Want your buttercream to be a vibrant, true red without turning it pink or affecting the consistency? That’s where oil-based food coloring comes in. Unlike water-based options, it mixes seamlessly into fats and oils, giving you intense color without thinning out your creations. I’ve struggled with this for years, and trust me, finding the right one makes all the difference. Let’s explore the best oil-based food colorings to help you achieve those picture-perfect treats.
Product Overview
- Chefmaster Oil-Based Candy Colors: Highly concentrated, great for candy and chocolate.
- Colour Mill Oil Based Coloring: Offers a wide range of unique shades and a smooth consistency.
- Wilton Oil-Based Icing Color: Reliable, readily available, and provides consistent results.
- LorAnn Oils Liquid Oil Based Food Coloring: Known for its vibrant colors and ease of use.
- VIVAIODAYS Oil Based Food Coloring: Good value for money, suitable for various applications.
Top 5 Best Oil Based Food Coloring
Chefmaster Oil-Based Candy Colors
Chefmaster Oil-Based Candy Colors are a go-to for professionals and hobbyists alike. These colors are highly concentrated, meaning a little goes a long way. They’re especially effective for coloring chocolate, candy melts, and other fat-based mediums, where water-based colors can cause seizing.
Pros:
- ✅ Intense color payoff.
- ✅ Perfect for candy and chocolate.
- ✅ Prevents seizing in chocolate.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be too concentrated for some users.
- ❌ Limited shade range compared to some brands.
- ❌ Slightly pricier than some alternatives.
Verdict: Best for those who need highly concentrated colors specifically for candy making and chocolate work.
Colour Mill Oil Based Coloring
Colour Mill is relatively new to the scene, but has quickly become a favorite. What sets it apart is its finely milled formula, which results in a super smooth consistency and vibrant colors. Their unique color range is also a big draw – think muted tones and sophisticated hues.
Pros:
- ✅ Unique and extensive color range.
- ✅ Smooth, easy-to-blend consistency.
- ✅ Great for buttercream, chocolate, and more.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be harder to find in stores.
- ❌ Slightly higher price point.
- ❌ Requires thorough shaking before use.
Verdict: Ideal for bakers looking for a wide range of unique colors and a professional-quality finish.
Wilton Oil-Based Icing Color
Wilton is a household name in baking, and their oil-based icing colors are a reliable option. These colors are readily available in most craft stores and offer consistent results. They’re a good choice for everyday baking needs and provide a solid range of basic colors.
Pros:
- ✅ Readily available in most stores.
- ✅ Consistent color results.
- ✅ Affordable option.
Cons:
- ❌ Color range isn’t as extensive as some brands.
- ❌ May require more product to achieve deep shades.
- ❌ Some colors can have a slightly artificial taste.
Verdict: A great choice for beginners or those who want a readily available and affordable option for basic coloring needs.
LorAnn Oils Liquid Oil Based Food Coloring
LorAnn Oils is known for its flavorings, but their oil-based food coloring is also a solid performer. These liquid colors are easy to use and provide vibrant results. They’re especially good for coloring hard candies and other applications where a concentrated liquid color is needed.
Pros:
- ✅ Vibrant and true colors.
- ✅ Easy to dispense and measure.
- ✅ Suitable for hard candy and chocolate.
Cons:
- ❌ Limited color selection.
- ❌ Can be overpowering if too much is used.
- ❌ Some users find the bottles prone to leaking.
Verdict: Good for those who need a concentrated liquid color for specific applications like candy making and want a vibrant result.
VIVAIODAYS Oil Based Food Coloring
VIVAIODAYS Oil Based Food Coloring offers a good balance of quality and value. These colors are suitable for a variety of applications, including chocolate, buttercream, and fondant. They come in a range of colors and provide good color saturation without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- ✅ Good value for money.
- ✅ Suitable for various applications.
- ✅ Decent color saturation.
Cons:
- ❌ Color range isn’t as extensive as some premium brands.
- ❌ May require more product to achieve very deep shades.
- ❌ Consistency can vary slightly between colors.
Verdict: A budget-friendly option for bakers who need a versatile set of oil-based colors for general use.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right oil-based food coloring can feel overwhelming, but here are a few things to consider:
- Intended Use: Are you coloring chocolate, buttercream, or something else? Some brands are better suited for specific applications. For example, if you’re working with chocolate, you’ll want a highly concentrated color that won’t cause seizing.
- Color Range: Do you need a wide variety of colors, or just a few basics? Some brands offer a more extensive range than others. Consider whether you need unique shades or if standard colors will suffice.
- Concentration: Highly concentrated colors provide more intense results with less product, but they can also be trickier to work with. If you’re new to oil-based coloring, you might want to start with a less concentrated option.
- Price: Oil-based food coloring can range in price from affordable to premium. Consider your budget and how often you’ll be using the colors. A more expensive option might be worth it if you’re a professional baker or use them frequently.
- Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other users to get an idea of the product’s quality and performance. Pay attention to comments about color accuracy, ease of use, and overall satisfaction.
- Ingredients: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to check the ingredient list before purchasing. Some oil-based food colorings may contain ingredients that you need to avoid.
- Packaging: Think about the packaging of the food coloring as well. Squeeze bottles or dropper bottles make it easier to dispense the color precisely, while jars may require you to use a spoon or toothpick to extract the color.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between oil-based and water-based food coloring?
A: Oil-based food coloring is designed to mix seamlessly with fats and oils, making it ideal for coloring chocolate, candy melts, and buttercream. Water-based food coloring, on the other hand, is better suited for water-based mediums like cake batter and royal icing. Using water-based coloring in chocolate can cause it to seize.
Q: How much oil-based food coloring should I use?
A: Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired color. Oil-based colors are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. It’s always easier to add more color than to remove it.
Q: Can I mix oil-based food coloring with water-based food coloring?
A: No, it’s not recommended to mix oil-based and water-based food coloring. They have different properties and won’t mix properly, which can result in a grainy or separated texture.
Q: How do I store oil-based food coloring?
A: Store oil-based food coloring in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help to preserve the color and prevent it from fading.
Q: My chocolate seized after adding oil-based food coloring. What happened?
A: While oil-based colors are less likely to cause seizing than water-based, it can still happen if the chocolate isn’t properly tempered or if you add too much color at once. Make sure your chocolate is properly melted and tempered, and add the color gradually, mixing well after each addition.
Conclusion
Choosing the best oil-based food coloring really depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re a professional baker looking for vibrant, unique shades or a home baker needing a reliable and affordable option, there’s an oil-based food coloring out there for you. Consider your intended use, color range, concentration, and budget to find the perfect match for your baking projects. Happy baking!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
