How to Store Food Coloring (4 Steps)

Food coloring, including liquid, gel and paste varieties, can last for years if stored properly. Without proper storage, colors can dry out, fade, make a mess in your pantry or cause streaking when mixed into frosting and other foods. While the different types of food colorings offer different benefits for coloring foods, the storage process is the same for all of them. The cost of different colors can quickly add up, but you can protect your investment by putting in a few minutes of care after each use.

Things You'll Need

Cleaning cloth

Instructions

Wipe any drips or built-up gunk from the sides of the container and around the threads with a warm, wet cloth. Perform this task after each use to ensure the lids can seal properly and colors don't drip in your drawers or on your shelf.
Twist the lid on tightly, ensuring the threads line up and the lid is on straight. Food coloring can leak out or dry up if the lid isn't properly secured.
Place the food coloring in a dark storage space, such as a pantry or drawer to protect it from ultraviolet rays that can lighten the colors. Alternatively, you can store the containers in the original cardboard box or in a dark storage container.
Store the food coloring at room temperature between 64 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature range, but food coloring can tolerate temperatures between 44 F and 93 F.

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