How to Make Black Food Coloring

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Learn how to make black food coloring for all your baking or craft needs by following these simple instructions below.

Note: This food coloring can be used in a variety of recipes or crafts, but to best highlight its dark color, we're using buttercream frosting as our visual "canvas."

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle of red food coloring, (1)

  • Bottle of green food coloring, (1)

  • Bottle of blue food coloring, (1)

  • Rubber spatula, for mixing

  • Bowl

  • Drop stopper, optional

Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Tip

The drop stopper will help you count the drops of food dye. Alternatively, if you don't have access to a drop stopper, you can try to count the drops added individually. Another good way to measure the drops needed is by thinking that 100 drops of food coloring is equal to about 1 teaspoon.

Mix the Colors

Begin by mixing the red, green and blue food dyes into the base that you wish to color.

Image Credit: Thalia Ho
Image Credit: Thalia Ho

To make the color black, mix 1150 drops of red food coloring, 960 drops of green food coloring and 400 drops of blue food coloring. Mix to combine then use as required.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Thalia Ho

The drops of dye needed will slightly vary depending upon the type and quantity of base that you are coloring. You can test the strength and shade of the black color by adding a few drops into a small bowl of water.

Advertisement