Colour Mill
Oil-Soluble Food Coloring - Colour Mill Coffee
Oil-soluble food coloring in Coffee shade, 20 ml format
Colour Mill Coffee evokes freshly brewed Italian espresso and roasted coffee beans. This oil-soluble food coloring is designed for fat-based pastry mixtures: melted white chocolate, butter ganache, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant warmed by hand. Particularly sought after by cake designers for coffee and indulgent breakfast-themed layer cakes and wedding cakes with a chic industrial or steampunk theme, it delivers a distinctive shade recognizable from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Made in Australia using proprietary pigment encapsulation technology, Colour Mill withstands baking temperatures of up to 180°C without shifting or lightening. The Coffee shade remains stable after baking, making it the go-to option for cake batters colored before going into the oven. The 20 ml squeeze dropper bottle allows precise dosing for occasional use and shade testing, without waste when preparing a small batch.
Coffee shade
Official reference from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Coffee: 3 shades according to dosage
The shade can be subtly adjusted according to the dosage without losing its identity.
Light dosage
2 to 3 drops / 250 g
Standard dosage
5 to 8 drops / 250 g
Intense dosage
15 to 25 drops / 250 g
Creative ideas with Coffee
5 signature uses where this shade makes the difference:
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• Layer cakes with a coffee and indulgent breakfast theme
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• Wedding cakes with a chic industrial or steampunk theme
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• Royal icing cookies shaped like coffee cups or beans
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• Drip cakes with a tiramisu or opera theme
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• Event cupcakes for a coffee-and-croissant morning
Features
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• Brand: Colour Mill (Australia)
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• Type: Concentrated oil-soluble food coloring
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• Shade: Coffee
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• Packaging: 20 ml squeeze dropper bottle
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• Compatible bases: Melted white chocolate, ganache, buttercream, royal icing, fondant
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• Usual dosage: 2 to 6 drops per 250 g of mixture
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• Baking resistance: Stable up to 180°C; does not lighten after baking
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• Origin: Australia (proprietary manufacturing)
Instructions for use
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Base preparation: temper the fat-based mixture (white chocolate, ganache, buttercream) to 25–30°C. Above 35°C, some pigments may lose intensity.
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Initial dosage: shake the bottle for 10 seconds. Add 2 to 4 drops per 250 g of mixture for pastel shades, 6 to 10 drops for vibrant shades, and 15 to 25 drops for dark shades.
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Mixing: whisk with a stand mixer or silicone spatula for 30 to 60 seconds to distribute the color evenly.
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Resting and stabilization: leave to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature under cling film placed directly on the surface. The shade develops and reaches its full appearance during resting.
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Optional adjustment: if the shade is too pale, add 1 to 3 additional drops and remix. Add in increments to avoid oversaturation.
Ingredients and compliance
Composition: food-grade vegetable oil base and food color pigments compliant with European regulations (EU 1333/2008).
Allergens: no major allergens declared. Gluten-free, lactose-free, egg-free, peanut-free, soy-free. Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Storage
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• Keep the bottle closed in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
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• Ideal storage temperature: between 15 and 22°C.
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• Slight pigment/oil separation is normal after prolonged storage: shake for 10 seconds before use.
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• Once opened, use within 12 months to preserve maximum pigment intensity.
Patissland Tip - Coffee
Coffee falls between Chocolate and Latte: it is a sophisticated café au lait brown. Ideal for pastry shops that also serve tea, as coffee- and breakfast-themed orders are steadily growing. Combine it with Caramel and Latte for an earthy morning coffee gradient that works very well on Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 20 ml size sufficient for regular use?
Expect approximately 30 to 50 colored preparations from a 20 ml bottle, depending on the dosage. For regular professional use, the 100 ml size (see above) costs approximately 35% less per milliliter.
How many drops are needed for 250 g of buttercream?
For pastel shades: 2 to 4 drops. For bright shades: 5 to 10 drops. For dark shades: 12 to 20 drops. Always start with less and gradually adjust—it is easier to intensify a color than to lighten it.
Does Colour Mill food coloring withstand baking?
Yes, Colour Mill is one of the few oil-based food colorings that retains its intensity after baking at temperatures up to 180°C. This property sets it apart from conventional liquid colorings, which fade in the oven.
Can Colour Mill be used on water-based mixtures (royal icing, syrup)?
No, Colour Mill oil-based food coloring is designed for fat-based mixtures: melted chocolate, ganache, buttercream, and fondant. For water-based mixtures, use the water-soluble Colour Mill range.
Does the bottle have an integrated dropper?
Yes, the 20 ml Colour Mill bottle has a dropper opening built into its soft cap. A simple squeeze dispenses one precise drop.
Take it further
Complete your Colour Mill palette:
