Pantone’s Mocha Mousse Sparks Debate, Confusion, and... Memes?

The Story: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, is making waves online—not for its cozy brown hue, but for the polarized reactions it has sparked. While the Pantone Color Institute describes it as a “thoughtfully indulgent” and “unpretentious” shade that reflects global trends, the internet has other opinions. From comparisons to chocolate cake and teddy bears to less flattering associations, Mocha Mousse has reignited the debate over the relevance (and taste) of Pantone’s yearly picks.

The Details:

• Social media is ablaze with mixed reactions, with some users admiring the shade’s warmth and versatility, while others compare it to less appealing brown tones.

• Critics argue the choice is overly safe and reminiscent of past trends, like Kardashian-inspired makeup and neutral interiors, while some claim it reflects a broader cultural shift toward minimalism.

• Diet Prada and other commentators highlighted online commentary ranging from praise for its sophistication to outright ridicule, with memes likening the color to “dirty paint water” and other humorous comparisons.

• Pantone VP Laurie Pressman defended the pick, explaining that Mocha Mousse captures the mood and aspirations of today’s consumers: a mix of grounding simplicity and understated luxury.

• The controversy isn’t new—Pantone’s annual color has often sparked heated debates, with this year’s discourse following in the footsteps of 2015’s divisive Marsala and 2020’s Classic Blue.

Why It Matters: Love it or hate it, Pantone’s Color of the Year always makes an impact—if not on the design world, then certainly on social media. Mocha Mousse has reignited conversations about the role of color in reflecting societal trends, consumer attitudes, and even political and cultural shifts. The reactions also highlight the power of design to spark both connection and controversy. Whether it ends up as a beloved classic or a punchline, one thing is certain: Mocha Mousse is already making its mark.