The Best Fondant Brands for Cookie Decorating: A Taste Test

When it comes to cookie decorating, the fondant you choose can make all the difference. From taste to texture to ease of use, not all fondants are created equal. Luckily, Australian bakers have access to fantastic local and supermarket brands that cater to various decorating needs.

In this post, we’ve taste-tested and reviewed the best fondant brands available in Australia—including premium and supermarket options—to help you pick the perfect fondant for your cookie creations.

What We Considered in Our Taste Test

To evaluate the top Australian fondant brands, we focused on the following criteria:

Taste

• Is the fondant overly sweet, artificial, or pleasantly flavoured?

Texture

• Does it roll out smoothly? Is it prone to cracking, tearing, or becoming sticky?

Workability

• How easy is it to shape, emboss, or layer?

Versatility

• Can it be used for intricate designs, embossing, and cutting?

Availability

• Is it widely available across Australia?

Top Australian Fondant Brands for Cookie Decorating

Bakels Pettinice

• Taste: Subtle sweetness with a pleasant vanilla flavour.
• Texture: Smooth and pliable, easy to roll out evenly.
• Workability: Perfect for both covering cookies and creating decorations like bows or flowers.
• Versatility: Available in a wide range of colours and sizes.
• Availability: Readily available in baking stores and online.

Why We Love It: Pettinice is a favourite among Australian bakers for its consistent quality and ease of use.

Cake Craft Fondant

• Taste: Sweet with a natural vanilla taste.
• Texture: Firm but softens quickly when kneaded, making it easy to work with.
• Workability: Great for embossing and detailed decorations due to its smooth finish.
• Versatility: Holds up well in both humid and cool conditions.
• Availability: Commonly found in specialty baking shops and online.

Why We Love It: Cake Craft Fondant is reliable and easy to use for beginners and experts alike.

Over the Top Fondant

• Taste: Slightly sweeter than others, with a hint of marshmallow.
• Texture: Soft and pliable but slightly stickier than some brands.
• Workability: Best for covering cookies and creating smooth finishes; slightly less suited for intricate designs.
• Versatility: Comes in vibrant, pre-coloured options perfect for themed designs.
• Availability: Sold at Spotlight, baking supply stores, and online.

Why We Love It: The vibrant colours and flavour make it ideal for fun, bold cookie designs.

Fondtastic

• Taste: Light, not overly sweet, with a hint of vanilla.
• Texture: Easy to roll thin without tearing, perfect for detailed work.
• Workability: Excellent for embossing, cutting, and moulding intricate shapes.
• Versatility: Holds up well in various climates, including humid conditions.
• Availability: Found in baking stores and through online retailers.

Why We Love It: Fondtastic’s ease of use and adaptability make it a fantastic all-around option.

Satin Ice (Australia Distributor)

• Taste: Subtle and less sweet than other brands, with a smooth vanilla flavour.
• Texture: Silky and easy to roll, though slightly firmer than some other brands.
• Workability: Ideal for professional-quality finishes and detailed work.
• Versatility: Available in a variety of colours and can be mixed for custom shades.
• Availability: Distributed through specialty baking shops and online stores.

Why We Love It: Satin Ice offers a professional finish and is a trusted choice for high-end cookie decorating.

Queen’s Ready-to-Roll Icing (Supermarket Brand)

• Taste: Very sweet with a subtle vanilla flavour.
• Texture: Soft and easy to knead, but can become sticky in warm or humid conditions.
• Workability: Best for simple designs or cookie coverage; less suited for intricate moulding or embossing.
• Versatility: Comes in a few basic colours, which can be blended or enhanced with food colouring.
• Availability: Widely available at Coles, Woolworths, and IGA.

Why We Love It: An affordable, beginner-friendly option that’s easily accessible for quick decorating projects.

Coles Ready-to-Roll Icing (Supermarket Brand)

• Taste: Mildly sweet with a slightly artificial aftertaste.
• Texture: Slightly firmer than Queen’s icing but can become crumbly if overhandled.
• Workability: Rolls out evenly for cookie coverage but isn’t ideal for detailed decorations.
• Versatility: Limited colour options, but works well for basic cookie decorating needs.
• Availability: Exclusive to Coles supermarkets, making it convenient for quick purchases.

Why We Love It: A budget-friendly alternative for straightforward cookie decorating tasks.

Best Fondant for Specific Needs

Best for Beginners

• Winner: Bakels Pettinice
• Its smooth texture and forgiving nature make it perfect for first-time decorators.

Best for Bold Colours

• Winner: Over the Top Fondant
• Comes in a variety of vibrant pre-mixed colours that save time.

Best for Humid Climates

• Winner: Fondtastic
• Holds up exceptionally well in Australia’s humid regions.

Best Budget Option

• Winner: Queen’s Ready-to-Roll Icing
• Accessible, easy to use, and perfect for simple cookie designs.

Best for Advanced Techniques

• Winner: Satin Ice
• Great for professional finishes, detailed moulding, and embossing.

Where to Buy These Fondant Brands in Australia

• Bakels Pettinice: Available at most specialty baking stores and online retailers like Bake Boss and Cake Decorating Solutions.
• Cake Craft Fondant: Found in specialty baking supply stores and select supermarkets.
• Over the Top Fondant: Widely available at Spotlight and online stores like Lollipop Cake Supplies.
• Fondtastic: Sold through online retailers like Baking Pleasures and specialty cake shops.
• Satin Ice: Available through Australian distributors, including Cake Stuff and online platforms.
• Queen’s Ready-to-Roll Icing & Coles Icing: Available in the baking aisle of major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths.

Find Your Perfect Fondant Fit

From premium brands like Bakels Pettinice and Satin Ice to supermarket staples like Queen’s and Coles, Australian bakers have plenty of fondant options to suit their needs. Whether you’re a beginner, a professional, or just decorating for fun, there’s a fondant that will help you create cookies that look stunning and taste delicious.

So, roll out your favourite fondant and get creative. Happy decorating!