Colour Mill
Oil-Soluble Food Coloring - Colour Mill Clay 100 ml
Oil-soluble food coloring in Clay shade, Pro 100 ml format
Colour Mill Clay evokes freshly extracted red clay and Indian pottery. This oil-soluble food coloring is designed for fatty pastry bases: melted white chocolate, butter ganache, buttercream, royal icing, and fondant worked with the warmth of your hands. Particularly sought after by cake designers for terra cotta and modern boho wedding cakes and birthday layer cakes with a nature, yoga, or wellness theme, it delivers a distinctive shade recognizable from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Made in Australia using proprietary pigment encapsulation technology, Colour Mill withstands baking temperatures of up to 180°C without shifting or lightening. The Clay shade remains stable after baking, making it the go-to option for colored cake batters before they go into the oven. The 100 ml bottle is designed for boutique bakeries with regular production: at the same volume, it costs approximately 35% less per milliliter than the 20 ml bottle, for everyday use without frequent restocking.
Clay shade
Official reference from the Colour Mill (Australia) palette.
Clay: 3 shades according to 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 Clay
5 signature uses where this shade makes a difference:
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• Terra cotta and modern boho wedding cakes
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• Birthday layer cakes with a nature, yoga, or wellness theme
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• Royal icing cookies with a pottery or cactus theme
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• Drip cakes with an industrial vintage theme
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• Wedding event cupcakes with a rustic Mediterranean theme
Features
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• Brand: Colour Mill (Australia)
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• Type: Concentrated oil-soluble food coloring
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• Shade: Clay
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• Packaging: 100 ml soft squeeze dropper bottle
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• Compatible bases: Melted white chocolate, ganache, buttercream, royal icing, sugar paste
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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 lighten after baking
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• Origin: Australia (proprietary manufacturing)
Instructions for use
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Base preparation: bring 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 vivid 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 pressed directly against the surface. The colour 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. Proceed in increments to avoid oversaturation.
Ingredients and compliance
Ingredients: 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 - Clay
Clay falls between Rust and Caramel, the quintessential earthy palette clay color. Combined with Sage and Sand, it creates the terra cotta wedding palette that is a hit on Pinterest. Ideal for wedding cakes targeting 30- to 40-year-old customers looking for natural, warm colors.
Frequently asked questions
At what activity level does the 100 ml size become cost-effective?
The 100 ml size becomes worthwhile at around 5 color orders per week. To get started or simply test a shade, the 20 ml size (see above) is more suitable.
How many drops 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.
Is Colour Mill food coloring heat-resistant?
Yes, Colour Mill is one of the few oil-soluble food colorings to retain its intensity after oven baking at up to 180°C. This property sets it apart from conventional liquid food colorings, which fade in the oven.
Can Colour Mill be used on water-based ingredients (royal icing, syrup)?
No, Colour Mill oil-soluble food coloring is designed for fat-based ingredients: melted chocolate, ganache, buttercream, and fondant. For water-based ingredients, use the Colour Mill water-soluble range.
Does the bottle have a built-in dropper?
Yes, the 100 ml Colour Mill bottle also has a built-in dropper opening in the soft cap, despite its larger size. A simple squeeze dispenses one precise drop.
Take it further
Complete your Colour Mill palette:
