Are Gummy Skittles Halal? A Dietary Guide for Muslim Consumers

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Islamic dietary laws, food is considered halal (permissible) when it meets specific Sharia requirements, primarily excluding pork, alcohol, and non-halal animal byproducts. The original hard-shelled Skittles are widely considered halal in many regions, but the newer gummy variations introduce a new question for Muslim consumers: Are gummy Skittles halal?

Quick Summary

Gummy Skittles are not halal in most Western markets, including the US, because they contain gelatin derived from animal sources, typically pork. Traditional Skittles use plant-based ingredients and are generally suitable for a halal diet, making ingredient label checks essential for any Skittles product.

Key Points

Gummy Skittles Contain Gelatin: Skittles Gummy candies use animal-derived gelatin, making them non-halal in most Western markets.
Original Skittles are Gelatin-Free: The classic hard-shelled Skittles do not contain gelatin and are generally considered suitable for a halal diet.
Gelatin Source is Key: Gelatin is often sourced from pork or non-halal beef, which is forbidden under Islamic law.
Halal Certification Varies by Region: Product ingredients and halal certification status depend on the country of manufacture; always check local packaging.
Look for Plant-Based Alternatives: Halal consumers should opt for gummies made with plant-based gelling agents like pectin or agar-agar.
Manufacturer Confirmation: The manufacturer, Mars Wrigley, does not offer a universal halal certification for all its products, requiring individual label checks.

Understanding Halal Dietary Laws

Halal is an Arabic term meaning permissible, and for Muslims, it governs all aspects of life, including food consumption. A core principle of a halal diet is the complete avoidance of pork and its byproducts, alcohol, and any meat from animals not slaughtered according to specific Islamic rituals.

Gelatin is a common ingredient in many gummy and chewy candies, valued for its gelling and texturizing properties. This substance is a protein created by boiling down animal collagen, usually sourced from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of pigs or cows. If the gelatin comes from a pig, or from a cow not slaughtered Islamically, the product is considered haram (forbidden).

The Ingredients in Gummy Skittles

Unlike the classic, hard-shelled Skittles which had their gelatin removed around 2010 and replaced with plant-based alternatives like modified corn starch, the gummy varieties incorporate animal-derived gelatin. This is the key difference that affects their halal status.

The ingredients list for gummy Skittles typically includes: Corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, water, gelatin, citric acid, malic acid, natural and artificial flavors, sunflower oil, colors, and carnauba wax. The presence of animal-based gelatin makes these specific products non-halal in regions like the US and Australia unless explicitly stated otherwise with a halal certification.

The Importance of Reading Labels

Product formulations can vary significantly by country and even by batch, so the most reliable way to determine if a specific product is halal is to scrutinize the ingredient label. Some global manufacturers produce halal versions of their candies using halal beef gelatin or plant-based substitutes like agar-agar or pectin, often for specific markets like the Middle East or Turkey.

For consumers in Western countries, without a clear halal certification symbol or explicit mention of plant-based gelatin on the packaging, the product should be assumed to contain non-halal animal byproducts.

Comparison: Classic Skittles vs. Gummy Skittles

Understanding the ingredient differences between the two main types of Skittles is vital for adhering to dietary restrictions.


Feature	Classic/Original Skittles (US Formula)	Gummy Skittles (US Formula)
Texture Agent	Modified corn starch, Tapioca Dextrin	Gelatin (animal-derived)
Halal Status (General US)	Generally considered Halal-suitable	Not Halal
Suitable for Vegetarians	Yes	No
Key Non-Halal Ingredient	None	Gelatin

Halal Alternatives to Gummy Candies

For those seeking a chewy, fruity alternative, many brands now offer halal-certified or plant-based gummies. These products utilize alternative gelling agents derived from plants, such as pectin (from fruit) or agar-agar (from seaweed).

When shopping, look for terms like "vegan," "vegetarian," "plant-based," or a certified "halal" stamp on the packaging to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. Specialized stores and online retailers often stock imported halal-certified gummy options from brands dedicated to meeting these dietary needs.

Conclusion

Gummy Skittles are not halal in the US and many other Western markets because they contain gelatin sourced from animals, typically pigs, which are impermissible in Islam. The original hard-shelled Skittles and their various flavor expansions are generally halal-suitable due to the absence of gelatin. Adherence to a halal diet requires careful examination of product labels and awareness that formulations can change by product line and geographic location. When in doubt, it is always best to avoid the product or seek out explicitly certified halal alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gummy Skittles contain gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, typically from pigs. According to Islamic dietary laws, the consumption of pork or its byproducts is forbidden (haram).

No, traditional hard-shelled Skittles (Original, Wild Berry, Sour, etc.) do not contain gelatin and are generally considered halal-friendly. Only the newer Gummy Skittles product line includes this ingredient.

Look for a clear halal certification symbol on the packaging. Alternatively, check the ingredient list for plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar, pectin, or carrageenan, and ensure no animal gelatin or alcohol is used.

The original Skittles formula used carmine (E120), a red dye made from cochineal insects, which is a point of debate among scholars. However, current US Skittles formulations use artificial colors like Red 40, which are synthetically derived and generally considered halal.

While some specific factories in certain countries (like the UK formulation in the past, or some Middle East versions) might be considered suitable, Skittles as a global brand are not universally halal-certified. Consumers must check the label for the specific product and location.

Common non-halal ingredients include pork gelatin, non-halal beef gelatin, carmine (E120) coloring, and flavorings containing alcohol.

The key difference is the gelling agent. Original Skittles use modified corn starch and tapioca dextrin, which are plant-based and halal. Gummy Skittles specifically add animal-derived gelatin to achieve their chewy texture, which is not halal.