Are UK and US Skittles Different? A Taste and Ingredient Comparison

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Over a decade ago, Skittles quietly removed gelatin from their recipe, but that was just one of many differences between international versions. A key distinction is in the use of artificial versus natural ingredients, which leads to UK and US Skittles tasting, and looking, significantly different.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Skittles sold in the United Kingdom and the United States, examining the contrasting flavors, ingredients, and texture. Key differences include the purple and red flavors, the use of artificial food dyes in the US, and the reliance on natural colorings and flavorings in the UK, affecting both taste and appearance.

Key Points

Flavor Variation: The most significant difference is the purple flavor, which is blackcurrant in the UK but grape in the US.
Coloring Discrepancy: US Skittles historically contained artificial, petroleum-derived dyes and titanium dioxide, while UK versions use natural alternatives like beetroot and grape skins.
Ingredient Safety: Stricter European regulations on food additives, including a ban on titanium dioxide, have led to healthier ingredient profiles in UK Skittles.
Taste and Texture: UK Skittles are often described as having a more natural, tart taste, a less shiny appearance, and a slightly softer shell compared to the sweeter, more vibrant US version.
Gelatin-Free Status: Both US and UK Skittles removed gelatin from their recipes over a decade ago, making them suitable for vegetarians.

The Surprising Truth About UK vs. US Skittles

Many consumers worldwide believe that the Skittles they enjoy are identical to those sold elsewhere. The reality, however, is that regional regulations, ingredient availability, and consumer preferences have led to significant differences between the versions found in the UK and the US. These disparities impact everything from the flavor profiles to the types of food colorings used, resulting in two distinct products for candy enthusiasts to compare.

Flavor Profile: Grape vs. Blackcurrant

Perhaps the most famous difference between UK and US Skittles is the flavor of the purple candy.

US Skittles: The purple Skittle in the United States is grape-flavored. This is a deliberate choice, dating back to a ban on growing blackcurrant plants in the US in the early 20th century due to a wood-destroying fungus. The artificial grape flavor is a hallmark of American candy.
UK Skittles: In the UK, the purple Skittle is blackcurrant-flavored. Blackcurrant is a very popular flavor in European sweets and beverages, and its inclusion in Skittles reflects this regional preference.

The red flavor also varies. While US Skittles feature a cherry flavor, the red UK Skittles have a more familiar strawberry taste. These flavor variations are a critical point of comparison for candy connoisseurs and have sparked many online debates and taste tests.

Ingredient List: Natural vs. Artificial

Beyond flavor, the most substantial differences lie in the ingredients, particularly the colorings and sugar sources. Due to stricter food additive regulations in the European Union, UK Skittles use more natural alternatives compared to their US counterparts.

US Skittles Ingredients

Artificial Colors: Contain synthetic, petroleum-derived dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2.
Titanium Dioxide: Until recently, US Skittles included this additive to enhance the vibrant colors.
Corn Syrup: Uses bioengineered (GMO) corn syrup as a primary sweetener.

UK Skittles Ingredients

Natural Colors: Use naturally derived colors from sources like beetroots (E162), grapes (E163), and turmeric (E100).
Titanium Dioxide-Free: Adheres to the EU ban on titanium dioxide as a food additive.
Glucose Syrup: Primarily uses glucose syrup, which is not bioengineered.

Texture and Appearance: A Tactile Difference

The ingredient changes also affect the physical properties of the candy. Taste tests and comparisons often highlight a noticeable difference in the candy's look and feel.

Key Differences

Appearance: UK Skittles generally appear lighter and less shiny than the US version. This is a direct result of using natural rather than artificial, more vibrant colorings.
Texture: The UK Skittles have been described as softer and less gritty, with a slightly thinner shell. The overall texture and chewiness can vary slightly between batches, but the difference is discernible to a discerning palate.
Sour Skittles: The approach to sour candy is also different. UK Sour Skittles have the sourness embedded inside the candy, whereas US Sour Skittles feature a powdery sour coating on the outside.

UK vs. US Skittles Comparison Table


Feature	US Skittles	UK Skittles
Purple Flavor	Artificial Grape	Blackcurrant
Red Flavor	Cherry	Strawberry
Primary Sweetener	Bioengineered Corn Syrup	Glucose Syrup
Coloring	Artificial, Petroleum-Derived (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)	Natural, Plant-Derived (e.g., Beetroot, Turmeric)
Titanium Dioxide	Removed in 2024	Excluded due to EU ban
Appearance	Bright, vibrant, shinier	Muted, lighter, less shiny
Gelatin	Gelatin-free	Gelatin-free (since 2009)
Sour Skittles	Sour powdered coating	Sour filling inside

The Importance of Regional Regulation

This discrepancy between UK and US Skittles highlights the significant impact of regional food safety regulations. The EU has a precautionary principle, where substances must be proven safe before they are used, leading to stricter rules on food additives like titanium dioxide. In contrast, the US system requires the FDA to prove a substance is unsafe before it is banned. This difference in approach has driven companies like Mars (the parent company of Skittles) to create distinct product formulations to comply with different market requirements. The recent removal of titanium dioxide from US Skittles following public pressure and evolving debates around food safety is a testament to this ongoing process. For more information on food dye differences, this Business Insider article provides a visual comparison.

Conclusion: A Rainbow of Differences

In conclusion, UK and US Skittles are far from identical. The variations in flavor—most notably grape versus blackcurrant—and the fundamental differences in ingredients, particularly the shift from artificial to natural colorings in the UK, create two distinct candy experiences. American Skittles are known for their vibrant, artificial colors and specific flavor profiles, while their UK counterparts offer a more natural, fruit-forward taste with a less intense color. This international divide is a fascinating example of how consumer demands, cultural preferences, and regulatory standards can shape even the most familiar of products.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main flavor difference is in the purple candy. UK Skittles use blackcurrant flavor, a popular fruit in Europe, while US Skittles use grape flavor. There are also differences in the red candy, which is cherry in the US but strawberry in the UK.

UK Skittles use different ingredients primarily due to stricter food safety regulations in the European Union. This includes the use of natural food colorings instead of the artificial, petroleum-derived dyes found in US versions.

Yes, classic Skittles in both the UK and US are vegan-friendly as they removed animal-derived gelatin from their recipe. However, some special or gummy versions may contain animal products, so checking the label is always advised.

Yes, Skittles manufacturer Mars confirmed that titanium dioxide was removed from the US recipe at the end of 2024. The move followed years of public pressure and the EU's ban on the substance.

Many people who have conducted taste tests report that UK Skittles have a more natural and tart flavor profile compared to US Skittles, which are often perceived as sweeter and more artificially flavored.

The blackcurrant flavor is absent from US Skittles because the growing of blackcurrant plants was banned federally in the US in the early 20th century, preventing a common flavor choice in candy.

Yes, subtle texture differences exist. UK Skittles often have a slightly thinner shell and are described as softer and less gritty than their US counterparts. The sour variations also differ, with US versions having a coated sour powder and UK versions having an internal sour filling.