colors including primary and secundary colors.

30 Color Cake Food Coloring Liqua-Gel Decorating Baking Ultimate Set - Primary, Secondary and Neon Colors - U.S. Cake Supply 0.75 fl. oz. (20ml) Bottles - Made in the U.S.A.

US Cake Supply

Based on 201 reviews Check latest price

Product description

30 Color Liqua-Gel Set Includes: Coal Black, Royal Blue, Sky Blue, Buckeye Brown, Fleshtone, Leaf Green, Sunset Orange, Deep Pink, Rose Pink, Super Red, Violet, Lemon Yellow, Burgundy Wine, Fuchsia, Forest Green, Christmas Red, Tulip Red, Golden Yellow, Bakers Rose, Georgia Peach, Red Red, Teal Green, White, Navy Blue, Neon Brite Yellow, Neon Brite Purple, Neon Brite Pink, Neon Brite Orange, Neon Brite Green, Neon Brite Blue

Liqua-Gel Colors are ideal for any level of cake decorator. Preferred choice by master decorators for over 50 years.

Liqua-Gel Colors are highly concentrated edible cake decorating colors in a wide range of bright vivid intense colors
Colors are easy to mix and disperse instantly. Gels come in queeze bottles with flip-top lids, so you can add "drops" for easy-to-repeat colors every time.
Gels are freeze tolerant, fade and bleed resistant and will not break down icings
Formulated for use with whipped toppings, buttercreme icings, fondant, cake batter, cookie dough and more
All the colors are made in the USA with high quality ingredients, and are Certified Kosher

User questions & answers

Question:	Can these be used for bath bombs, scrubs,and bath salts and creams
Answer:	Yes, I use it for candy and cookie dough, They are rich colors, and no colored for my hands, stain free. I love this gel food coloring set. I will bought again.
Question:	Do they expire? If so how long can you have them before they go bad
Answer:	Definitely! Can be used make different colors for play dough to get vivid colors, they are flavorless and won't make food harden. I will bought again next time!
Question:	Merengue takes the color well
Answer:	I didn’t pay attention to the country, but the gift packaging is really good and item ship from US, the colors are also very rich.
Question:	Can i use these colors for marshmallows
Answer:	Yes, they did and showed in the packaging.

Wilton Icing Colors, 12-Count Gel-Based Food Color

Wilton

Based on 19 reviews Check latest price

Product description

You can tint your cake batter and icing almost any shade with this set of 12 Wilton icing colors. The concentrated gel-based formula gives your batter, buttercream or royal icing a beautiful hue without thinning it out, so color away!

You can tint your cake batter and icing almost any shade with this set of 12 Wilton icing colors. The concentrated gel-based formula gives your batter, buttercream or royal icing a beautiful hue without thinning it out, so color away!
Icing colors add color to cake batter, buttercream frosting or royal icing without changing the consistency
Includes: Kelly Green, Violet, Pink, Brown, Lemon Yellow, Black, No taste Red, Royal Blue, Golden Yellow, Burgundy, Teal and Copper
Contains twelve 0.5 ounce (28.3 grams) jars
Certified kosher; made in a facility that also processes tree nuts, egg and soy
Made in the USA
Set of 12 to 1/2 ounce icing colors for tinting buttercream, Royal Icing, fondant, and more

User questions & answers

Question:	Are they gluten free
Answer:	Stays fresh it is not carbonated
Question:	What are the dyes or pigments in the ingredients
Answer:	Quinine mg is Not listed on the bottle. Says "Top Hat East India Tonic is a natural jubilation of relevant botanicals framed by the medicinal power of natural quinine." No other info on quinine.
Question:	what are the colors that come in the package
Answer:	This product has 5times the quinine in the syrup and has 100 💯 vitamin c . I love it I mix it with seltzer water it’s delicious
Question:	can i use this on any kind of food like macaroons or something ? or only frostings and cake
Answer:	16mg

Product features

Shades of Sweet

Wilton Icing Colors give you endless decorating possibilities when it comes to baking. The gel-based formula doesn’t change the consistency of your batter or frosting and gives you rich, true hues. To add color, dip a toothpick into the icing color and then into your batter or frosting. For a darker hue, grab another toothpick and repeat.

Our wide array of colors let you craft the perfect shade for a themed party, holiday or season. Use them with buttercream frosting, royal icing and even meringue.

Confetti Cake Batter Cookies

Confetti cookies dressed in team colors are a great way to get in the game. Just use Wilton Icing Colors to tint your frosting, spatula ice your cookies and add a few sprinkles in the opposite color. Sit back and watch them get tackled by halftime.

Colorful Chameleon Cake

Kids will love this charming chameleon cake with lots of different colors, just like the real thing. The many shades of frosting were created using Wilton Icing Colors for a rainbow-like effect on the cake and tail. They were also used to color fondant for the eyes, nose, mouth and horn. Perfect for a jungle-themed birthday adventure.

Flower Cupcakes

Make a garden of beautiful cupcakes with bright icing and a few of the most popular piping tips. Use Wilton Icing Colors to create vivid shades of frosting, then use decorating tips 104, 18 and 3 to pipe flower petals, rosettes, ruffles and center dots on your cupcakes. Then enjoy the sweet blooms!

U.S. Cake Supply 12 Color Cake Food Coloring Liqua-Gel Decorating Set - .75 fl. Oz. (20ml) Bottles Primary Colors

US Cake Supply

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

12 Color Liqua-Gel Set Includes: Coal Black, Royal Blue, Sky Blue, Buckeye Brown, Fleshtone, Leaf Green, Sunset Orange, Deep Pink, Rose Pink, Super Red, Violet and Lemon Yellow

Liqua-Gel Colors are ideal for any level of cake decorator. Preferred choice by decorators for over 50 years.

