Unlocking the Magic of Gel Paste Food Coloring: A Baker’s Guide
Food color is every cake decorator’s best friend. Gel paste food coloring is the most commonly used form of food coloring, it offers a rich palette of colors that can transform your baked goods from average to iconic. Unlike traditional liquid food coloring, gel paste food coloring offers intense pigmentation and a thick, gel-like consistency, making it a favorite among professional and home bakers alike. Let’s get into all of the benefits that gel food coloring has to offer!
Traditional Liquid Food Color
Gel Paste Food Color
What is Gel Paste Food Coloring
Gel paste food color is a coloring agent used to color food products, it is most commonly used in the baking and cake decorating world. Unlike liquid food coloring, which is more diluted, gel paste food coloring has a thicker, gel-like consistency that contains a higher concentration of pigments. This makes gel paste food coloring more vibrant and intense, allowing for the creation of vivid colors without diluting the texture of the food product. A little goes a long way is a great rule of thumb to keep in mind when using gel colors. Some gel paste food colors are water-based while some are oil-based, it’s important to know the difference & when to use which. See our blog article about Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Food Color.
Gel paste food coloring is commonly used in buttercream, royal icing, cake batter, cookie dough, and other baked goods where a rich, vibrant color is desired. It is also a popular choice for coloring gumpaste, and fondant due to its ability to blend seamlessly and maintain its intense pigment. It is available in a variety of colors such as primary and specialty shades.
Why Use Gel Paste Over Other Types of Food Coloring?
There are many reasons why gel paste food coloring is a preferred option!
- Concentrated Color: It’s intense! Gel paste food coloring is highly concentrated, which means you need to use less to achieve vibrant colors. This is especially useful when you need to color large batches of frosting or batter, as a small amount of gel paste goes a long way.
- Vivid and True Colors: Gel paste food coloring produces more vivid and true colors compared to liquid food coloring, which can sometimes result in pastel or muted shades. This is especially important when you are looking to achieve bright, intense colors for decorations or special effects.
- Thick Consistency: The gel-like consistency of gel paste food coloring makes it easier to control and mix into batters and frostings without altering their texture.
- Shelf Stability: Gel paste food coloring has a longer shelf life than liquid food coloring, as it is less prone to drying out or evaporating. This makes it a more economical choice for bakers who use food coloring regularly.
- Versatility: Gel paste food coloring can be used in a wide range of food products, including frosting, icing, batter, dough, and more. Its versatility makes it a top pick among bakers and decorators who need a reliable coloring agent for various applications.
When to Use Gel Paste Food Coloring
Gel paste food coloring is ideal for use in a variety of baking and decorating applications and even cocktails! It is most used for coloring Coloring Buttercream and Frosting, Fondant and Gumpaste and batters.
Tips and Tricks for Using Gel Paste Food Coloring
Here are a few recommended tips & tricks when using gel paste food coloring so you can use it effectively:
- Start with a toothpick: A little goes a long way when it comes to highly pigmented gel colors. Dip a clean toothpick into the gel-paste then swirl it into your batter or frosting. You can always add more color if needed.
- Gradually add color: Start with a small amount of color & gradually work with more color until you reach the desired shade.
Mix thoroughly: Use a spatula or electric mixer to make sure your batter or frosting is thoroughly blended.
Use the right base color: To ensure you achieve the desired color, start with the right color base. For best results, use a white base for light colors.
- Mix colors: Mixing colors is a great way to achieve custom shades.
- Use gloves: It’s important to use gloves because of their strong pigment, gel will stain your hands. These stains can be hard to get out & can last for a few days.
What's in the Box? Ingredients Unveiled
Gel paste food color is typically made of water, sugar or corn syrup, glycerin, and food coloring. The specific ingredients can vary depending on the brand and type of gel paste color. Some brands may also include additional ingredients such as cornstarch, citric acid, or preservatives.
Gel paste food coloring is a versatile and essential tool for bakers and decorators. Its fade resistance and long shelf life make it a great addition to your arsenal. With its concentrated formula, gel paste food coloring offers intense colors without compromising your creations.
Explore Gel Paste Food Colors
FAQ
Do gel paste food colors contain peanuts?
Answer: Gel paste food colors are nut-free & peanut-free. Brands that manufacture in nut-free facilities include Americolor, Roxy & Rich & Chef Master.
What is the best way to store gel paste food colors?
Answer: At room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Are gel paste food colors made with natural ingredients?
Answer: No, they are made with FD&C dyes & other ingredients.
Which brands of gel paste food colors are kosher?
Answer: Sugar Flair Concentrated Gel Paste Colors, Chefmaster Liqua-Gel Food color, and & Americolor Soft Gel Paste Food Color are Kosher. However, it’s important to note that while most Colour Mill Aqua Blend colors are Kosher certified, not all of them carry this certification.