How to Get a Natural Yellow or Orange for Buttercream and Royal Icing

If you are new to natural colors, start here. Yellow and orange are the most reliable natural shades you can work with, so they are the easiest place to build confidence before you tackle a tricky red or blue.

Why natural yellow or orange behaves the way it does

These colors come from carotenoids (the pigments in carrots, paprika, annatto, and marigold) and from turmeric. Carotenoids are among the most stable natural pigments, handling heat better than most and holding their color well. The one thing to know: turmeric, which gives a brilliant yellow, is the most light-sensitive natural, so keep bright yellows out of strong light. Overall, though, this family is forgiving.

The Sugar Art natural yellow or orange shades

Sunny is a warm everyday yellow, Marigold is a bolder saturated yellow, and Harvest is a rich golden orange.

All are plant-based, dye-free, water soluble, and built for buttercream and royal icing. They are not for chocolate.

Technique

1. Build to taste. Natural color is weaker than synthetic, but yellows reach a bright, satisfying shade readily, so a little goes further here than with reds.
2. Let it dry before judging. The shade deepens as it dries.
3. Blend for oranges and golds. Mix Sunny or Marigold with a touch of Harvest for a custom orange.
4. Keep bright yellows out of strong light. Turmeric-based yellow is the most light-sensitive natural, so store and display out of direct sun.

Common mistakes

• Letting a bright yellow sit in direct light and fade.
• Judging the shade while wet (it deepens as it dries).
• Trying to color chocolate with it (use a fat-soluble color for chocolate).

Shop natural yellow or orange

New to the dye-free shift? Start with our Dye-Free Decorating guide.

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Frequently asked questions

Are natural yellow and orange reliable?

Yes, they are the most stable natural colors, coming from carotenoids that handle heat and hold their color well.

Why did my natural yellow fade?

Turmeric-based yellow is the most light-sensitive natural. Keep decorated pieces out of direct light.

How do I make a natural orange?

Blend a yellow like Sunny or Marigold with Harvest orange for a custom orange.

Do they work in buttercream and royal icing?

Yes, both. They are water soluble and not for chocolate.