Kitchen Q&A: Cake Decorating–Icing Colors

I have to be honest–I am not a big fan of the food coloring drops.

When I’m decorating a cake or cookies, I prefer vibrant, varied colors. I like gel food coloring the best. I use Wilton Gel icing Colors.

Here’s what I like:
1. many color choices
2. don’t thin out icing (particularly good for classic buttercream)
3. don’t have to use a lot

Here’s what I don’t like:
1. even though not quite as messy, the jars can leak
2. you have to use a toothpick to get the gel out
3. my hands always end up covered in food coloring

How about a compromise?

I was over at my dear friend, Tania’s a few weeks ago. We were making homemade saltwater taffy. (Don’t even ask–it did not work as planned. I even tried a second time on my own and still I failed! Argh.)

Tania pulled out a box of Ateco Food Coloring Kit, 6 colors

Her friend had given them to her as a gift a long time ago. (They used to be available through Martha by Mail.) I was intrigued.

Here’s what I like:
1. the colors are nice and vibrant
2. they are a little thinner than the Wilton, but not enough to thin out frosting
3. even better, they have a flip-top cap–not messy

I like these. A lot. Here in the next few weeks (or months…) I am going to get a box for myself.

Anyone else have a preferred brand of food coloring ?