Colour Mill
Oil-Soluble Food Coloring - Colour Mill Pebble
Oil-soluble food coloring in Pebble, 20 ml format
Colour Mill Pebble evokes a river-polished pebble in a neutral beige-gray. This oil-soluble food coloring is designed for the fat-based ingredients used in baking: melted white chocolate, butter ganache, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant softened by the warmth of your hands. Particularly sought after by cake designers for contemporary high-end earthy-themed wedding cakes and event cupcakes for minimalist pastry boutiques, it delivers a distinctive shade recognizable as part of the Colour Mill palette (Australia).
Made in Australia using proprietary pigment encapsulation technology, Colour Mill withstands baking temperatures of up to 180°C without shifting or fading. The Pebble shade remains stable after baking, making it the go-to option for colored cake batters before going into the oven. The 20 ml squeeze dropper bottle allows precise dosing for occasional use and shade testing, with no waste when preparing small batches.
Pebble shade
Official reference from the Colour Mill palette (Australia).
Pebble: 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 Pebble
5 signature uses where this shade makes a difference:
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• Contemporary high-end earthy-themed wedding cakes
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• Event cupcakes for minimalist pastry boutiques
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• Sophisticated neutral-palette wedding layer cakes
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• Royal icing cookies for chic, modern receptions
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• Macarons for zen and nature-themed tiered cakes
Features
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• Brand: Colour Mill (Australia)
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• Type: Concentrated oil-soluble food coloring
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• Shade: Pebble
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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 become lighter after baking
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• Origin: Australia (proprietary manufacturing)
Directions 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 direct contact with the mixture. 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 gradually to avoid oversaturation.
Ingredients and compliance
Composition: food-grade vegetable oil base 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 - Pebble
Pebble is the ultimate neutral for 2025 wedding cakes, the transitional color between Sand and Taupe. Used alone, it may seem dull; always pair it with a second shade (Caramel for warmth, Sage for freshness, Mauve for sophistication). It is a supporting color, not a signature color.
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 adjust gradually; it is easier to intensify a color than to lighten it.
Does Colour Mill coloring withstand baking?
Yes, Colour Mill is one of the few oil-soluble 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 preparations (royal icing, syrup)?
No, Colour Mill oil-soluble coloring is designed for fat-based preparations: melted chocolate, ganache, buttercream, and sugar paste. For water-based preparations, 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.
To take it further
Complete your Colour Mill palette:
