The Recipe's Evolution: From Non-Vegan to Plant-Based
For many years, Skittles were not a suitable treat for vegans or vegetarians due to the presence of two key animal-derived ingredients. The first was gelatin, a gelling agent made from animal collagen, which gave the candy its chewy texture. Skittles' manufacturer, Mars, Inc. (through its division Wrigley), removed gelatin from the recipe over a decade ago.
The second non-vegan component was carmine, a vibrant red food dye also known as E120 or cochineal extract. Carmine is produced by crushing female cochineal insects. This ingredient was removed from Skittles in the United States and the United Kingdom around 2015. This deliberate recipe change was a major step towards making the candy more inclusive for those following a plant-based lifestyle, allowing a broader consumer base to "taste the rainbow."
Deconstructing the Modern Skittles Ingredient List
When examining a packet of modern, mainstream Skittles, the ingredients reflect a predominantly plant-based formula. These are some of the key components you will find:
- Sugar: A plant-based sweetener derived from sugarcane or sugar beets.
- Corn Syrup: A sweetener derived from corn starch.
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil: A plant-derived oil that does not involve animal products.
- Citric Acid: A natural acid found in citrus fruits.
- Tapioca Dextrin: A plant-based carbohydrate extracted from cassava.
- Modified Corn Starch: A corn-based gelling and emulsifying agent.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: Combinations of compounds that give Skittles their taste.
- Colors: A variety of synthetic food colorings (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), which are derived from petroleum and not from animal sources.
- Sodium Citrate: The sodium salt of citric acid, used as a preservative.
- Carnauba Wax: A plant-based wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm, used as a glazing agent.
The Grey Areas for Strict Vegans
While the main ingredients in Skittles are free of animal products, there are still a few areas that may give stricter vegans pause for ethical reasons.
The Sugar Dilemma
Not all sugar is created equal. The most common point of contention is refined white sugar. Refined cane sugar is often processed using bone char, which is derived from the charred bones of cattle, to remove impurities and achieve its bright white color. Although no animal particles remain in the final product, some vegans find the use of an animal-derived filter unacceptable. Alternatively, beet sugar is not processed with bone char and is always considered vegan. The best way to guarantee a bone-char-free sugar source is to buy products labeled USDA Certified Organic. Since Skittles' sugar source is not specified, this remains a grey area.
The Palm Oil Problem
Palm oil is a plant-based ingredient, but its production has serious environmental consequences that many vegans choose to avoid. The expansion of palm oil plantations has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the endangerment of species like orangutans. Vegans who adhere to ethical principles beyond just food ingredients may choose to avoid products containing palm oil, including Skittles.
Beyond the Ingredients: Corporate Ethics and the Vegan Diet
Skittles is owned by Mars, Inc., a large multinational corporation. Some vegans object to supporting companies that conduct animal testing, even if the specific product they are consuming is vegan. While Mars states it does not conduct animal testing for its confectionery products, its larger business practices can be a deciding factor for some individuals.
Checking the Label: Regional and Special Editions
It is crucial for vegans to always read the ingredient list on the packaging. Formulations of Skittles can vary significantly by country due to regional regulations and preferences. Additionally, limited-edition or special-flavor Skittles may contain different ingredients than the standard varieties, with some containing non-vegan items like beeswax or gelatin.
Vegan Candy Comparison: Skittles vs. The Rest
| Feature | Skittles (Standard) | Sour Patch Kids | Swedish Fish | Gummy Worms (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | No (replaced with modified corn starch) | No (often tapioca starch) | No (starch and carnauba wax) | Yes (unless explicitly marked vegan) |
| Carmine | No (replaced with synthetic colors) | No | No | Varies (check label for E120) |
| Palm Oil | Yes (hydrogenated palm kernel oil) | Yes (some varieties contain palm oil) | No (often mineral oil) | Varies |
| Bone Char Sugar | Possible (depends on sourcing) | Possible (depends on sourcing) | Possible (depends on sourcing) | Possible (depends on sourcing) |
| Synthetic Colors | Yes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) | Yes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) | Yes (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5) | Yes (if artificially colored) |
| General Vegan Status | Generally Vegan | Generally Vegan | Generally Vegan | Often Not Vegan |
Conclusion: Navigating Your Sweet Tooth on a Vegan Diet
Are Skittles actually vegan? The simple answer is that modern, standard varieties are free of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin and carmine, making them technically vegan. However, the definition of "vegan" can vary based on individual ethical standards. For some, a product that contains palm oil or uses cane sugar potentially processed with bone char, or is owned by a company with ties to animal testing, may not align with their personal principles. Ultimately, the decision rests with the consumer and their comfort level with these nuances. By carefully reading labels and being aware of the grey areas, those on a vegan diet can make an informed choice about whether or not to "taste the rainbow."
Ethical Considerations and Informed Choices
For vegans, making informed choices means looking beyond the primary ingredients. It involves understanding the entire supply chain, from the sourcing of sugar and palm oil to the corporate practices of the parent company. The availability of vegan alternatives to popular candies means that individuals have many options that are less ambiguous and may align better with a stricter vegan ethos. Staying educated about product ingredients and corporate behaviors is the most effective way for any vegan to ensure their diet remains consistent with their ethical values.
The Takeaway
Standard Skittles have evolved to be free of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin and carmine, making them suitable for most vegans. However, the use of potentially non-vegan sugar, concerns over palm oil, and the parent company's broader practices are valid considerations for those with stricter ethical standards. Always read the label, especially for special editions and foreign products, to confirm a product's vegan status.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute nutritional advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
