Skittles are one of the most popular fruit-flavored candies in the United States, recognized by their colorful rainbow packaging and “Taste the Rainbow” slogan. If you’re checking candy ingredients for dietary, religious, or ethical reasons, you may be wondering whether Skittles contain gelatin.
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies, derived from animal collagen found in the bones, skin, and connective tissues of cows or pigs. This makes it unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those following certain religious dietary laws.
This article examines whether Skittles contain gelatin, explores their current ingredient list, and discusses their suitability for various dietary preferences.
Do Skittles Contain Gelatin?
The short answer is no—Skittles do not currently contain gelatin. As of 2010, the Mars Wrigley company removed gelatin from Skittles formulations sold in the United States and most other countries.
This change was made to accommodate vegetarian and vegan consumers, as well as those who avoid gelatin for religious or cultural reasons. Prior to 2010, Skittles did contain gelatin, which was used to give the candies their chewy texture.
Today, Skittles achieve their characteristic chewy consistency through other plant-based ingredients, making them free from animal-derived gelatin.
What Are Skittles Made Of?
Understanding the current ingredient list of Skittles can help you make informed decisions about whether they fit your dietary needs. Here’s what goes into original Skittles:
Sugar and Sweeteners
Sugar: The primary ingredient in Skittles is conventional white sugar derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. Sugar provides the sweet taste and makes up the bulk of each candy.
Corn syrup: Also known as glucose syrup, this sweetener is made from corn starch. It helps soften the candy, adds volume, prevents crystallization, and contributes to the chewy texture.
Oils and Fats
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil: This plant-based oil comes from the kernel of oil palm trees. In Skittles, it enhances flavor and contributes to the smooth texture of the candy coating.
Texture and Binding Agents
Modified corn starch: Derived from corn, this ingredient acts as a thickener and helps create the gummy texture that Skittles are known for, replacing the role that gelatin once played.
Tapioca dextrin: Extracted from cassava root (also known as yucca), this starch acts as a binding agent and adhesive for the candy coating while helping preserve color and flavor.
Acids and Preservatives
Citric acid: While naturally present in citrus fruits, the citric acid used in Skittles is typically manufactured synthetically. It provides tartness, enhances flavor, and acts as a preservative.
Sodium citrate: The sodium salt of citric acid serves as both a preservative and flavor enhancer, contributing to Skittles’ tangy taste.
Flavorings
Natural and artificial flavors: The specific flavor formulations are proprietary trade secrets. However, given Skittles’ fruit-themed varieties (strawberry, orange, lemon, lime, and grape in the original), these flavors are either derived from fruit sources or synthetically created to mimic fruit tastes.
Colors
Skittles contain various artificial colors including Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and their “lake” versions (color additives mixed with compounds to make them insoluble in water). These synthetic dyes are petroleum-derived but contain no animal products.
Some varieties also contain titanium dioxide, a white pigment, though this has been phased out in some regions due to regulatory changes.
Coating
Carnauba wax: This natural wax comes from the leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm tree. It gives Skittles their distinctive shine and prevents the candy coating from melting in your hands.
History of Gelatin in Skittles
For many years after their introduction in the United States in 1979, Skittles contained gelatin as a key ingredient. Gelatin served as a gelling agent that helped create the candy’s chewy texture.
However, as consumer awareness grew regarding animal-derived ingredients, Mars Wrigley faced increasing pressure to reformulate their products. By 2010, the company successfully removed gelatin from Skittles sold in the United States and most other markets.
This reformulation involved finding alternative plant-based ingredients that could replicate the textural qualities that gelatin provided. The combination of modified corn starch, tapioca dextrin, and other binding agents now fulfills this role.
Regional Differences in Skittles Formulations
While Skittles in the United States no longer contain gelatin, it’s important to note that formulations can vary by country due to different regulatory requirements and ingredient availability.
For example, until 2015, Skittles manufactured in the United Kingdom contained carmine (also labeled as E120 or cochineal), a red dye derived from crushed cochineal insects. This ingredient has since been removed from UK formulations as well.
If you’re purchasing Skittles outside the United States or imported varieties, it’s always wise to check the ingredient label for your specific package, as formulations may differ from the standard US version.
Are Skittles Suitable for Vegetarians?
Yes, current formulations of Skittles sold in the United States are suitable for vegetarians. Since they no longer contain gelatin or other obvious animal-derived ingredients, vegetarians can generally consume them without concern.
The ingredients used in modern Skittles are either synthetically produced or derived from plant sources, making them vegetarian-friendly.
Are Skittles Vegan?
The question of whether Skittles are vegan is slightly more complex than whether they’re vegetarian. While Skittles don’t contain any direct animal-derived ingredients, some vegans may have concerns about certain aspects of the production process.
Sugar Processing Concerns
The main concern for strict vegans is the white sugar used in Skittles. Some refined cane sugar is processed using bone char (charred animal bones) as a filtering agent to remove impurities and achieve a white color.
It’s important to note that bone char acts only as a filter and doesn’t remain in the final sugar product. However, some vegans prefer to avoid products that use any animal derivatives in their production process, even if no animal material remains in the finished product.
Mars Wrigley has not publicly disclosed whether the sugar used in Skittles is processed with bone char. Sugar that is certified organic is never processed with bone char, as this method is prohibited under organic certification standards.
Artificial Colors
Some vegans also avoid artificial food dyes because they may be tested on animals for safety purposes. While the dyes themselves are synthetic and don’t contain animal ingredients, animal testing for regulatory approval concerns some consumers.
The artificial colors in Skittles (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2) are petroleum-derived synthetic dyes that don’t inherently contain animal products.
