For years, candy enthusiasts following vegetarian or vegan diets celebrated the reformulation of classic Skittles, which saw the removal of animal-based gelatin around 2010. This change made the famously fruity candies accessible to a wider audience. However, the introduction of Skittles gummies has brought back the need for label-checking, as these soft, chewy candies have a different ingredient list. The short and direct answer is that yes, Skittles gummies contain animal-derived gelatin, a fact confirmed by the ingredient labels on various product packages.
The Ingredients: A Tale of Two Candies
To understand why some Skittles products contain gelatin and others do not, it is important to examine the ingredients of each variety. The difference lies in the specific additives used to create their unique textures.
Original Skittles (No Gelatin)
The familiar crunchy-shelled candies rely on plant-based ingredients for their chewy consistency. The key ingredients include:
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- Citric acid
- Modified corn starch
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Colors sourced from petroleum
- Tapioca dextrin and Carnauba wax
As you can see, no gelatin is present in the standard U.S. version of original Skittles, making them suitable for most vegan and vegetarian diets, though some strict vegans may have concerns about sugar processing or palm oil sourcing.
Skittles Gummies (Contains Gelatin)
In contrast, the softer, chewier gummies explicitly list gelatin among their ingredients. This animal byproduct is the component that provides the signature soft, jiggly texture. Ingredients for Skittles gummies typically include:
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Modified corn starch
- Water
- Gelatin
- Citric acid and malic acid
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Colors
- Carnauba wax
The inclusion of gelatin means these gummies are not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or halal diets. The ingredient is derived from animal collagen, typically from cows or pigs.
Comparison Table: Original Skittles vs. Skittles Gummies
To make the distinction clear, the following table highlights the key differences in formulation:
| Feature | Original Skittles | Skittles Gummies |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | No (removed around 2010) | Yes (contains animal-derived gelatin) |
| Texture | Chewy, with a hard candy shell | Soft, pliable, and rubbery |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Suitable for most, with caveats on sugar processing and palm oil | Unsuitable due to gelatin |
| Halal | Likely suitable, but always check for regional variations | Unsuitable due to gelatin |
| Key Gelling Agent | Modified corn starch | Gelatin |
Dietary Implications for Skittles Gummies
The presence of gelatin has significant consequences for those with specific dietary needs.
- Vegetarians: A vegetarian diet excludes meat and poultry, and gelatin is a byproduct of the meat industry, making Skittles gummies off-limits.
- Vegans: A vegan diet excludes all animal products and byproducts. Since gelatin is derived from animal collagen, it is not considered vegan.
- Halal: For followers of Islam, a halal diet forbids the consumption of products derived from certain animals, including pigs, and animals not slaughtered according to specific rites. Since the source of gelatin is not always specified and can be porcine, Skittles gummies are not considered halal.
The Importance of Reading Labels
This discrepancy between different product lines highlights the critical importance of reading ingredient lists, especially for candies from the same brand. Formulations can change over time and vary significantly by country or product type. A product you've assumed is safe may have a counterpart that isn't, and vice versa. Special editions or regional versions of Skittles could have entirely different ingredient profiles, so vigilance is key.
Finding Alternative Gummy Candies
For those who love the chewy texture of gummies but need to avoid animal-derived ingredients, there are many excellent alternatives available. The candy industry has increasingly adopted plant-based gelling agents to cater to vegetarian, vegan, and halal consumers. Some common substitutes for gelatin in gummy candies include:
- Pectin: A naturally occurring starch found in fruits, commonly used to make jams and jellies.
- Agar-agar: A jelly-like substance made from seaweed, which is a strong and effective gelling agent.
- Modified Starches: Similar to what is used in original Skittles, these can provide a chewy texture.
- Carrageenan: Another seaweed extract used for thickening and gelling.
Exploring candies that are explicitly labeled as vegan, vegetarian, or halal is the safest bet for finding a suitable treat. For further research on avoiding gelatin in candy, check out this guide from Treehugger: Are Skittles Vegan? The Vegan's Guide to Skittles.
Conclusion
The question "Are Skittles gummies have gelatin?" has a clear answer: yes, they do. While the original Skittles candy is gelatin-free, the gummy version explicitly lists this animal-derived ingredient, making them unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those following a halal diet. This is a crucial distinction for consumers and serves as a powerful reminder to always check the specific product's ingredient list before consumption, regardless of brand reputation or previous experience with other products in their line.
