Best Food Coloring of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Food coloring, also known as food dyes, are substances used to impart color to food and beverages. They come in a variety of forms including liquids, gels, and powders. Food coloring is used to enhance the appearance of food, making it more appealing and appetizing to consumers. They are often used in baked goods, candies, and other processed foods. While food coloring is generally considered safe, some studies have linked certain types of food dyes to health issues in children. As a result, many manufacturers have started to use natural food coloring alternatives.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Cherrysea Food Coloring Set Cover #TOP 1
Cherrysea Food Coloring Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Happy Belly Assorted Food Coloring Cover #TOP 2
Happy Belly Assorted Food Coloring
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Food Coloring for Baking - 26 Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Liquid Set Cover #TOP 3
Food Coloring for Baking - 26 Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Liquid Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Food Coloring

#TOP 1

Cherrysea Food Coloring Set

CS-12COLOR
Cherrysea Food Coloring Set Cover
Food Coloring Set - 12 Color Food Grade Vibrant Food Dye Tasteless Liquid Color for Cake Decorating, Baking, Easter Egg, Icing, Fondant, Cooking, Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit - 0.35 Fl. oz (10 ml)/Bottles

Cherrysea Food Coloring Set is a 12-color food grade vibrant food dye set that is tasteless and odorless. It is made from safe ingredients and meets American food standards. The highly concentrated liquid food coloring comes with an upgraded drop mouth and squeeze bottle design, making it easy to control your drops and enables accurate mixing. It is great for cake decoration, frosting, icing, fondant, batter, cookie dough, Easter eggs, slime, soap, bath bombs and other craft making.

What We Like
Vibrant color options
Easy to mix
Good for various techniques
Affordable price
Effective for frosting
What We Don't Like
Hard to open caps
Light saturation for some colors
#TOP 2

Happy Belly Assorted Food Coloring

Amazon Fresh
Assorted
Happy Belly Assorted Food Coloring Cover
Amazon Fresh, Assorted Food Coloring, 1.2 Fl Oz (Pack of 4) (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)

Create vibrant and colorful confections and baked goods with Happy Belly food colors. This package contains four 0.3 oz bottles of red, yellow, green, and blue food coloring. Happy Belly offers a satisfaction guarantee and is an Amazon brand.

What We Like
Vibrant and bold colors
Easy mixing into various mediums
Long-lasting bottles
Variety of colors included
Affordable alternative to name brands
What We Don't Like
Can stain hands and surfaces
Messy bottle caps
#TOP 3

Food Coloring for Baking - 26 Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Liquid Set

CS-US-GF009ACCS-26
Food Coloring for Baking - 26 Vibrant Cake Food Coloring Liquid Set Cover
Food Coloring for Baking - 26 Vibrant Cake Coloring Liquid Set for Dessert Decorating, Food Grade Food Dye for Icing,Fondant,Cookies,Easter Egg,Making DIY Supplies Kit- 0.25 Fl. oz (6 ml)/Bottles

Cherrysea's food coloring set includes 26 vibrant and rich colors, made with food grade materials and approved by MSDS. It is non-toxic, dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free. The liquid food coloring is easy to mix and has a strong tinting strength, so a little goes a long way. It is perfect for decorating desserts such as cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and fondant. The colors can also be used for holiday decorations such as Easter eggs, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Halloween.

What We Like
Vibrant color range
Easy to mix and use
Food-grade quality
Concentrated formula
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Small bottle size
May require more dye
#TOP 4

Watkins Assorted Food Coloring

ambient: room temperature
Assorted
Watkins Assorted Food Coloring Cover
Watkins Assorted Food Coloring, 1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)

Watkins Assorted Food Coloring includes four .3 oz bottles of red, yellow, green, and blue coloring derived from pure vegetable juices and spices including beet juice, turmeric and spirulina extract. It is a perfect addition to your kitchen for coloring various foods and drinks.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Safe for kids
Good color range
Non-toxic option
Better than artificial dyes
What We Don't Like
Colors not very vibrant
Pricey for some
#TOP 5

