The iconic candy brand Skittles expanded into the beverage market in 2024, releasing a line of non-carbonated flavored drinks and powdered drink mixes. Marketed to both candy lovers seeking nostalgia and a younger audience, these drinks promise to bring the rainbow to life in liquid form. However, public opinion is deeply divided. For many, the vivid colors and candy-like sweetness are a fun, indulgent treat. For others, the taste is overwhelmingly artificial, and the high sugar content in the bottled variety is a significant concern.
The Verdict: Are Skittles Drinks Actually Good?
The answer to this question depends almost entirely on your personal taste preferences and expectations. If you love very sweet, candy-flavored beverages and are not concerned about the high sugar and artificial ingredients, you might find the bottled Skittles drinks to be a delightful, nostalgic indulgence. On the other hand, if you prefer less sweetness or more natural flavors, you will likely find them disappointing and cloying. The powdered mix is a different story, offering the flavor profile without the high sugar and calories.
The Full Taste Breakdown
Skittles drinks are available in four primary flavors, mirroring the classic candy varieties:
- Original: This flavor is meant to be a medley of the classic Skittles, with grape, strawberry, and lemon notes. Reviews are split, with some appreciating the faithful candy flavor, while others find it a "toxic" and intensely artificial sweet mix.
- Wild Berry: Described as a berry-licious mix of berry punch and wild cherry flavors. Reviewers report that while it has a berry-ish taste, it can feel flat and artificial, with one reviewer comparing it to "Flintstones Vitamins".
- Tropical: An exotic blend with notes of mango, kiwi, and pineapple. The bright blue color is a visual draw, and some find it a lighter, more pleasant experience than the other flavors, though still notably sweet.
- Sour: This green-colored drink is intended to mimic Sour Skittles. Some tasters rated this highly for its tangy kick, while others found it overwhelmingly sweet and reminiscent of medicine.
Is the taste like the candy?
For many, the drinks succeed at tasting like the liquid version of the candy—for better or worse. The intense sweetness and artificial fruit flavors are faithfully recreated. However, unlike the solid candy, this can become overwhelming quickly in a liquid format. Some report a weird, plastic-like mouthfeel after a few sips. A popular hack is to cut the bottled version with sparkling water to balance the intense sweetness and add some much-needed fizz.
Nutritional Information and Health Concerns
When evaluating if Skittles drinks are "good," their nutritional profile is a critical factor, especially concerning the high sugar content of the bottled version. Here is a comparison of the bottled drink versus the powdered mix and a standard soda.
Comparison of Skittles Drinks and Other Beverages
| Feature | Skittles Bottled Drink (14oz) | Skittles Powder Mix (Single Packet) | Cola Soda (12oz can) | Flavored Seltzer (12oz can) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 5-10 | ~140 | 0 |
| Sugar | 32g (31g added) | 0g | ~39g | 0g |
| Sweeteners | Sugar, Sucralose, Acesulfame K | Aspartame, Acesulfame K | High Fructose Corn Syrup | N/A |
| Carbonation | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Artificial Colors | Yes (e.g., Red 40) | Yes (e.g., Red 40) | Yes (e.g., Caramel coloring) | No |
| Potential Health Concerns | High sugar, artificial ingredients | Artificial sweeteners, colors | High sugar, acidity | Generally minimal |
The high sugar content in the bottled Skittles drink is comparable to or slightly less than a similar volume of soda, and both have significant health implications when consumed frequently. The zero-sugar powdered mixes, while avoiding sugar, contain artificial sweeteners and colors which have their own set of potential concerns, especially for children. Consumers concerned about artificial dyes should check labels carefully. For more information on food additives, consult resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Finding Skittles Drinks and Healthier Alternatives
The bottled Skittles drinks and powdered mixes are widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Dollar Tree. They are positioned as a cheap, fun treat, particularly at discount stores. If you're looking for a healthier alternative that still offers a fruity experience, consider these options:
- Infused Water: Add sliced fruits like strawberries, oranges, or kiwis to water for natural flavor without added sugar.
- Flavored Seltzer: Many brands offer sugar-free flavored seltzers that provide fizz and fruity flavor without artificial sweeteners or colors.
- Natural Juice Blends: Look for juice blends with no added sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, though these will still contain natural sugars.
- Homemade Skittles-Inspired Drinks: For a fun project, you can make your own Skittles-infused syrups to mix with soda water and control the sugar content.
Conclusion: The Final Sip on Skittles Drinks
So, are Skittles drinks good? Objectively, they are a hyper-sweet, non-carbonated, candy-flavored liquid packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners, and artificial colors. For those seeking an indulgent, nostalgic treat without concern for nutrition, they might be a delightful, though intensely sweet, experience. However, for most consumers prioritizing health or more balanced, authentic flavors, they will likely fall short of expectations. The zero-sugar powdered mixes offer a guilt-free way to enjoy the flavor, though with the trade-off of consuming artificial sweeteners and colors. Ultimately, whether they are "good" depends on how you balance your desire for a nostalgic, vibrant flavor with your health goals.
Enjoyed responsibly as an occasional treat, Skittles drinks can be a fun and flavorful experience. For those who prefer healthier options, plenty of delicious alternatives exist that offer fruity flavor without the intense sweetness or artificial ingredients.
