What is the difference between food color brands?

We received the question recently on what the differences were between different food colors. I have a few tips as well as the products that I use.

Tip #1: Use gel colors. Gel colors tend to be much more concentrated than liquid colors. Certain baked good absolutely need to have gel colors used because the the amount you add will change the outcome of your product. For instance: If you needed a bright red macaron there is no choice but to use gel colors. If you tried to use a liquid color, it would add way too much moisture to your batter and your macarons wouldn’t turn out.

Tip #2: There’s not a huge difference in different brands of gel colors. This is just my personal opinion and experience. With that said, just like with anything else, you get what you pay for. So if you’re just wanting the cheapest option, you can’t really complain if they’re not working wonderfully.

Here’s a list of brands and points about them.

Americolor Gels: This is definitely a preferred brand.

• They have one of the largest selection of colors available.
• Their gels are very concentrated.
• You can buy different sized bottles.
• Available pretty much everywhere.
• Does not contain nut products and is not manufactured in a facility or on equipment which processes such products.
• Kosher & Made in the USA

Rainbow Dust Progels: 

• Expanding range of colors.
• Concentrated colors.
• I personally love the squeeze bottles. Less waste and super simple to use.
• Available everywhere with a growing line for the US.
• Kosher

Wilton Gels:

• Easily accessible.
• Works well.
• Wide range of colors.
• Kosher & Made in the USA

ChefMaster:

• Low cost option.
• Available in different sized bottles.
• Decent selection of colors.
• Kosher

Amoretti Natural Colors:

• All natural food colors.
• Works great!
• Very concentrated
• Kosher

So, with all that said, all of these are great options. I do use Americolor more than any other brand simply because it never fails me. I also use it to color my modeling chocolate and ganache without any issues. I know that’s usually a shock to most people, but it works. I don’t see a reason to buy different colors to use on specific products. I work as cost efficient as possible, while also maintaining quality. Americolor provides that for me more than any other brand. Full disclosure: I’m not endorsed by them in any way, I just love their products!