Mocha Mousse: How Pantone’s Color of the Year influences the Food Industry.
Discover How Pantone’s Color of the Year influences the Food Industry.
Pantone’s Color of the Year often sets the tone for design and consumer trends across various industries, and 2025 is no exception with the introduction of Mocha Mousse. This rich, warm brown hue, reminiscent of chocolate and coffee, is not just a visual trend but also a catalyst for innovation in the food industry. As chefs and companies begin incorporating this sophisticated shade into their creations, Mocha Mousse is set to influence everything from flavor profiles to product design.
As we look ahead to 2025, how will this enticing new color shape the future of pastry and drive new trends in the industry?
The Power of Pantone’s Color of the Year
Each January, the Pantone Color Institute announces its Color of the Year. A highly awaited color that reflects emerging trends across multiple industries. This choice is based on thorough research and expert analysis, incorporating insights from diverse areas such as fashion, art… The chosen color often becomes a significant force in shaping design and creative sectors, capturing the prevailing mood and reflecting cultural, social, and aesthetic movements that define the year.
Pantone’s Color of the Year is more than just a trendsetter; it’s a powerful communication tool – a universal visual language that resonates across generations and cultures. According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, the initiative isn’t about endorsing a single color but highlighting color’s immense influence in shaping perceptions. “The goal is to help companies and consumers recognize how color functions as a universal language. We want to show how it can influence everything from purchasing decisions to emotional connections,” she explains.
By introducing a new “Color of the Year,” Pantone encourages businesses to rethink their color strategies. A simple shift in hue can convey deeper messages, attract attention, and even impact sales. To understand this phenomenon better, let’s look at last year’s Pantone Color of the Year and its impact on industries.
The Peach Fuzz Phenomenon: A Look Back
Warmth, comfort, and a return to conviviality were the symbols of Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, resonating with a world in search of connection. It reflects how we are reassessing our priorities and focusing on health and well-being.
This Peach Fuzz color has quickly conquered multiple industries. From fashion to home décor to consumer products, this soft and gentle hue has been incorporated into a variety of products, ranging from phones (Motorola’s foldable Razr 40 Ultra, the world’s first smartphone to feature this color) to fragrances (Love Chloé or Idôle l’Eau de Parfum Nectar) to kitchenware (KitchenAid, Le Creuset, Our Place cookware, etc.).
In Japan, Starbucks released the sweet pink Love and Peach Frappuccino: a fruity peach purée and ice cream covered in sweet peach pulp, topped with whipped cream.
Food manufacturers also seized the opportunity to offer dairy, candy, and sweet snacks. Trader Joe’s launched its peach + cream cheese spread, perfect for both sweet and savory bagels.
Restaurant menus featured grilled peach salads, peach and prosciutto pizzas, and peach salsas, tapping into the sweet and savory or “swicy” trend.
Whether for packaging, marketing campaigns, or limited editions, Peach Fuzz proved to be a true trend catalyst, capturing the attention of consumers seeking novelty and aesthetics.
Mocha Mousse: The Color of 2025’s Luxurious Comfort
For 2025, Pantone has chosen the color 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a rich and warm brown tone that evokes chocolate and coffee in both its name and appearance. “Supported by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful pleasure,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and luxurious, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expands our perception of browns, which are humble and grounded in reality, to encompass aspiration and luxury.”
This color can also be seen as representing connection, comfort, and harmony. The Color of the Year opens up a wide range of creative possibilities for developing new products and campaigns in the bakery, pastry, and chocolate sectors. Inspired by sweetness, Mocha Mousse was chosen to embody the rise of the “treat culture” that is captivating consumers today. Additionally, the “Casual Elegance” color palette enriches this trend with hues like Cannoli Cream, Chanterelles, and Chocolate Martini, offering even more creative potential and culinary inspiration.
Maximize the Potential of Mocha Mousse in your products
Fully embrace the trend of the year and immerse yourself in the world of Mocha Mousse color for 2025 by creatively integrating it into your products. Here are some ideas to explore this color and its richness
Colors: With its warm hue, the Mocha Pantone color and its range of complementary shades will add a touch of sophistication to your creations. Use this subtle and appetizing color to design visually captivating desserts, incorporating layers and fillings in mocha mousse shades in cakes, parfaits, or other pastries.
Textures: The rich and velvety texture is key to mimicking the smoothness of mocha mousse. To achieve this, you should opt for creamy ganaches or airy creams. Moreover, light and airy textures are particularly sought after, as they offer a taste experience that is not only delightful but also visually appealing.
Flavors: Mocha mousse delivers a sweet and refined flavor that pairs beautifully with other tastes. Experiment with fusion desserts by pairing it with classics like coffee or get more creative with flavors like matcha. These unique flavor combinations will provide a surprising and enticing taste experience for your consumers.
Don’t forget: Color Matters
In the article “How Pantone’s Color of the Year Influences the Food Industry,” we explore how color impacts the culinary world. It enhances visual appeal and shapes the customer experience. Color can stimulate appetite, elevate flavor perception, and create eye-catching dishes for social media. It reflects seasonal themes, trends, and brand identity through food, decor, and marketing.
In the pastry industry, color goes beyond sight; in fact, it influences taste, texture, and the overall experience. For 2025, Mocha Mousse highlights comfort, luxury, and indulgence. Consequently, this opens new opportunities for chefs to connect with audiences emotionally. Furthermore, the Color of the Year is more than a trend – indeed, it’s a guide for how color drives consumer engagement.
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