Royal icing can turn simple cookies into edible works of art. Achieving those vibrant, consistent colors you see online, though? That’s where the right gel food coloring comes in. Forget those watery, grocery store liquid dyes that fade and ruin your icing consistency. High-quality gel food coloring is a game-changer, giving you intense color without thinning your icing. I’ve tested tons of brands, and these are my top picks for achieving perfect royal icing every time.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Chefmaster Gel Food Coloring Set: Best overall for color vibrancy and range.
- Wilton Gel Food Coloring Set: Great value and widely available.
- AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste Food Color Student Kit: Highly concentrated colors, requires careful mixing.
- Gel Food Coloring by Foodie Doodie: Excellent for creating vibrant and unique shades.
- Colour Mill Oil Based Food Coloring: Best for vibrant colors, especially with buttercream.
Top 5 Best Gel Food Coloring For Royal Icing
1. Chefmaster Gel Food Coloring Set
Chefmaster is a go-to brand for many professional bakers, and their gel food coloring set doesn’t disappoint. This set offers a wide range of colors, and the gel is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. You’ll get true, vibrant colors that hold up beautifully in royal icing.
Pros:
- ✅ Incredible color vibrancy.
- ✅ Wide range of colors in the set.
- ✅ Doesn’t affect icing consistency.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be slightly more expensive than other brands.
- ❌ Some colors may stain if spilled.
- ❌ Requires careful mixing to avoid over-coloring.
Verdict: Chefmaster is a fantastic choice if you’re serious about achieving professional-looking, vibrant royal icing. It’s an investment, but the quality is worth it, especially if you bake frequently.
2. Wilton Gel Food Coloring Set
Wilton gel food coloring is a solid choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. It’s readily available in most craft stores and online, and the price point is very reasonable. While the color intensity might not be *quite* as strong as Chefmaster, it still delivers excellent results for royal icing.
Pros:
- ✅ Affordable and widely available.
- ✅ Good range of basic colors.
- ✅ Easy to use, even for beginners.
Cons:
- ❌ Color intensity is less potent compared to other brands.
- ❌ Some colors can fade slightly over time.
- ❌ Limited color selection in some smaller sets.
Verdict: Wilton is a great option for bakers who want a reliable and affordable gel food coloring that’s easy to find. It’s perfect for everyday baking and decorating projects.
3. AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste Food Color Student Kit
AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste is known for its highly concentrated formula. This means you need to use even less to achieve your desired color, making the bottles last longer. The “Student Kit” is a good starting point, offering a selection of essential colors to get you going.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely concentrated colors.
- ✅ Long-lasting, as you use very little.
- ✅ Offers a wide variety of unique colors beyond the basics.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires very careful measuring and mixing.
- ❌ Can easily over-color icing if you’re not cautious.
- ❌ The smaller bottles in the kit might not be enough for large projects.
Verdict: AmeriColor is excellent for experienced bakers who want maximum control over their colors and are comfortable working with highly concentrated formulas. A toothpick is your best friend when working with this stuff!
4. Gel Food Coloring by Foodie Doodie
Foodie Doodie offers a range of gel food colorings that are perfect for creating vibrant and unique shades. Their colors are highly pigmented and blend seamlessly into royal icing, providing a smooth and consistent finish. These gel colorings come in a variety of colors, including pastel and neon shades.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for creating vibrant and unique shades.
- ✅ Highly pigmented for intense color.
- ✅ Blends seamlessly into royal icing.
Cons:
- ❌ Might be slightly more difficult to find in local stores.
- ❌ Requires careful mixing to achieve desired shades.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than other options.
Verdict: Foodie Doodie is a fantastic choice for bakers looking to add a pop of color to their creations with unique and vibrant shades. If you enjoy experimenting and want to stand out, this brand is worth considering.
5. Colour Mill Oil Based Food Coloring
Colour Mill food coloring is oil-based, which makes it a standout choice, especially if you also work with buttercream. Because oil and water don’t mix, oil-based colors can achieve a level of vibrancy that water-based gels sometimes struggle with, particularly in fatty mediums like buttercream and chocolate. It works in royal icing, too, though.
Pros:
- ✅ Produces incredibly vibrant colors, especially in buttercream.
- ✅ Oil-based formula helps prevent the coloring from breaking down fatty ingredients.
- ✅ A little goes a very long way.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires a good shake before each use to evenly distribute the pigment.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than water-based gel colors.
- ❌ Might slightly alter the texture of royal icing if you use too much.
Verdict: Colour Mill is a superb option if you’re seeking the most intense color possible and work with both royal icing and buttercream. Just be mindful of the texture if using it in royal icing.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right gel food coloring for royal icing can feel overwhelming, but here are some key factors to consider:
- Color Intensity: How vibrant do you need your colors to be? Some brands are more concentrated than others.
- Color Range: Do you need a wide variety of colors, or just a few basics? Sets can be a good value if you need a lot of colors.
- Consistency: Gel food coloring shouldn’t be too watery, as this can thin your royal icing.
- Brand Reputation: Look for brands that are known for quality and consistency.
- Price: Consider your budget and how often you’ll be using the food coloring.
- Ingredients: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to check the ingredient list.
Pro Tip: Always start with a small amount of gel food coloring and gradually add more until you achieve your desired color. It’s much easier to add more color than to try to remove it!
Another Tip: Let your colored royal icing sit for a few minutes. The color will often deepen slightly as it sits.
FAQs
Q: Will gel food coloring change the taste of my royal icing?
A: High-quality gel food coloring shouldn’t significantly alter the taste of your royal icing. However, using excessive amounts of any food coloring can sometimes impart a slightly bitter taste, so use it sparingly.
Q: How should I store gel food coloring?
A: Store your gel food coloring in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This will help prevent the colors from fading.
Q: Can I mix different brands of gel food coloring?
A: While it’s generally safe to mix different brands, it’s best to stick with one brand for a consistent color result. Different brands may have slightly different formulations, which could affect the final color or consistency.
Q: Is gel food coloring better than liquid food coloring for royal icing?
A: Yes, gel food coloring is much better than liquid food coloring for royal icing. Liquid food coloring can thin the icing, making it difficult to work with, while gel food coloring provides intense color without affecting the consistency.
Conclusion
Choosing the best gel food coloring for royal icing really comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, there’s a gel food coloring out there that’s perfect for you. Consider factors like color intensity, range, and price to find the best fit for your baking projects. Happy decorating!
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