A Nutritional Deep Dive: Do Skittles Use Gelatin?

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Since approximately 2010, many classic Skittles varieties sold in the United States have become gelatin-free, a significant change that impacts consumers following vegetarian and vegan diets. The question, 'do Skittles use gelatin?' has a different answer today than it did for many years, reflecting a shift towards more inclusive ingredient sourcing.

Quick Summary

Skittles removed gelatin from its classic US recipe over a decade ago, making most varieties suitable for plant-based diets, though regional formulations and special editions may contain different ingredients. They now use plant-based alternatives like modified corn starch for texture, but the candy remains high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Key Points

Gelatin-Free Since 2010: Classic Skittles varieties in the United States do not contain gelatin, as it was removed from the recipe over a decade ago.
Plant-Based Alternatives: To achieve their chewy texture, Skittles now uses plant-derived ingredients like modified corn starch and tapioca dextrin.
Carmine Also Removed: The red coloring agent, carmine (derived from insects), was also removed from the classic US formula around 2015.
Check Regional and Special Editions: Ingredient formulations can differ by country and may not apply to all special edition or limited-release Skittles products.
Compare Labels: Unlike Skittles, other popular candies like Starburst still contain gelatin, so checking the ingredient list is crucial for those with dietary restrictions.
Not a Health Food: Despite being gelatin-free, Skittles are high in sugar and offer minimal nutritional benefits, so they should be consumed in moderation as a treat.

The short answer: A definitive 'no' (for most classic varieties)

For those following a vegetarian, vegan, or halal diet, the good news is that most classic Skittles varieties sold in the United States no longer contain gelatin. The manufacturer, Mars Wrigley, phased out this animal-derived ingredient over a decade ago, specifically around 2010. This makes the familiar, fruity, and chewy candies accessible to a wider audience with specific dietary needs. Instead of relying on gelatin, Skittles now achieves its signature chewiness with plant-based alternatives.

The ingredient evolution of Skittles

The formulation of many popular candies has changed over time to meet evolving consumer demands and preferences. Skittles is a prime example of this trend, having removed not only gelatin but also other animal-derived ingredients from its classic American recipe. Before 2015, some Skittles also contained a red food coloring known as carmine (E120), which is derived from crushed cochineal insects. This ingredient was also eliminated, further broadening the candy's appeal to vegans. Today, a typical list of classic Skittles ingredients includes:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
Citric Acid
Tapioca Dextrin
Modified Corn Starch
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Sodium Citrate
Food Colorings (e.g., Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake)
Carnauba Wax

It is worth noting that while carnauba wax is plant-based, some vegan consumers still choose to avoid palm kernel oil due to ethical concerns regarding its environmental impact, particularly deforestation. This highlights the nuanced nature of dietary choices beyond just avoiding animal products.

What is gelatin and why is it used in candy?

Gelatin is a translucent, colorless, and flavorless substance derived from animal collagen, typically sourced from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of pigs and cows. It is a protein that serves as a gelling and thickening agent in many foods, including desserts, marshmallows, and, most famously, gummy candies. Gelatin's unique ability to form a stable yet elastic gel when cooled is what gives traditional gummies and jellies their characteristic texture. For many decades, it was a standard, cost-effective ingredient in the confectionery industry, but its animal origin meant it was off-limits for vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific religious dietary restrictions, such as kosher or halal diets.

Common alternatives to gelatin

As consumer demand for plant-based and cruelty-free options has grown, manufacturers have turned to a variety of gelatin alternatives. These substitutes, mostly derived from plants, can replicate the texture of gelatin but with different properties. The most common are:

Pectin: A naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fruits, particularly citrus peels and apples. It creates a firmer, more brittle gel than gelatin and is widely used in jams, jellies, and many modern vegan gummies.
Agar-Agar: A gelling agent derived from seaweed. It produces a much firmer, more stable gel than gelatin and is popular in Asian desserts and vegetarian candies.
Modified Corn Starch: Used by Skittles and many other brands, this plant-derived ingredient helps create a desired chewy texture and acts as a stabilizer.
Carrageenan: Also derived from seaweed, this polysaccharide is used for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties in a variety of food products.

Decoding candy ingredients: Skittles vs. other popular brands

To make informed dietary choices, it's helpful to compare the ingredient profiles of different popular candies. Here is a comparison of classic varieties based on publicly available information:


Feature	Skittles (Original - US)	Starburst (Original - US)	M&M's (Milk Chocolate)
Gelatin	No	Yes	Possibly, depending on ingredients/location
Carrageenan	No	No	No
Dairy	No	No	Yes (Milk Chocolate)
Carmine (E120)	No (Removed ~2015)	No	Yes (in some varieties/regions)
Primary Thickener/Chew	Modified Corn Starch, Tapioca Dextrin	Gelatin	Cocoa Butter, etc. (for chocolate)
Other Animal-Derived	None in classic US version	Gelatin	Milk ingredients, carmine (sometimes)

Nutritional considerations for a candy-filled diet

While determining if a product like Skittles contains gelatin is important for dietary restrictions, it's also crucial to place candy consumption within the broader context of a healthy diet. Candies like Skittles are primarily composed of sugar and corn syrup. They offer little to no nutritional value in terms of vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Therefore, they should be considered an occasional treat rather than a staple of a healthy nutrition plan. For those seeking sweets, there are often more nutrient-dense alternatives, or brands that use more natural ingredients. The choice to consume any candy, vegan or not, involves balancing personal preferences, dietary ethics, and overall nutritional goals.

What to know about regional differences and special editions

Even though most classic Skittles in the US are now free of gelatin, ingredient formulations can vary significantly by country due to local regulations and preferences. This means a bag of Skittles in the UK or another region might contain different ingredients. Similarly, limited edition or specialty flavors of Skittles may have unique recipes that include animal products, as was the case with the 'Once in a Blue Moon' variety. This makes reading the ingredients list on any new or unfamiliar candy package a vital habit for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, 'do Skittles use gelatin?', is a clear 'no' for most classic Skittles varieties sold in the US. The company proactively removed this animal-derived ingredient, as well as the insect-based carmine, over a decade ago to appeal to a broader consumer base, including vegetarians and vegans. The chewiness is now achieved with plant-based substitutes like modified corn starch. However, consumers should remain vigilant by checking labels, as special editions and international versions may still contain animal products. Ultimately, while Skittles may align with some dietary restrictions, it's essential to remember that it is still a candy, high in sugar and low in nutritional value, and best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

For more information on candy ingredients and dietary guides, consider exploring resources from reputable dietary and food information websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, classic Skittles sold in the US are considered vegan, as they do not contain gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients. However, some vegans avoid them due to the use of palm kernel oil, which raises environmental concerns.

Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, which is typically sourced from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals like cows and pigs.

Instead of gelatin, Skittles uses plant-based thickeners and stabilizers, including modified corn starch and tapioca dextrin, to achieve its chewy texture.

No, ingredient formulations for Skittles can vary by country due to different regulations and market demands. It's always best to check the label on the package for the most accurate information.

Some special or limited edition Skittles have contained animal products in the past. For example, some 'Once in a Blue Moon' Skittles were reported to be non-vegan. You should always check the ingredients on the specific product's label.

Pectin is a plant-based gelling agent derived from fruits that creates a firm, brittle texture. Gelatin is an animal-derived protein that creates a soft, elastic, and chewy texture.

While Skittles are gelatin-free, they are still a candy and contain high levels of sugar and artificial ingredients. They offer very little nutritional value and should only be consumed in moderation as a treat, not as part of a balanced diet.