What do you see in Pantone’s 2025 color Mocha Mousse?

By: Alexis Shoats

cacao tree.

Over the years Pantone has bridged color analysis with culture and the overall mood and tone of the world around us. Keeping with the Quiet Luxury theme, they have declared Mocha Mousse as the color of the year. Citing a few reasons, comfort being the main one. Pantone also leaned into the notion that we crave the delectable things in our lives such as coffee. Coffee – a source of energy for the long day, a treat, an important piece of tiramisu, and an art form for baristas. Ah, yes coffee.

When I think of coffee, I think of its roots — the people who harvest it. The earliest conception and birthplace of coffee is Ethiopia — the traditional ceremony for preparing coffee. The process being full of enjoyment - from roasting the coffee beans to teasing your guests with the delicious aroma by wafting the scent in their face. Burning incense, and then finally drinking the coffee together. Alongside coffee, chocolate is mentioned as well, originating in Latin America. For me, my favorite use of chocolate doesn’t come from desserts or hot chocolate, it comes from the mole marinade originally from Mexico. A rich marinade used on various dishes such as enchiladas or over meat such as chicken or turkey. 

Not mentioned on the Pantone site, but I also think of the earth. The clay used by generations of Native American tribes to create pottery. Right now pottery is trendy and a fun way to create essential items in a more holistic way. Safer for us and the earth. This reasoning doesn’t stray too much from the original use either – practical, artistic, as well as previously used in various spiritual ceremonies. 

Lastly I think of black and brown skin. The beauty that lies in our skin color. The way the sun beams off the highlights of our face. The way color pops against dark skin. The dimension in our complexion. Neutral, peach, yellow, olive, and red undertones. I am personally comforted by the color of my skin, regardless of how the world views me.