Colour Mill
Oil-Soluble Food Coloring - Colour Mill Grape
Oil-soluble food coloring in Grape, 20 ml
Colour Mill Grape evokes ripe table grapes and dark Reine-Claude plums. This oil-soluble food coloring is designed for fat-based pastry applications: melted white chocolate, butter ganache, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant softened by the warmth of your hands. Particularly sought after by cake designers for sophisticated harvest-themed autumn wedding cakes and anniversary layer cakes (60th anniversary, diamond anniversary), it offers 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 Grape shade remains stable after baking, making it the go-to option for colored cake batters before they go into the oven. The 20 ml squeeze dropper bottle enables precise dosing for occasional use and shade testing, without waste when preparing small batches.
Grape shade
Official reference from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Grape: 3 shades depending on the 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 Grape
5 signature uses where this shade makes a difference:
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• Autumn wedding cakes with a sophisticated harvest theme
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• Anniversary layer cakes (60th anniversary, diamond anniversary)
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• Royal icing cookies shaped like grapes, leaves, or fruit
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• Drip cakes with an autumn fruit and rustic theme
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• Autumn-themed event cupcakes in a deep purple palette
Features
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• Brand: Colour Mill (Australia)
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• Type: Concentrated oil-soluble food coloring
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• Shade: Grape
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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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• Typical 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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Preparing the base: 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 bright 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 colour evenly.
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Resting and stabilisation: leave to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature under cling film in contact with the surface. The shade develops and reaches its full intensity while resting.
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Optional adjustment: if the shade is too pale, add 1 to 3 additional drops and mix again. Proceed in increments to avoid oversaturation.
Ingredients and compliance
Composition: base of food-grade vegetable oil and food colouring 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 - Grape
Grape is a niche color associated with autumn fruits (table grapes, plums, and dark red berries). Ideal for weddings with an autumn harvest and Southwestern theme. Combine it with Sage and Burgundy for a sophisticated harvest palette.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 20 ml size sufficient for regular use?
Expect approximately 30 to 50 colored batches 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 for 250 g of buttercream?
For pastel shades: 2 to 4 drops. For vibrant 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-soluble food colorings to retain its intensity after baking at up to 180°C. This property distinguishes it from conventional liquid colorings, which become lighter in the oven.
Can Colour Mill be used on water-based mixtures (royal icing, syrup)?
No, Colour Mill oil-soluble food coloring is designed for fat-based mixtures: melted chocolate, ganache, buttercream, and fondant. For water-based mixtures, use the Colour Mill water-soluble range.
Does the bottle have a built-in dropper?
Yes, the 20 ml Colour Mill bottle has a built-in dropper opening in the soft cap. A simple squeeze dispenses one precise drop.
Learn more
Complete your Colour Mill palette:
