Deciphering the Ingredient List
To understand the nutritional impact of Skittles gummies, one must first break down the official ingredient list. The primary components are listed first, indicating they are present in the highest quantities. For Original Skittles Gummies, the core ingredients include corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, and gelatin. Following these, the list contains various additives present in lesser quantities (less than 2% of the total product weight).
The Sweet and the Sticky: Base Ingredients
- Corn Syrup and Sugar: These are the main sweeteners and a primary source of the product's high sugar content. Corn syrup, specifically, is a syrup made from cornstarch used to sweeten and thicken the gummies. The high added sugar content is the primary reason Skittles gummies are categorized as an ultra-processed food with minimal nutritional value.
- Modified Corn Starch: This acts as a thickener and gelling agent, contributing to the gummies' signature chewy texture.
- Water: A basic component for forming the gummy consistency.
- Gelatin: This is a gelling agent derived from animal collagen, typically from cows or pigs. Its presence means Skittles gummies are not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher diets. This is a key distinction from original, crunchy Skittles, which famously removed gelatin from their recipe years ago.
Flavor and Color Additives: The 'Less Than 2%' Group
This category contains the ingredients that give Skittles gummies their distinctive fruity flavors and vibrant colors.
Acids for Tartness
- Citric Acid and Malic Acid: These organic acids are naturally found in fruits and are added to provide the tangy, sour flavor profile.
- Fumaric Acid, Lactic Acid, and Calcium Lactate: These are typically found in the Sour Skittles Gummies variety, adding an extra level of tartness.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: These are complex mixtures of chemicals used to create the various fruity flavors. The specific makeup is a proprietary trade secret.
Artificial Colors
- Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1): These synthetic food dyes are used to create the vibrant colors of the gummies. They have been a subject of debate due to potential health concerns, including links to hyperactivity in some children. While some candies in Europe have banned certain colors, they remain in the US formula. In 2025, Mars announced plans to offer options free of FD&C colors in some products, but this change is ongoing and product-specific.
The Coating
- Sunflower Oil and Carnauba Wax: These are used as a glazing agent to give the gummies a shiny finish and prevent them from sticking together. Carnauba wax is plant-based, derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm.
Nutritional Breakdown and Health Implications
A quick glance at the nutritional information confirms that Skittles gummies are a treat, not a source of valuable nutrition. A serving size (around 14-15 pieces) contains roughly 90-100 calories and 18-20 grams of sugar, all from added sugars.
Health considerations associated with Skittles gummies include:
- High Sugar Intake: Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to weight gain, an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily added sugar intake, and a single serving of these gummies can contribute a significant percentage toward that limit.
- Ultra-Processed Nature: Ultra-processed foods often contain high levels of added sugar, unhealthy fats, and sodium while lacking essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Studies suggest a link between a high intake of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
- Food Additives: Concerns around synthetic colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 persist, particularly regarding their effects on children's behavior.
- Dietary Restrictions: The use of gelatin makes this product unsuitable for vegans, vegetarians, and those with certain religious dietary restrictions.
Comparison: Original vs. Sour Skittles Gummies
| Feature | Original Skittles Gummies | Sour Skittles Gummies |
|---|---|---|
| Sweeteners | Corn Syrup, Sugar | Corn Syrup, Sugar |
| Gelling Agent | Gelatin, Modified Corn Starch | Gelatin, Modified Corn Starch |
| Acids for Flavor | Citric Acid, Malic Acid | Fumaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Calcium Lactate, Citric Acid, Malic Acid |
| Main Colors | Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 | Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1 |
| Coating | Sunflower Oil, Carnauba Wax | None listed (flavor from acids) |
| Target Audience | Sweet, fruity candy lovers | Fans of extra-sour flavors |
Conclusion
Understanding what ingredients are in Skittles gummies reveals a product designed for taste and texture rather than nutritional benefit. Dominated by added sugars and artificial additives, they are best viewed as an occasional treat in an otherwise balanced nutrition diet. Key takeaways include the high sugar content, the use of animal-derived gelatin, and the presence of synthetic food dyes. For those with dietary restrictions or health goals related to processed foods, reading the label and opting for whole-food snacks or alternatives is a more nutritious choice.
For more detailed information on food additives and their impacts, consult the Environmental Working Group's food database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What ingredients are in Skittles gummies that are high in sugar? A: The two primary ingredients in Skittles gummies that contribute to its high sugar content are corn syrup and sugar, which are listed first on the ingredient list.
Q: Do Skittles gummies contain gelatin? A: Yes, Skittles gummies contain gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen. This makes them unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal diets.
Q: Are Skittles gummies considered ultra-processed? A: Yes, Skittles gummies are classified as an ultra-processed food by organizations like the EWG due to their high sugar, low nutritional value, and use of various additives.
Q: Why are artificial colors like Red 40 used in Skittles gummies? A: Artificial colors are used to give the gummies their vibrant, eye-catching appearance. However, some have raised health concerns, particularly regarding potential links to hyperactivity in children.
Q: Do Skittles gummies have any nutritional value? A: No, Skittles gummies offer minimal nutritional value. They are high in calories and added sugar, with no significant amount of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Q: Are there different ingredients in Sour Skittles Gummies? A: Yes, Sour Skittles Gummies include additional acids like fumaric acid, lactic acid, and calcium lactate to achieve their distinctively sour flavor profile, alongside the standard gummy ingredients.
Q: What is carnauba wax and is it safe to eat? A: Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax derived from palm leaves. It is used as a glazing agent to give the gummies a shiny coating and is considered non-toxic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
