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5 Easy Substitutes for Red Food Coloring in Recipes

By: Author Andrew Gray

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We once stared at an empty jar of red food coloring and thought, “What’s next?” Mixing colors is no mystical art, and we’re here to talk subs.

Think about replacing it with natural choices you probably already have. We love trying beet juice; its earthy tone works wonders. And who could overlook pomegranate juice’s flair? Super handy!

Simple tools from the produce section and pantry can work magic too. We find our favorite picks in the most unexpected places.

Everyday items like strawberries add color pop with zest. It’s about creativity with what’s available.

We’ve found maraschino cherry juice likes showing off, too. Check your pantry—they might just surprise you. We’re having fun being creative in the kitchen.

5 Easy Substitutes for Red Food Coloring in Recipes

Here are our top 5 picks for substitutes for red food coloring in recipes:

1 – Beet Juice or Beet Powder

Here’s what we think: beets turn heads in the color game. Pure beet juice shines red bright. Beet powder offers similar vibes. It comes from dried beets. Mix with a bit of water to activate. Use beet juice like food coloring. Sub for coloring on a 1:1 ratio.

No beets on hand? Beet powder holds backup plans. It works wonders with red velvet cake. Get those natural shades on point. We add beet to frostings and cookies, too. The taste blends well, nothing funky. Beet saves the day with simple earthiness. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s rad.

2 – Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice surprises us every time. It shines as a red food coloring option. Use the juice 1:1 for a vibrant pop. We dig how easy this makes things. Juice offers deep color naturally. It feels fresh and fruity.

A simple swap before baking or cooking. Juice leaves a mild sweetness. This trick works well in pastries and cakes. Cook or bake and watch the magic. Adds a glossy finish to glazes and frostings. We spot this juice at most local grocers. It’s practical, and you might have it around.

Grab some pomegranate for zesty color shifts. It mixes and blends well. Ideal for when you need that little red pop.

3 – Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice jumps in as our red buddy. We use it as food coloring at 1:1 ratio. Mix and blend cranberry juice easy. It gets the job done with flair. Expect a reddish hue and slight tart. Adds some zing to tasty treats.

We prefer it in sweets or desserts. It brings a hit of fruity twist. Cranberry juice plays nice in sauces. It sneaks in with ease, leaving a citrusy vibe. Available at most stores near you. This one’s reliable for adding color. Handy stuff right from the pantry. No fuss with application. It’s simple and quick.

4 – Red Hibiscus Powder

Whoa, red hibiscus powder is rad! We dig it as a vibrant natural red coloring. It’s versatile and subtly fruity. We mix it in, one tablespoon for one tablespoon of food coloring.

Red hibiscus powder works great for drinks. Infusions look striking. It adds a hint of berry-like flavor. It’s slightly tart, tangy even.

Bakery items glow with this hue. Glossy finishes look charming. We mix it sparingly for the best results.

Red potions look inviting. It’s tropical magic in a powder. Most stores stock this gem. We hunt it down in bulk spice aisles. Overall, hibiscus is simple, but splendid for color.

5 – Paprika or Red Pepper Powder (for savory dishes)

Paprika or red pepper powder sneaks in as a warm color shift for savory dishes. We substitute it one-to-one with red food coloring. Slight heat adds extra zing to food. Simple swap, instant warmth. These powders jazz up soups and stews. Sprinkle, stir, and see the pop. Paprika brightens dull meals with ease. It’s around in most spice aisles.

Red pepper powder likes to spice up the mix. Prepare for a mild thrill in every bite. Curious about other swaps? Check out this guide to paprika substitutes. We keep exploring awesome replacements.

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