Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute captures the mood and direction of global design trends with their Color of the Year. For 2025, Pantone introduces Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230)—a warm and inviting shade of brown that combines elegance with versatility.

Why Mocha Mousse?

Mocha Mousse reflects a collective desire for grounding and comfort while maintaining sophistication. Its inspiration comes from rich, natural tones found in cocoa, espresso, and polished wood, bringing a sense of calm and luxury to our daily lives.

​Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes Mocha Mousse as “a sophisticated and lush hue that speaks to both timeless simplicity and the indulgence of life’s small pleasures.”

How to Use Mocha Mousse in Design

Mocha Mousse is a perfect foundation for packaging across industries. Its rich tone evokes elegance and pairs effortlessly with other colors and materials. Here are a few ways to incorporate it:

1. Complementary Accents:
Pair Mocha Mousse with warm metallics like gold or copper for a luxurious feel, or use soft neutral tones like beige and cream to highlight its comforting nature.

​2. Bold Statements:
For a striking design, contrast Mocha Mousse with pops of vibrant color—teal, coral, or mustard—to create a fresh and modern look.

​3. Sustainable Appeal:
Mocha Mousse works beautifully with natural, eco-friendly materials such as wood, bamboo, cork, and recycled cardboard. This combination ties into the growing consumer demand for sustainability.

Mocha Mousse in Action

At Encore International, we see endless possibilities for integrating Mocha Mousse into custom packaging solutions. From charming chocolate boxes to sleek cosmetic bags and sophisticated wood boxes, this versatile shade can elevate your brand and captivate customers.

To explore how Mocha Mousse can transform your next packaging project, contact us for a consultation.