An oil-free, non-dairy, shelf-stable liquid whitening composition having a whitening agent and a stabilizing system is disclosed. The stabilizing system includes a hydrocolloid component, preferably of a blend of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and carrageenans, in an amount sufficient to suspend the whitening agent both in the liquid whitening composition and in an aqueous media to which the liquid whitening composition is added; and a buffer to ensure sensory quality. The stabilizing system maintains the liquid whitening composition in a homogeneous state in the composition for at least about 9 months at ambient temperatures, and further maintains the whitening composition in suspension when added to the aqueous media.