When winter hits, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a silky smooth latte, a cozy cup of tea with cream or a mug of hot cocoa. This week, the color experts at Pantone seem to agree. As it has done for the past 26 years, Pantone announced its Color of the Year and for 2025 they’ve decided on Mocha Mousse, a rich, warm earth tone.

All About Mocha Mousse

Pantone’s announcement calls Mocha Mousse a "soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires" — just like its namesake dessert. In addition to resembling a creamy, whipped chocolate, it also evokes other inviting colors and textures, like brown eggshells, sueded leather or a mohair throw.

"Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace the aspirational and luxe," Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute, said in the announcement. "Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour. A flavorful brown shade, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth." The color choice also reflects “the everlasting search for harmony" and a "growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world."

"With that in mind, for Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a color that reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others," Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, explained. Mocha Mousse follows last year’s cheery choice of Peach Fuzz, which Pantone said was a reflection on our desire for closeness and connection.

How to Use It

In your home, Mocha Mousse is chic enough to pair with metallics and neutrals, yet earthy enough to fit in with a Southwestern look or other aesthetics incorporating natural elements. We can already see Mocha Mousse melding nicely into the ongoing trend toward using brown to create relaxed and welcoming spaces in our homes. In 2025, this hue seems poised to make its way into home decor — no matter what your personal style is — with its satisfyingly sweet statement.

Mocha Mousse Around the World

In 2025, Pantone's Mocha Mousse will embark on an international Color of the Year tour starting in London where it will light up the skyline before popping up at experiences in cities around the globe. This hue will also appear on products from fabric and furniture to diffusers and makeup and more.