Liqua-Gel Colors are highly concentrated edible cake decorating colors in a wide range of bright vivid intense colors
Colors are easy to mix and disperse instantly. Gels come in queeze bottles with flip-top lids, so you can add "drops" for easy-to-repeat colors every time.
Gels are freeze tolerant, fade and bleed resistant and will not break down icings
Formulated for use with whipped toppings, buttercreme icings, fondant, cake batter, cookie dough and more
All the colors are made in the USA with high quality ingredients, and are Certified Kosher

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you use them in slimes
Answer:	Contact the seller and also initiate a return through Amazon. Has to be within 30 days of the order I believe. You may have to just order a new one, and return the second for the credit
Question:	Can they be mixed to make new colors
Answer:	Love this jacket. Husband wears 42/43 R and L works. Think yo need XL
Question:	Can you paint it onto the fondant
Answer:	get the 42 instead cause my size is 40 when i had ordered mine it was a little big 40. but they really nice blazer. I had it fixed
Question:	Could these be used for dying bath bombs
Answer:	No, pants were not included.

U.S. Cake Supply 36 Color Cake Food Coloring Liqua-Gel Decorating Baking Master Set of All 36 Colors - 0.75 fl. oz. (20ml) Bottles - Made in the U.S.A.

US Cake Supply

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

36 Color Liqua-Gel Set Includes: 2 - Coal Black, Royal Blue, Sky Blue, Buckeye Brown, Fleshtone, Leaf Green, Sunset Orange, Deep Pink, Rose Pink, Super Red, Violet, Lemon Yellow, Bright White, Golden Yellow, Red Red, Turquoise, Georgia Peach, Neon Blue, Neon Green, Neon Orange, Neon Pink, Neon Purple, Neon Yellow, Avocado, Bakers Rose, Burgundy, Christmas Red, Forest Green, Gold, Mint Green, Navy Blue, Purple, Rose Pink, Teal Green, Tulip Red

Liqua-Gel Colors are ideal for any level of cake decorator. Preferred choice by master decorators for over 50 years.

Liqua-Gel Colors are highly concentrated edible cake decorating colors in a wide range of bright vivid intense colors
Colors are easy to mix and disperse instantly. Gels come in queeze bottles with flip-top lids, so you can add "drops" for easy-to-repeat colors every time.
Gels are freeze tolerant, fade and bleed resistant and will not break down icings
Formulated for use with whipped toppings, buttercreme icings, fondant, cake batter, cookie dough and more
All the colors are made in the USA with high quality ingredients, and are Certified Kosher

Chefmaster Liquid Whitener Food Color, 16-Ounce, White

Based on 508 reviews Check latest price

Used to Color Icings, buttercream, Fondant, Gumpaste, Cookie Dough
A rainbow of colors is available from Chefmaster, ready to blend together for creating your own custom shades.
By adding just a small amount of this concentrated formula you can achieve the exact shade you want without watering down your product.
Certified kosher by United States K of Los Angeles, California. Rabbi Yehudah Bukspan, Supervisor
Manufactured in an AIB (American Institute of Baking) approved facility

User questions & answers

Question:	Can this be used on chocolate
Answer:	You certainly could use cows milk. You may use a variety of milks. My diet is dairy free and I use almond, coconut, almond/coconut combination, even cashew milk. I use Stevia sweetner.
Question:	Will this work to stain a wood countertop before I seal it with beeswax
Answer:	No, I’ve been purchasing this for 10 months and never had an issue!
Question:	Will this work in cake batter
Answer:	Label says 520 mg per serving, which is 1/3 cup of dry mix. Mix makes 5 to 7 pancakes per cup. If my math is right, using 6 pancakes/cup, 2 decent sized pancakes is the serving size and = 520 mg sodium from the mix. The other ingredients in preparing the mix move this a little - from 22% DV to 23% DV.
Question:	Can I use this to color white chocolate ganache
Answer:	Unfortunately, I no longer have the lip balm. It didn't taste or smell like pickles and I just tossed it out. / I found it in the back of a drawer and it does not have any ingredients listed on the tube.

Wilton Primary Icing Colors, 4-Piece - Gel Icing Colors

Wilton

Based on 888 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Get colorful with your cake batter and icing using these primary gel food colors. The highly concentrated gel formula allows you to determine the shade, from soft to bold and bright, and won't change the consistency of your batter or icing. Includes yellow, red, green and blue.

Highly concentrated gel icing color is great for tinting cake batter, buttercream or royal icing and can also be used to color Easter eggs
Color: Yellow, red, green and blue
1.2 fl. oz. (34 ml)
Made in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, soy and wheat products
Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Can i use this for baking? I want to make red velvet without using liquid since it has a bad taste
Answer:	Yes but they aren't really neon
Question:	Hi can I use for fondant
Answer:	I would think so. I mix them together to dye fiber and they blend beautifully.
Question:	Does this contain dairy products
Answer:	You can paint all color gels on fondant. The colors are just very dark and take a while to dry
Question:	Is this certified kosher
Answer:	I don't know why they couldn't. They are strong colors tho, I can try it for you and let you know if I turn blue.

Product features

Primary Icing Colors, 4-Piece - Gel Icing Colors

Specifications

Highly concentrated gel icing color is great for tinting cake batter, buttercream or royal icing and can also be used to color Easter eggs
Color: Yellow, red, green and blue
1.2 fl. oz. (34 ml)
Made in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, soy and wheat products
Made in the USA