Palm Oil Considerations
While not an animal welfare issue directly, some ethically-minded consumers avoid palm oil due to environmental concerns. Palm oil production has been linked to deforestation and habitat destruction affecting wildlife like orangutans.
Skittles contain hydrogenated palm kernel oil. Whether this concerns you depends on your personal ethical boundaries and definition of veganism.
Other Skittles Varieties and Special Editions
The ingredient information provided in this article applies primarily to original Skittles. Mars Wrigley produces numerous varieties, including:
- Skittles Sour
- Skittles Tropical
- Skittles Wild Berry
- Skittles Brightside
- Skittles Darkside
These mainstream varieties generally contain the same base ingredients as original Skittles, with variations in the specific flavorings and color additives used.
However, limited edition and special promotional varieties may contain different ingredients. For example, special holiday editions or flavor collaborations might include ingredients not found in standard varieties.
Always check the ingredient label on the specific package you’re purchasing, especially for limited edition flavors, to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
How to Check If Your Skittles Are Gelatin-Free
If you want to verify that your package of Skittles doesn’t contain gelatin, follow these steps:
- Read the ingredient list: Gelatin must be listed on the ingredient label if present. Look for the word “gelatin” or “gelatine” (British spelling).
- Check for allergen statements: While gelatin isn’t a common allergen requiring special labeling, some manufacturers include voluntary statements about animal-derived ingredients.
- Look for vegetarian or vegan certifications: Some packages may display logos indicating the product is suitable for vegetarians or vegans, though this is not currently standard on Skittles packaging.
- Check the manufacturing date: Since gelatin was removed in 2010, any Skittles package manufactured after this date should be gelatin-free.
- Consider the country of origin: If purchasing imported Skittles, be aware that formulations may differ by region.
Other Popular Candies and Their Gelatin Status
If you’re avoiding gelatin, it’s helpful to know which other candies contain this ingredient and which don’t:
Candies That Contain Gelatin
- Gummy bears (most brands)
- Marshmallows (most brands)
- Starburst (some varieties)
- Candy corn (many brands)
- Jelly beans (some brands)
Candies Generally Free from Gelatin
- Skittles (current formulation)
- Swedish Fish
- Sour Patch Kids
- Nerds (most varieties)
- Smarties (US version)
Remember that formulations can change, so it’s always best to check current ingredient labels rather than relying on older information.
Why Did Mars Remove Gelatin from Skittles?
Mars Wrigley’s decision to remove gelatin from Skittles was likely driven by several factors:
Consumer demand: Growing numbers of vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians sought candy options without animal-derived ingredients.
Religious considerations: Gelatin can be problematic for people following halal, kosher, or Hindu dietary guidelines, depending on its source and processing.
Market expansion: Removing gelatin made Skittles accessible to a broader consumer base, potentially increasing sales.
Ingredient innovation: Advances in food technology made it possible to achieve similar textures using plant-based alternatives.
Corporate responsibility: Many food companies have made efforts to reduce animal-derived ingredients as part of broader sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives.
Nutritional Considerations
While the absence of gelatin makes Skittles suitable for vegetarians and vegans, it’s important to remember that they’re still candy—a treat best consumed in moderation.
A standard 2.17-ounce (61.5-gram) package of Skittles contains approximately:
- 250 calories
- 2.5 grams of fat
- 56 grams of carbohydrates (all from sugar)
- 0 grams of protein
- 0 grams of fiber
Skittles are essentially concentrated sugar with artificial colors and flavors. They provide quick energy but no significant nutritional value in terms of vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber.
Whether you follow a vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous diet, candy should be enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet that primarily consists of whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Skittles stop using gelatin?
Skittles removed gelatin from their formulation around 2010 in the United States and most other markets.
Are all Skittles gelatin-free?
All mainstream Skittles varieties sold in the United States are currently gelatin-free. However, formulations may vary by country, and special edition flavors should be checked individually.
What gives Skittles their chewy texture if not gelatin?
Skittles use a combination of modified corn starch, tapioca dextrin, and other plant-based binding agents to achieve their chewy texture.
Are Skittles halal or kosher?
Since current US Skittles don’t contain gelatin or other obvious animal-derived ingredients, they may be acceptable to many people following halal or kosher diets. However, they don’t carry official halal or kosher certification, so individuals should check with their religious authority if this is a concern.
Do Skittles contain pork or beef?
Current Skittles formulations in the United States don’t contain pork, beef, or any other meat products. The gelatin that was previously used (which could have been derived from pork or beef) has been removed.
The Bottom Line
Skittles do not contain gelatin in their current formulation sold in the United States. The candy was reformulated around 2010 to remove this animal-derived ingredient, making Skittles suitable for vegetarians.
While Skittles don’t contain direct animal-derived ingredients, strict vegans may have concerns about the sugar processing methods or artificial color testing. For most vegetarians and many vegans, however, Skittles are an acceptable treat.
If you’re avoiding gelatin for dietary, religious, or ethical reasons, you can generally enjoy Skittles with confidence. However, it’s always a good practice to check the ingredient label on your specific package, especially for special edition varieties or products purchased outside the United States.
Remember that regardless of their gelatin-free status, Skittles are still candy and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Sources:
- FDA – Food Ingredients & Packaging
- National Institutes of Health – Food Additives and Coloring Agents
- Mars Wrigley – Vegetarian Products Information
- FDA – Code of Federal Regulations on Food Additives
- USDA – Organic Certification Standards
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, taking supplements, or starting any health regimen. Individual results may vary.