I just finished making a huge batch of buttercream frosting using my typical recipe, I tasted the untinted version and was satisfied. Unfortunately for me I did not do a small test amount before applying this Christmas Red to the entire batch - it has completely spoilt the frosting, leaving it with a harsh, very unpleasant after taste. I have purchased cakes from Costco in the past and have learned to avoid anything that has red frosting as I get the exact same taste. I also did not find this to be anywhere close to a Christmas red, perhaps I did not use enough, but given the resulting taste having only achieved a pinkish red, I can only imagine what a horrible tasting mess you would be left with if you tried to achieve a real red - my frosting ended up being inedible!