Vegan Food Colouring

Vegan Food Colouring in Australia

This collection covers vegan food colouring options including gel, oil-based, and bulk formats — all sourced from manufacturers who confirm vegan suitability. Vegan status information is provided by our suppliers. We recommend always checking the manufacturer's label for the most current information, as formulations can change. For the full food colouring range across all dietary requirements, visit the food colouring hub.

Is Food Colouring Vegan?

Most commercial food colouring sold today is vegan. The majority of food colour additives — including synthetic gel, oil-based, and powder formats — are derived from petroleum-based or plant-based chemical synthesis and contain no animal products. The notable exception is E120 (Cochineal or Carmine), a red food dye derived from the Dactylopius coccus insect, which is not vegan. The food colouring products in this collection use synthetic dyes and do not contain E120.

Other potential non-vegan ingredients to be aware of in broader food colouring products include carmine lake (E132 variants that may use animal carriers) and some coatings used on certain sugar-based cake decorations. For straight synthetic gel and oil-based colourings — the type sold here — vegan suitability is standard.

Is Red Food Colouring Vegan?

The common concern about red food colouring and veganism relates to E120 (Cochineal), which is insect-derived and not vegan. However, most professional red food colouring — including Chefmaster Super Red and Colour Mill Red — uses synthetic dyes (typically Allura Red AC or similar) and contains no animal-derived ingredients. The red food colouring products in this collection are confirmed as vegan suitable.

Chefmaster Liqua-Gel — Vegan Food Colouring

Chefmaster Liqua-Gel is vegan suitable across the full range. Chefmaster uses synthetic food-grade dyes with no animal-derived ingredients, making it a reliable option for vegan baking and cake decorating. The full range including Coal Black, Super Red, Liquid Whitener, and 30+ additional shades is available here and in the dedicated Chefmaster collection.

Colour Mill — Vegan Oil Based Food Colouring

Colour Mill Oil Based food colouring is vegan suitable. The oil-based formula uses synthetic pigments and contains no animal-derived colouring agents. Available in 20ml and 100ml across the full colour range. For detailed product information, visit the Colour Mill collection.

Vivid Gel Colours — Vegan Bake-Stable Gel

Vivid Gel Colours are vegan suitable and bake-stable. The bulk 160g and 1 litre sizes are available in this collection. For the full Vivid range, visit the Vivid Gel Colours collection.

FAQs — Vegan Food Colouring

Is food colouring vegan?

Most synthetic food colouring is vegan. Gel food colours, oil-based food colours, and most powder food colourings use synthetic dyes derived from non-animal sources. The exception is E120 (Cochineal), an insect-derived red colouring found in some products. The brands in this collection — Chefmaster, Colour Mill, and Vivid — are confirmed as vegan suitable by their manufacturers.

Is colour 102 (E102) vegan?

Colour 102 (E102), also known as Tartrazine, is a synthetic yellow food dye derived from coal tar. It contains no animal products and is generally considered vegan. It is not derived from insects, animals, or animal by-products.

Is red food colouring vegan?

The answer depends on the specific product. Red food colouring that contains E120 (Cochineal) is not vegan, as it is derived from insects. However, most professional red food colouring — including the products in this collection — uses synthetic red dyes (such as Allura Red or Ponceau 4R) and is vegan suitable. Always check the product label to confirm the dye used.

Is gel food colouring vegan?

Gel food colouring is typically vegan. The gel base (water, glycerol, or similar carriers) and the synthetic colour pigments in most professional gel colourings contain no animal-derived ingredients. Chefmaster Liqua-Gel and Vivid Gel Colours — both stocked in this collection — are confirmed as vegan suitable by their manufacturers.

Is Colour Mill vegan?

Colour Mill is vegan suitable. The oil-based formula uses synthetic pigments without animal-derived colouring agents. Colour Mill is also halal suitable. See the Colour Mill collection for full product details, or browse our halal food colouring range if you also need halal certified products.

Is gluten free food colouring also vegan?

Often, but not always — these are separate certifications. A product can be gluten free without being vegan, and vice versa. For products that meet both requirements, cross-reference our gluten free food colouring collection. The synthetic gel and oil-based colourings from Chefmaster, Colour Mill, and Vivid are generally both vegan and gluten free.