Last Updated on February 10, 2023
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: can you add food coloring to candy melts? And taking a look at which food colorings you should use, and which you should avoid. We’ll also be looking at how to melt candy and the best way to add food coloring to your candy melts. Candy melts are versatile and relatively easy to work with. However, sometimes you just can’t find the color that you need. At this point, you’ll likely ask yourself: can you add food coloring to candy melts? Well, let’s take a closer look.
What Are Candy Melts?
If you’re in the world of cake decorating you’ll likely already be familiar with candy melts. If not, candy melts are a popular ingredient that are frequently used in decorating baked goods and baking, in general. Like the name suggests, they’re melted and can then be used in many baked goods such as truffles and cake pops, to name a few. They’re also used to make candies in different shapes; otherwise known as molded candy.
What Are Candy Melts Made of?
Depending on which manufacturer you buy your candy melts from, different ingredients can be used. However, usually candy melts are made using two key ingredients: oil and sugar. While the traditional flavor for candy melts is vanilla, you can also purchase other flavors such as chocolate, strawberry and peanut butter. When this is the case, additives and flavorings will be added.
How to Melt Candy Melts
When it comes to melting candy melts, there are several methods you can use. While microwaving is the quickest and easiest way, there are other ways that might be more effective, depending on what you’re using the candy melts for.
If you don’t require much candy, the microwave is the way to go. Just place the melts into a microwave safe bowl and heat in 15 second increments; checking after each increment if it needs longer in the microwave. It usually takes around a minute. However, if you’re in need of a higher volume of candy, you can try the double boiler method, or using a melting pot. Melting pots are perfect if you’re dipping baked goods into the candy.
Which Food Coloring for Candy Melts?
When it comes to which food coloring you should use to color your candy melts, there is only really one safe type to use. Any food coloring that is oil based is the option you should go for. You can even buy oil based food coloring that’s been made specifically for candy melts.
While water based and gel based food colorings are typically less expensive, they will not work in coloring your candy melts and we do not recommend using them.
Can You Use Gel Food Coloring in Candy Melts?
Unfortunately, it’s best to avoid both gel food coloring and water based food coloring. It will not be as effective as oil based food coloring and may even make your candy unusable. For this reason, you should always stick to oil based food coloring to color candy.
Can You Mix Candy Melt Colors?
Absolutely! If you’re unable to find the color that you’re looking for, why not just try creating it yourself? The easiest way to do this is buy the colors to create the color you’ll need. Then melt the colored candy in the microwave. Once melted, you can mix any colors together to make your desired color.
Upgraded Oil Based Food Coloring for Chocolate, 10 Colors Oil Food Coloring for Candy Melts
For example:
- red and blue = violet
- yellow and red = orange
- blue and yellow = green
- blue, yellow and red = black
You can also add white melts to a color to get a variation of shades. This is great if you’re trying to create a color blend or gradient in your decorating.
Using Oil Based Food Coloring for Candy Melts
Now we know that you can use oil based food coloring to color your candy melts, let’s take a look at the best way to do it.
What You’ll Need
- white candy melts
- oil based food coloring in color(s) of your choice
Method – Can You Add Food Coloring To Candy Melts?
Step 1: Melt Your Candy
For this method, we’ll be using the microwave, but you can use a candy melting pot or a double boiler, if you’d prefer. However, the microwave method is definitely the easiest. Firstly, add the amount of candy you need to a microwave safe bowl. Now place the bowl into your microwave and heat for around 15 seconds. After this time, remove and stir. Place back into the microwave for a further 15 seconds. Repeat this step until your candy melts are smooth and liquefied. If you’re using a melting pot or double boiler, it should take around 10 minutes to melt.
Step 2: Color Your Candy – Can You Add Food Coloring To Candy Melts?
If you’re using one bag of candy melts, you’ll need around 2-3 drops of your food coloring. Add the drops into your bowl of melted candy and mix well. Keep stirring the melted candy until it’s evenly distributed and you’ve reached the color you desire.
Step 3: Adjust Color (If Needed)
Which Candy Melts Should I Buy?
While there are many brands of candy melts available, my preferred choice is Wilton. They have a huge selection of flavors and colors, including seasonal options. You can find their full range of candy melts here.
Conclusion – Can You Add Food Coloring To Candy Melts?
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: can you add food coloring to candy melts? And given you an idea of the best food coloring to use, as well as the ideal method to use when you’re coloring candy melts.
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to coloring candy melts? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!