McCormick Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye

HU-XI-78
McCormick Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye Cover
McCormick Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye, 1.5 fl oz

McCormick Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye adds vibrant colors to baked goods, confections, and beverages without altering the flavor. It includes 0.5 fl oz bottles of red, yellow, and blue food colors, perfect for any festive occasion, holiday, or kids’ arts & crafts project. The color chart on the package shows you how to mix and match drops of the assorted food dyes to color everything from cakes to icings to eggs in any shade of the rainbow.

What We Like
Vivid and consistent colors
Convenient bottle design
Affordable pricing
Versatile for various uses
Easy to blend colors
What We Don't Like
Taste not very good
#TOP 6

B. Sprinklin Food Coloring Kit

Candlewood Pantry
SE-SAN01
Assorted
B. Sprinklin Food Coloring Kit Cover
B. Sprinklin Assorted Liquid Food Coloring Kit, 8 Bottles, 0.3 fL Oz / Neon (4) and Regular (4) Colors - Vibrant Food Dye for Slime Crafts, Eggs, Frosting and Cake Decorating by Candlewood Pantry

The B. Sprinklin Food Coloring offers an exciting variety of colors in eight 0.3oz bottles, featuring both neon and traditional hues. This versatile kit is perfect for enhancing your baking, icing, and frosting projects. You can also use it for fun slime crafts and arts & crafts activities with kids. Its dropper design allows for precise measurements, enabling you to create vibrant or pastel shades as desired. Additionally, you can mix colors to develop custom shades, making your creations uniquely yours. With this kit, a little bit of color goes a long way!

What We Like
Vibrant color options
Easy to mix
Good for dyeing eggs
Quick delivery
Affordable compared to gel
What We Don't Like
One pack leaked
Discolored packaging
#TOP 7

Spice Supreme Assorted Food Colors Kit

SG_B00GNHIBZU_US
Spice Supreme Assorted Food Colors Kit Cover
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

The Spice Supreme Assorted Food Colors Kit includes 4 bottles of 0.3 oz in blue, green, yellow and red. These liquid food colors are ideal for baking, fondant, cooking, decorating, and slime making. The product is made in the USA and it is perfect for holidays, birthdays, crafts and more!

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Easy to mix
Long-lasting
High-quality bottles
Reasonable price
What We Don't Like
Minor leakage observed
#TOP 8

ChefMaster Liqua-Gel Food Coloring

13436
Multi
ChefMaster Liqua-Gel Food Coloring Cover
Chefmaster - Liqua-Gel Food Coloring - Fade Resistant Food Coloring - 12 Pack - Vibrant, Eye-Catching Colors, Easy-To-Blend Formula, Fade-Resistant

ChefMaster Food Coloring is a pack of 12 high-quality liqua-gel food colorings that add vibrant, fade-resistant color to your desserts without altering the taste, texture or consistency of the final product. Its easy-to-blend formula comes in easy-squeeze, no-drip bottles, making it perfect for creating fun and unique masterpiece desserts with your kids. The experts at Chefmaster have spent years perfecting the formula for our professional-grade color with the most vivid hues for you to showcase your creations. Carefully selected ingredients ensure that ChefMaster Food Coloring is 100% food safe and GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Plus, it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like
Vibrant colors
Easy to mix
Controlled application
High quality
Good for various uses
What We Don't Like
Difficult to open
Misleading color lids
#TOP 9

Treedoa Food Coloring Liquid Set

FOODTYU
Treedoa Food Coloring Liquid Set Cover
Food Coloring Liquid Set,12 Colors x 10ml Cake Food Coloring Set for Baking Cake Decorating Edible Food Grade Food Color Dye for Fondant,Macaron,Icing,Slime Making DIY Supplies Kit-0.35 Fl. oz/Bottles

Treedoa Food Coloring Set is a set of 12 bright and highly concentrated food coloring liquids that are perfect for baking and cake decorating. Made from safe and edible ingredients, these food colorings are non-toxic, dairy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free. They provide vibrant colors to your food without altering its taste or texture. The high-quality and safe ingredients ensure excellent coloring effect and stability, as the colors will not change when heating or freezing. The set is great for both beginners and professionals, with easy-to-control dosage and the ability to mix colors to create new tones. Enjoy the fun of baking and unleash your creativity with Treedoa Food Coloring Set. It is also widely applicable for coloring icing, making slime, and for various daily life activities like making mucus, soap, bath bombs, and Easter eggs. Get this set and make your desserts stand out on festivals like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, Birthdays, Valentine's Day, and Anniversaries.

What We Like
Vibrant color range
Easy to use
Good value for money
Natural ingredients
Versatile for crafts and baking
What We Don't Like
Difficult bottle openings
Inconsistent texture in white
#TOP 10

McCormick Neon Food Colors

YOMI3464
McCormick Neon Food Colors Cover
McCormick Neon Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye, 1.5 fl oz

McCormick Neon Colors offer a vibrant way to enhance your baking and crafts. With three 0.5 fl oz bottles in pink, green, and blue, you can easily add a splash of color to your Valentine's Day cookies, birthday cupcakes, and Christmas treats. Just mix a few drops with boiling water and vinegar to create fun neon dyes for Easter eggs. You can also personalize your cake batters and frostings with these bright colors, making your baked goods even more appealing. Plus, they're perfect for kids' arts and crafts, like making DIY slime and coloring kinetic sand!

What We Like
Easy to use
Vibrant colors
No taste impact
Helpful instructions included
Versatile for various uses
What We Don't Like
Pink appears red
Can stain hands
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Food Coloring

How to Choose Food Coloring: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Bakers

As a home baker, you know that presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to your baked goods. That's why food coloring is such an essential tool in your baking arsenal. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the best food coloring for your needs.

Natural vs. Synthetic Food Coloring: What's the Difference?

When it comes to food coloring, you'll typically find two options: natural and synthetic. Natural food coloring is made from plant-based ingredients like beet juice, spinach powder, and turmeric. Synthetic food coloring, on the other hand, is made from chemicals and is often more vibrant and long-lasting.

Natural food coloring is a great option if you're looking to avoid artificial ingredients. However, it can be less vibrant and fade more quickly than synthetic options. Synthetic food coloring is generally more versatile and is available in a wider range of colors.

Gel vs. Liquid Food Coloring: Which One Should You Choose?

Another decision you'll need to make when choosing food coloring is whether to go with gel or liquid. Gel food coloring is thicker and more concentrated than liquid, which means you'll need to use less of it to achieve the desired color. Liquid food coloring, on the other hand, is more versatile and easier to mix into batters and frostings.

If you're looking for vibrant, intense colors, gel food coloring is the way to go. However, if you're working with delicate or light-colored batters or frostings, liquid food coloring may be a better option.

Colors and Shades: What to Consider

When choosing food coloring, it's important to consider the colors and shades you want to achieve. If you're looking for basic colors like red, blue, and green, most brands will have you covered. However, if you're looking for more specific shades, like a deep burgundy or a pale lavender, you may need to do some mixing.

When mixing food coloring, it's important to start with a small amount and add more as needed. Remember that a little goes a long way, especially with gel food coloring.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: What to Watch Out For

If you or someone you're baking for has allergies or dietary restrictions, it's important to choose food coloring that is safe for them to consume. Many food colorings contain common allergens like soy, wheat, and dairy. Additionally, some food colorings are not vegan or kosher.

