Best Vegan Food Coloring Brands
When someone goes vegan, often when they’re transitioning into a vegan lifestyle, or happen to be a beginner, they often overlook little details such as food coloring, which may or may not be vegan. Most people who have recently begun following a vegan diet may be unaware of this.
Animal products such as squid, octopus, cuttlefish ink, Murex snails (carmine, cochineal, or lac), fish and pig fat, etc. can be used in the food coloring (black pasta often has this) and flavor enhancers (E631 is a good example)
On the other hand, a vegan food coloring is one solution to your troubles. Yes! Plant based food coloring is available, and there are various vegan food coloring products to choose from. A number of them are listed later in the text, and you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
What Is Food Coloring?
Have you ever considered drinking green Pepsi, clear ketchup, or pink water? These items may exist. Yes, you read that correctly; these products can and would exist if all of the food fanatics agreed to them.
There’s a reason for this: people want food that tastes like the food they’re eating. Because the relationship between food and color is so strong, many people use food coloring to make their food look even better and more enticing.
Is Food Coloring Vegan?
Food coloring is, in fact, vegan. The most common question that many customers have is whether or not food coloring is vegan. The majority of naturally made food coloring is vegan and derived from plants.
However, not all food coloring is guaranteed to be vegan; some are derived from other goods such as bugs and other animals. As a result, some vegan food coloring brands to look for while shopping for food coloring are given later in the article.
Best Vegan Food Coloring Brands
1. ColorKitchen Plant-Based Food Coloring
I recently had the chance to try out the Color Kitchen food coloring and after putting it to the test, I did find that getting the consistency right can be a bit tricky at times. But, dissolving the product in water before adding it to your food makes it much more manageable.
The product is incredibly easy to use, and the pink hue included in the pack is something that is hard to come by with other food coloring brands. What I loved most about the Color Kitchen food coloring is that it’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from any artificial ingredients.
This is great news for anyone who is health-conscious and wants to make sure they’re using only the best products. Plus, the fact that the packaging is recyclable is a big plus for those who care about the environment.
PROS —
- Powdered natural food colors are more concentrated and last longer than liquid natural food colors.
- Natural components were used to create this product.
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan options are available.
- It’s simple to use.
CONS —
- It’s a little difficult to mix.
2. Color Garden Natural Food Coloring
Our findings show that Color Garden natural food coloring is an excellent plant-based food coloring option derived from fruits and vegetables. As indicated by our test, these vegan food colorings have no flavor or odor, making them a great choice for those who want to add color to their dishes without affecting their taste or texture.
It is worth noting, that this product is not suitable for baking. As our test showed, if baked, the color may darken, which could affect the appearance of your final product. All in all, I would definitely recommend this product as it is sufficient to last for a long period, making it a great value for money.
PROS —
- This product has no artificial components because it is made entirely of natural materials.
- The food coloring is gluten-free and non-GMO.
- Allergen-free, vegan, and free of artificial ingredients.
CONS —
- Because they oxidize quickly, it’s possible that the color of the product will alter.
3. ChefMaster Liquid-Gel Plant Based Food Coloring
Our findings show that Chefmaster natural food coloring comes in a wide range of colors that other manufacturers don’t provide. It is available in eight different colors that produces brilliant colors.
We were easily able to use this product in cakes, frostings, and other baked goods and found that the product has not only a light consistency, but it is also odorless and tasteless, so your meal won’t stink or have any texture changes.
It mixes really well with other colors too, so you can create all sorts of custom shades and hues.
PROS —
- Colors that are highly concentrated blend quickly and consistently without changing the texture of your product.
- Gel food coloring in 12.7 fluid ounce bottles.
CONS —
- The color may appear faded at times.
4. Watkins Assorted Food Coloring
Drawing from our experience with natural food colorings, we can attest that Watkins’ various food coloring options are an excellent choice for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
Watkins’ use of fresh vegetables and spices such as beet juice, turmeric, and spirulina extract makes their natural food coloring a healthier option compared to artificial dyes or hues.
We tested out Watkins’ natural food coloring in the four available shades of red, yellow, blue, and green and found that they still provided a pleasant and natural hue to our culinary creations. However, as with most natural food colorings, the resulting color may not be as vivid as artificial options
PROS —
- It’s in liquid form, so it’s a lot easier to use.
- Natural materials were used to create this product.
- A food coloring made from plants.
CONS —
- It doesn’t give you a vivid color.
5. AmeriColor Food Coloring
As per our expertise in food coloring products, we have found that Americolor is a popular choice among professional bakers and home cooks alike.
As per our analysis this product revealed that it provides a wide range of color options, from bright and bold to more subtle shades, allowing for endless creative possibilities. They are highly concentrated and generally blend well with other ingredients, making them simple to use.
Americolor is a vegan product that has not been subjected to animal testing, making it a great option for those who prioritize ethical and cruelty-free products
PROS —
- Easily accessible.
- It’s budget-friendly.
- They last a long time.
- They will give you a lot more bright colors.
CONS —
- Chemicals make up the majority of the composition.
6. Sugarflair Concentrated Food Colors
I had the chance to try out Sugarflair concentrated food colors, and I must say that they are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a powdered food color. However, most Sugarflair products are not vegan, so you should be cautious when purchasing any of their items.
One thing I particularly liked about Sugarflair’s concentrated food colors is that a little goes a long way. In fact, just 0.705 ounces in a bottle is sufficient for long-term use, which is great value for money. If you don’t use it properly, you could get lumps because it’s powdered.
As a result, it is recommended that you use a sifter or sieve to ensure a smooth and even distribution of the powder.
PROS —
- There is no odor or flavor to it.
- Food coloring that is concentrated and produces exceptionally brilliant hues.
CONS —
- Lumps may form.
7. Wilton Icing Food Colors
As per our analysis we found that Wilton icing food colors are made up of chemicals and contain non-artificial ingredients. While some may be hesitant to use products with chemicals, we found that the chemicals in Wilton’s product actually help to bring brilliant and vibrant hues.
Compared to other brands, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Wilton icing food colors are relatively affordable and last a long time. In fact, just a few drops of the hue are enough to achieve your desired result, making it a great value for money.
PROS —
- 12 1/2 ounce icing colors in a set.
- They’re also reasonably priced.
- It lasts for a longer period.
CONS —
- Chemicals make up the substance.
Conclusion
If you’re on a vegan diet and need a food coloring item, it’s vital to pay attention to the components, among other things. Before purchasing a product, make sure you examine all of the contents. So, among the goods mentioned above, look for a gluten-free, non-GMO, and simple to use food color.
