Color Fondant Without Red 40??

Decorating By brenda549 Updated 27 Mar 2013 , 7:45pm by brenda549

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brenda549 Posted 10 Apr 2012 , 3:41pm
post #1 of 6

I just had a potential customer call and leave a message. She is wanting a communion cake with a red heart on top, but her daughter is allergic to red 40. She left a message, and I haven't not called her back yet.

Is this even possible?? I thought red 40 is in almost everything that is colored.

Also, I know there are natural dyes, but has anyone ever used them with fondant or buttercream?

5 replies
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MarciaD Posted 11 Apr 2012 , 12:27am
post #2 of 6

There are natural dyes but I don't know if they can be used for fondant. Check Whole Foods for India Tree natural dyes.

You don't want any of the synthetic dyes if the mom doesn't want Red 40. They are made from petroluem and are just as bad as the red. You just see more of the red in things so often gets most of the blame.

She might check the Whole Foods in her area for decorated cakes but be sure to talk to the cake dept. I know of people that have been successful there. OR put a red plastic heart on top of the cake.

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SRumzis Posted 11 Apr 2012 , 7:23pm
post #3 of 6

you might wanna try beetroot powder mixed in with shortening and a little extra flavoring to hide the beet. Hth!

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MadeYaLook Posted 27 Mar 2013 , 4:59pm
post #4 of 6

I have just had a customer ask for the same thing.  Brenda 549, did you have any luck?  Are there any other ideas out there?

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-K8memphis Posted 27 Mar 2013 , 5:24pm
post #5 of 6

another idea is to just let the kidlette in on the secret--we know you can/do get sick if you eat this so lucky you we know what to do!!! you get to eat a special portion and will not get sick!!! win win

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brenda549 Posted 27 Mar 2013 , 7:45pm
post #6 of 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by MadeYaLook 

I have just had a customer ask for the same thing.  Brenda 549, did you have any luck?  Are there any other ideas out there?

After speaking with the mom about the Red 40 situation, I decided not to take the order.  I did not know how the natural dyes would work with the fondant or buttercream. 

 

I did try some beetroot red velvet cupcakes.  The color and flavor was not that of a red velvet cake but still very good. 

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