What would Valentine’s Day be without a hefty dose of pink and red? Stores take things to the extreme in this department, and while it’s fun to go overboard on the Valentine’s treats, where there’s color there’s also toxic food coloring. If you’d rather skip the unnatural food coloring, we’ve got you covered. You can add some pink or red to your food – naturally! – with the help of beets, blood oranges, pomegranate and berries.
There are also lots of ways to make your own natural food coloring. You can select colorful vegetables (beets, berries and pomegranates are the simplest way to get those deep pinks and reds) and juice them by hand to get a desired color. You can use an actual juicer, a food processor or a blender and then strain the skins & seeds to make your own natural food coloring if that’s more your speed. These homemade juices can then act as natural food coloring in cookies and cakes, without the toxic chemicals.
By far, the easiest way to color your food is to toss whole fruits and veggies into a recipe and let it do the hard work. Smoothies are a straight forward way to get your Valentine’s Day color fix, but if you’re adventurous, feel free to play around with the some of the ideas below and create your own colors and recipes. Often you can simply simply add a teaspoon at a time until you get the desired shade, then adjust the recipe accordingly to account for the extra liquid or dry ingredients.
Natural red and pink color ideas
Dehydrated strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries can be turned into a fine powder and used in place of food coloring – plus they lend a great fruity flavor. My all-time favorite naturally pink powder is beetroot powder because it’s flavorless and it gives food a robust punch of pink. Trust me, a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly and wash your hands as soon as you’re done.
Buy or make your own beet, pomegranate or blood orange juice. These three have such deep colors that all you need is a few drops for a nice pink color. Or incorporate them in your recipe and let the fruit itself provide the color.
Purchase a 100% natural red food coloring and use as you would other food coloring. You can find natural food coloring at Whole Foods, health food stores, or online at a place like Amazon.
Mix all-fruit jam or fruit puree with yogurt, cream cheese, goat cheese, whipped cream, frosting, cake, cupcake, pancake and other batters to turn it pink. Just be sure to adjust the recipe accordingly to account for the extra liquid, otherwise you run the risk of it coming out too runny.
The sky is seriously the limit! Don’t be afraid to test out different foods and color ideas to see what works.
If you would prefer to follow a recipe, here are 12 of our favorite pink and red recipes to get your in the Valentines spirit.
12 Natural Pink and Red Recipes for Valentine’s Day
1. Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Smoothie from Hello Glow
If you’re a fan of chocolate and strawberries (and who isn’t?), you might want to try this healthy version for once! The recipe is also great for kids.
2. Beet Hummus Wrap with Avocado + Feta from Hello Veggie
If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day picnic, these vegetarian wraps will come in handy! The red beet hummus gives them a wonderful color, while the ingredients are both satisfying and delicious.
3. Homemade Marshmallows from Hello Nest
Not only do these marshmallows use natural red food coloring, but they also come with lots of tips on how to make sure they turn out just right.
4. Natural Popsicles from Hello Nest
We don’t believe popsicles are reserved for summer. These gorgeous pops are made with coconut milk, bananas and berries, and they’re perfect after dinner. You can make pink and red recipe variations by using more or less of the fruit.
5. Venus Pink Latte from Hello Glow
This pretty latte is made with green tea, rose petals and a healthy dose of beetroot powder. It tastes good with dried flower petals on top or even a dash of cinnamon.
6. Healthy Lunch Wrap from Hello Nest
Taste the rainbow with this healthy lettuce-wrapped combo, packing a crunch and tons of flavors from red cabbage, radishes, and sunflower seed pesto.
7. Agua Fresca from Hello Glow
Valentine’s Day marks the first big event of the year for strawberry lovers. Instead of dipping them in chocolate, how about turning them into a refreshing agua fresca instead?
8. Raspberry Banana Oat Hemp Muffins from Hello Nest
Need a healthy treat for the kids to bring to school? Look no further than these banana oat muffins, so good, you’ll want to have them for every breakfast.
9. Chocolate Fudge from Hello Nest
While this fudge works well for Christmas, we don’t see why you shouldn’t take it with you in the new year.
10. Alkalizing Blackberry Cider Fizz Mocktail from Hello Glow
A glass of wine is fine, but if you’re staying away from alcohol these days, a mocktail is better. This one also has health and beauty benefits to boot.
11. Fermented Strawberry Soda from Hello Glow
Speaking of tasty non-alcoholic drinks, you might want to give fermented strawberry soda a try! A total treat for any age.
12. Pesto Baked Salmon from Hello Nest
For a tasty Valentine’s dinner that doesn’t make you too full to move, this baked salmon with pesto and potatoes is a team favorite.
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