Food Coloring 101: Gel, Oil, Luster Dust, and More

When it comes to decorating baked goods, food coloring plays a magical role in bringing your sweet creations to life. From pastel cupcakes to vibrant cookies, choosing the right type of food coloring can make or break your design. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of food coloring, how and when to use each, and tips for achieving the perfect color every time.

Type of Food Coloring You Need To Know

There are several types of food coloring available on the market, each suited for different uses depending on your recipe and technique:

Gel Food Coloring
Gel food coloring is a concentrated form of color that comes in small squeeze tubes or pots. It’s perfect for frosting, fondant, and cake batter because it delivers intense color without adding too much liquid. If you’re decorating with buttercream or royal icing, gel is a go-to choice.

Oil Based Food Coloring

Oil based food coloring is specially designed to blend with fat-based products like chocolate, candy melts, and cocoa butter. Water and oil don’t mix, so using water-based color in chocolate will cause it to seize. For smooth, even color in fat-rich mediums, always use oil-based food coloring.

Water Based Food Coloring

Water based food coloring is the most common type and often found in grocery stores, It’s great for coloring drinks, glazes, and simple icings. However, it’s not ideal for chocolate or high-fat recipes. If you’re just starting out, this is an accessible option.

Luster Dust and Powders Colors

Luster dust adds a beautiful shimmer or metallic sheen to your desserts. It’s often used dry with a brush or mixed with alcohol or extract to paint details on cookies, fondant, or gum paste. These powders are great for finishing touches and adding luxury to your sweets. 

Pro Tips for Using Food Coloring

·       Always start small. You can add more color, but you can’t take it out!

·       Allow colored icing or batter to sit for 10-15 minutes, colors often deepen over time.

·       Use a toothpick for more control when adding gel or oil-based coloring.

·       Mix colors to create custom shades. For example, mix red and yellow for orange.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re going for bold and vibrant or soft and natural, knowing the differences between gel food coloring, oil based, and natural food coloring will help you choose the best one for your project. Now that you understand the types of food coloring, you’re ready to bring your desserts to life with color!