Food Coloring

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa Seidling on August 10, 2010 at 6:21pm

I have started using Americolor gel paste colors. I have noticed that I use significantly less to get the color I want, especially dark ones like red and black....and it does not seem to have a taste or smell like some the other food colorings. The Wilton true red and black really seem to have a "funky" flavor and smell. I really don't worry about it too much because it really doesn't take that much color fondant and icing for most colors....and if you thing about it, most of us aren't eating cake every day? I (and my family) really don't eat cake that often, maybe 1 or 2 times a month. If I am testing a recipe I don't color the frosting anyway. If you look at the labels on foods in your cupboard, there is some kind of coloring added to many of them. I almost always make my cakes from scratch, but I do have a couple of recipes I love that start with a cake mix - even some of the cake mixes have coloring added. The reality is that my kids have probably eaten more color in a glass of lemonade or a serving of Doritos than on one of my cakes.

Permalink Reply by Marta Phillips on August 10, 2010 at 6:49pm

I applaude you for your concern and for wanting waht is right for your family. I am sure you will get all kinds of feedback on the subject, but if it is important to you and the health of your family, I say do what you think is right my dear. I agree that some of the color is very off putting and I do wonder what is in it to make it smell and taste so chemically. Would love to know how you feel about the all natural colors once you have had a chance to use them. I think we should all at least be familiar with the product even if we do not intend to use it all the time. You never know when you may need to do a cake for someone with allergies or a preference for all natural. Knowing how the colors work would be helpful. Keep me updated! And Good Luck!