Pantone Unveils 2025 Color of the Year: “Mocha Mousse”

For 2025, Pantone has surprised the world with its choice for Color of the Year: “Mocha Mousse” (PANTONE 17-1230), a soft and warm light-brown shade.

This marks a sharp departure from the bold, neon hues of recent years, such as the Brat green of summer or the watermelon pink inspired by “Wicked.”

The new shade embodies serenity and harmony, reflecting the global desire for balance and inner peace in an increasingly complex world.

A Warm and Sensory Color

Described by Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, as “a mellow brown infused with comforting warmth,” Mocha Mousse is more than just a color; it’s an experience. Inspired by the growing trend of “little treat culture,” which encourages finding joy in small daily indulgences like a perfectly brewed coffee or a piece of smooth milk chocolate, Mocha Mousse aims to engage not just the eyes but all the senses.

“This color should evoke the desire to dip your spoon into it,” Pressman explains. The name itself, “Mocha Mousse,” is designed to awaken taste buds and inspire feelings of comfort and nostalgia.

Why Mocha Mousse?

Following the celebratory shades of magenta in 2023 and peach in 2024, Pantone’s 2025 choice signals a shift toward subtlety and elegance. According to Pressman and Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, Mocha Mousse represents a harmony between luxury and a connection to nature. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of industries, from fashion to interior design.

“The overarching theme for this year’s color selection was harmony,” says Pressman. “As life becomes more complicated, people are searching for lighter, softer elements that bring inner peace.” While vibrant trends like Barbie pink and neon green still have their place, Mocha Mousse stands out as a timeless hue, free from fleeting fads.

How Does Pantone Choose the Color of the Year?

Pantone’s Color of the Year program, which has been running since 1999, is far from a casual decision. The process involves an international team of experts who analyze a vast array of trends across industries, including fashion, technology, automotive, and even culinary arts. According to Pressman, the selection process is “a very detached exercise” based on data and consumer behavior, but the emotions it evokes are deeply personal.

As Eiseman notes, the announcement sparks meaningful conversations about color’s impact on our emotions and memories. “Our reactions to colors are inherently personal,” she says. “They remind us of childhood experiences, like a favorite tricycle or the taste of cotton candy.”

Bringing Mocha Mousse to Life

For 2025, Pantone is extending its Color of the Year beyond visual swatches and into immersive real-world experiences. Cities like New York, Shanghai, and Mumbai will host installations showcasing the warmth and versatility of Mocha Mousse. The first such event will take place at London’s iconic London Eye, which will be lit up in the serene brown hue, transforming the city skyline.

In addition to these large-scale displays, Pantone is partnering with brands to integrate Mocha Mousse into everyday life. For example, Post-it will launch sticky notes in a range of shades inspired by the color, while Society6 will offer home decor and art pieces that celebrate the palette. These collaborations highlight how Mocha Mousse can seamlessly blend into modern life, whether through small personal touches or larger design statements.

A Color to Reflect and Inspire

Mocha Mousse is more than just a shade; it’s a symbol of the mood and aspirations of 2025. It invites a moment of pause in a fast-paced world, encouraging individuals to savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether it recalls the comfort of a favorite drink or the grounding connection to nature, Mocha Mousse offers a timeless elegance that transcends trends.

As Pressman concludes, “We have enough complexity around us. Mocha Mousse reflects a desire for simplicity, calm, and harmony.” With its rich warmth and sensory appeal, this color sets the tone for a year focused on balance, joy, and understated sophistication.