Green is one of the most versatile and gorgeous icing colors you can use—perfect for everything from spring florals to leafy vines, matcha-inspired treats, or even holiday themes. However, if you prefer using natural food colorings, you might find getting that perfect green a little tricky.

Let’s dive into how you can achieve a full spectrum of greens using Chefmaster Natural Food Coloring

Making Your Royal Icing Base

Natural food coloring is sensitive to the pH level of certain ingredients. For best results, we are recommending using Chefmaster Royal Icing Mix or a neutral Royal Icing recipe such as the one below when decorating with natural food dyes.

Ingredients:

2 Lbs. Powdered Sugar 


3/4 Cup Warm Water 


5 Tbsp. Chefmaster Meringue Powder 


1 Tbsp. Clear Vanilla Extract (you can also use regular)


2 Tbsp. Corn Syrup 


1/4 tsp. Cream of Tartar


Preparation:

1.      Using a Whisk attachment, whisk together your meringue powder and warm water until it resembles a frothy foam on speed 4.

2.      Once foamed/bubbly and your cream of tartar and vanilla until combined.

3.      Slowly add in your powdered sugar a cup at a time until all your powdered sugar is added. Start on low and then slowly increase your mixer speed to medium high or speed 6 for a few minutes. The strength of your mixer will ultimately depend on how long you reach the stiff peaks.

4.      While your mixer is on, add in the corn syrup and white food coloring and mix for another minute.

5.      Once finished mixing, your results should be a thick and fluffy royal icing. It should not have any flow to it, aka. stiff peaks.

6.      You may now split the icing into bowls for coloring and to change the consistencies.

Making Different Shades of Green

For each color, start with the ratios then add more starting with Green to reach your shade. Let sit for at least 12-24 hours to enhance the color before using. Royal Icing also darkens as it dries, so be aware of your final shade will be a shade or two darker than what you finish with.

1.       Natural Sage Green

A pale, light green

• • 2 Parts Natural Dark Green
  • 1/2 Part Natural True Blue
  • 1 Part Natural Brown

2.       Natural Pistachio Green

A yellow-green vibrant shade

• • 3 Parts Natural Dark Green
  • 1 Part Natural True Blue
  • 3 Parts Natural Yellow

3.       Natural Forest Green

Rich yet toned-down Green with both warm and cool undertones.

• • 3 Parts Natural Dark Green
  • 4 Part Natural True Blue
  • 3 parts Natural Yellow

4.       Natural Mint Green

Pale nostalgic blue green.

• • 2 Part Natural Dark Green
  • 1 Part Natural True Blue

Tips for Coloring Royal Icing with Chefmaster Natural Food Colors

Following these tips will provide you the best results when using all-natural food coloring:

• Let the Color Develop - Natural food colors deepen over time, so always make your Royal icing a few days in advance or give the icing at least 30 minutes after mixing before adding more color. Natural pigments continue to develop as they sit.
• Add Color in Stages - Gradually build up the color shades instead of adding too much at once. 
• Shades will Dry Darker - Keep in mind that your colors will dry a shade or two darker. So, if the color isn’t as dark as you would like, keep it as is, and it will darken as it dries - this way you aren’t adding a lot of color to your icing.