When choosing food coloring, be sure to read the labels carefully and look for any allergens or dietary restrictions. If you're unsure, reach out to the manufacturer or do some research online to ensure that the food coloring you choose is safe for everyone to enjoy.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food coloring for your baked goods can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful, vibrant treats. Remember to consider natural vs. synthetic, gel vs. liquid, colors and shades, and any allergies or dietary restrictions. With a little bit of know-how, you'll be able to take your baking to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is food coloring safe for you?

Food coloring is generally considered safe for most people, including children. However, some individuals may be sensitive to certain color additives, so it's important to be aware of any potential reactions or sensitivities.

2. Does food coloring trigger ADHD?

While artificial food colors are not a primary cause of ADHD, they may contribute to symptoms in some individuals. It is believed that histamine release in response to artificial food colors could be involved in triggering ADHD symptoms.

3. Why can't people with ADHD have red 40?

People with ADHD may be advised to avoid red dye 40 and other synthetic color additives due to potential behavioral changes. It is believed that these color additives may deplete minerals essential for growth and development, cause chemical changes in the brain, and trigger hypersensitivity reactions.

4. What is the safest food coloring to eat?

Among the various food dyes available, Yellow 5, Red 40, and Yellow 6 are commonly considered safe for consumption. However, it's important to note that food dye safety regulations may vary between countries, so it's best to be aware of local laws and guidelines.

5. Why should we avoid food coloring?

There are concerns about the potential health effects of artificial food colorings. Some studies suggest that food dyes can cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and even cancer. Consumer watchdogs have called for the banning of certain food dyes due to these concerns.

6. Why are food dyes banned?

Certain food dyes, such as Red dye #40 (Allura Red AC), have been linked to harmful effects. Red dye #40 is derived from petroleum distillates or coal tars and contains benzidine, a known carcinogen. It is also associated with ADHD and behavioral issues in children. As a result, it is banned in some countries.

7. What is the best food coloring for frosting?

For vibrant and intense colors in frosting, gel food coloring is recommended. Gel food colors are concentrated artificial dyes that are usually water-based. They provide better color saturation compared to liquid food coloring.

8. Is liquid or gel food coloring better?

Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you only need a few drops to achieve the same or even better results. This makes gel food coloring ideal for recipes where the chemical composition of the mixture is important, such as macarons, confectionery, and frostings.

Editor's Notes

During our food coloring research, we found 25 food coloring products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 156,846 customer reviews through our big data system to write the food coloring list. We found that most customers choose food coloring with an average price of $6.55.

The food coloring are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of food coloring, including Cherrysea, Watkins, McCormick, Candlewood Pantry, Spice Supreme. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 320 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Food Coloring Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Cherrysea Amazon Fresh Cherrysea Watkins McCormick Candlewood Pantry Spice Supreme Chefmaster Treedoa McCormick
Color Lemon Yellow, Sunset Yellow, Grass Green, Violet, Grape Purple, Navy Blue, Sky Blue, Red, Brown, Pink, Green and Black Assorted Assorted,Blue,Coffee,Green,Navy Blue,Orange,Purple,Sky Blue,Teal,Turquoise,Violet,White Assorted Assorted,Yellow,Blue,Green,Pastel,Red,Pink,Rainbow Assorted Assorted,Yellow,Blue,Green,Red Multi Red, Pink, White, Black, Brown, Sky Blue, Blue-Green, Fruit Green, Taro Purple, Grape Purple, Lemon Yellow, Sunset Yellow Assorted,Blue,Green,Pastel,Pink
Liquid Volume 10 Milliliters 1.2 Fluid Ounces 6 Milliliters 3 Fluid Ounces 1.5 Fluid Ounces - 0.3 Fluid Ounces 12.7 Fluid Ounces 10 Milliliters 1.5 Fluid Ounces
Specialty Edible - Gluten-free Vegan Edible Made in the U.S.A - - Gluten Free,Sugar Free Edible
Item Form - Liquid Liquid - Liquid - Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Item Weight - 1.2 Ounces - 1.12 ounces - 0.02 Pounds 0.3 Ounces 11.2 ounces - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.6
Where to Buy