The History of Skittles: From Non-Vegan to Almost-Vegan
For many years, the answer to the question "Are Skittles fruits vegan?" was a definitive "no." The original recipe, developed by a British company in 1974, contained two key animal-derived ingredients. First, gelatin, which is made from animal collagen, provided the chewy texture that defines the candy. Second, a red dye called carmine, also known as E120, was used to create the iconic red candies. Carmine is derived from cochineal insects, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Around 2009, a significant change occurred. The manufacturers of Skittles removed animal-derived gelatin from the recipe, a welcome development for vegetarians and vegans alike. A few years later, around 2015, they also phased out carmine in many regions, replacing it with vegan-friendly alternatives. This ingredient reform was a major step toward making the candy more accessible to those on a plant-based diet, allowing many to "taste the rainbow" without compromising their ethics. However, the path to complete vegan approval is not entirely straightforward and varies by location.
Why Location Matters: Global Recipe Variations
The vegan status of Skittles is not uniform across the globe. Ingredient formulations can differ significantly depending on the country of production, mainly due to regional food regulations and sourcing. For example, the recipe used in the United States may differ from that in the United Kingdom, Australia, or other countries. This requires consumers to be vigilant and check the ingredient label of any Skittles package, especially when purchasing from international stores or traveling.
Key ingredient differences to look for:
- Gelatin: While removed from mainstream chewy Skittles in most regions, it remains a common ingredient in some limited-edition varieties or gummy versions. Always check the label on gummy candy.
- Carmine (E120): Although phased out in many places, some regions, like Australia for certain varieties, might still use shellac or carmine, both of which are insect-derived.
- Shellac: This glazing agent, also known as confectioner's glaze, is derived from the lac bug and is not vegan. It's a key ingredient to watch for in some international or specialty versions.
- Sugar Processing: Another gray area for strict vegans is sugar. Refined cane sugar is sometimes processed using bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones, to achieve a white color. While no animal product remains in the final sugar, this process is ethically objectionable to some vegans. Unless certified organic, it is impossible to know if bone char was used.
The Ongoing Ethical Debate: Beyond the Ingredients List
For many vegans, the ethical considerations extend beyond the final ingredients of a single product. The company behind Skittles, Mars, Inc., and its subsidiary, Wrigley, face scrutiny for a couple of reasons.
Palm Oil Concerns
Palm oil is a common ingredient in Skittles and is technically a plant-based product. However, its production is frequently linked to massive deforestation, habitat destruction, and the endangerment of species like orangutans. Vegans concerned with the environmental impact and animal suffering caused by palm oil cultivation may choose to avoid Skittles entirely, regardless of the absence of animal-derived ingredients in the final candy.
Animal Testing by the Parent Company
Mars, Inc., has a history of animal testing for some of its product development. While the company states that it does not conduct animal testing for the majority of its food and confectionary items, they do acknowledge sponsoring some studies involving animals. For vegans who oppose all forms of animal exploitation, supporting a company with these practices is a difficult ethical dilemma that extends beyond the individual product.
How to Tell If Your Skittles are Vegan
The best way to be certain is to carefully inspect the ingredient list on the packaging. Here is a helpful guide to some key terms:
| Ingredient to Watch For | Vegan Status | What it is | Where to find it | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | Not Vegan | Protein from animal collagen, used for texture. | Gummy varieties of Skittles; older chewy varieties. | Standard chewy Skittles haven't used this since ~2009. |
| Carmine / Cochineal (E120) | Not Vegan | Red dye from crushed cochineal insects. | Some international versions of Skittles, older recipes. | Phased out in many countries around 2015. |
| Shellac / Confectioner's Glaze | Not Vegan | Glaze from lac bug secretions. | Used in some international or specialty Skittles varieties. | Check labels carefully, especially for imported products. |
| Carnauba Wax | Vegan | Plant-based wax from carnauba palm tree leaves. | Found in mainstream chewy Skittles. | Production can still raise ethical concerns regarding sustainability. |
| Sugar | Depends on Processing | Cane sugar. | All Skittles. | Unless labeled organic, it may have been processed with bone char. |
| Natural Flavors | Depends on Source | Can come from plant or animal sources. | Mainstream Skittles. | For fruit flavors, it's generally safe to assume a plant-based source. |
Conclusion
So, are Skittles fruits vegan? For the most popular chewy varieties of Skittles sold in the US, UK, and Canada today, the answer is generally yes, as the animal-derived gelatin and carmine have been removed. However, the issue is not as clear-cut as it seems. Regional recipe differences, non-vegan gummy versions, and broader ethical concerns surrounding ingredients like palm oil and parent company practices require vegans to remain vigilant. Always read the ingredient list to ensure the specific package you hold aligns with your personal vegan standards. Ultimately, the choice to indulge in Skittles is a personal one, weighing the product's plant-based ingredients against the larger ethical implications of its production. For those seeking absolute certainty, certified vegan candies are the safest option.
