Can You Eat Skittles If You Have Celiac Disease?

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturer Mars Wrigley, all Skittles products sold in the United States are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. For those with celiac disease, however, understanding if you can eat Skittles depends on more than just the ingredients list, as cross-contamination is a significant concern.

Quick Summary

Skittles are made without gluten-containing ingredients and are considered safe for many on a gluten-free diet, but they are not certified gluten-free due to cross-contamination risks.

Key Points

Ingredient Safety: Skittles are made in the U.S. using naturally gluten-free ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and modified corn starch.
No Gluten-Free Certification: Manufacturer Mars Wrigley does not get Skittles officially certified gluten-free by third-party organizations.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The lack of certification means there is a non-zero risk of trace gluten exposure due to shared manufacturing equipment.
FDA Compliant: Skittles meet the FDA standard for gluten-free labeling (less than 20 ppm) because they contain no gluten ingredients.
Read Labels: Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change and vary by country, so always check the label.
Personal Assessment: Celiac sufferers with high sensitivity should be cautious, while those with lower sensitivity are likely safe to consume Skittles.
Flavor Inclusivity: All flavors of US-made Skittles, including Original, Sour, and Wild Berry, are produced without gluten ingredients.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Status of Skittles

For many on a gluten-free diet, candy is a welcome indulgence, but navigating the labels can be tricky. When it comes to Skittles, the answer is generally positive, but with a crucial caveat. The manufacturer, Mars Wrigley, confirms that Skittles products in the US are made without ingredients containing gluten. The ingredients, such as corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, and natural and artificial flavors, are naturally gluten-free. This applies to all major varieties, including Original, Sour, and Wild Berry. However, Mars Wrigley does not obtain official gluten-free certification for Skittles.

The Ingredients: A Safe Composition

Examining the ingredient list reveals why Skittles are considered safe for most with gluten sensitivities. The typical ingredients are:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
Modified Corn Starch (derived from corn, not wheat in the US)
Natural and Artificial Flavors
Citric Acid
Colors (e.g., Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake)
Tapioca Dextrin
Sodium Citrate
Carnauba Wax

None of these core ingredients contain gluten. This is a key distinction from candies that might use wheat-based ingredients like maltodextrin, wheat flour, or barley malt. It’s also important to note that the formula has evolved; older versions that contained gelatin are no longer common in the US, but neither version contained gluten ingredients.

Certified vs. Uncertified: What's the Difference?

The lack of official gluten-free certification is the primary point of concern for individuals with celiac disease. Here is what it means for consumers:

FDA Guideline: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that any food labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Since Skittles ingredients are naturally gluten-free, they meet this standard. Some packaging even indicates this.
Certification: Certified gluten-free products undergo third-party testing and follow stricter protocols to minimize cross-contamination, often limiting gluten to less than 10 ppm. Mars Wrigley does not participate in this program for Skittles.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response and cause significant intestinal damage. The risk of cross-contamination with Skittles arises from the manufacturing environment. While Mars Wrigley implements cleaning protocols, they also produce other products that may contain gluten. This means there is a theoretical risk that trace amounts of gluten could transfer to Skittles during production. Individuals with a high sensitivity to gluten or diagnosed celiac disease must weigh this risk carefully.

Key Considerations for Celiac Sufferers

Read the Label: Always check the ingredient list for every package you buy, as ingredients and manufacturing practices can change over time and differ by country.
Be Aware of Regional Differences: Product formulations can vary by region. For instance, a Skittles product in the US might be formulated differently than one in the UK or other parts of the world.
Assess Your Sensitivity: Your personal tolerance to trace amounts of gluten should be your guide. For those with severe reactions, non-certified products might be too risky.
Contact the Manufacturer: If you have questions about a specific product batch, contacting Mars Wrigley directly is always an option.

Comparing Skittles to Other Candies


Candy Brand	Gluten-Free Ingredients?	Certified Gluten-Free?	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Skittles	Yes	No	Possible	Generally considered safe for most, but not for the most sensitive celiacs.
Starburst	Yes	No	Possible	Similar to Skittles, made by Mars Wrigley.
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar	Yes (1.55 oz)	Labeled GF	Low	Other sizes and flavors may not be gluten-free.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups	Yes (Regular)	Labeled GF	High (Seasonal)	Seasonal shapes like eggs often have a higher cross-contamination risk.
Jelly Belly Jelly Beans	Yes	Yes	Very Low	A popular choice with a lower risk for celiac sufferers.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, whether you can safely eat Skittles with celiac disease comes down to your personal risk tolerance. While the ingredients do not contain gluten and most celiacs report no issues, the lack of official third-party certification means a risk of trace cross-contamination remains. For those with extreme sensitivity, it may be wiser to choose a candy that is explicitly certified gluten-free. For others, particularly those with less severe sensitivities, Skittles are likely a safe option, but checking the label and being aware of the manufacturing process is always recommended. For more resources on navigating a gluten-free diet, organizations like Beyond Celiac provide valuable information and guidance on food safety protocols. Beyond Celiac - Is Candy Gluten-Free?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in the United States, all flavors and varieties of Skittles, including Original, Sour, and Wild Berry, are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, they are not officially certified gluten-free.

Manufacturer Mars Wrigley chooses not to pursue third-party gluten-free certification for Skittles, meaning they do not undergo independent testing and verification of their production process.

The risk of cross-contamination is a possibility because Skittles are produced in facilities that may also process products containing gluten. Individuals with high gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should be aware of this risk.

Most people with celiac disease can safely consume Skittles because the ingredients are gluten-free and they meet FDA standards. However, those with severe sensitivities should consider the cross-contamination risk.

Yes, the ingredients and formulas for Skittles can vary significantly between different countries. Always check the packaging for the country of origin and its specific ingredient list.

An FDA 'gluten-free' product must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. A 'certified gluten-free' product has undergone voluntary third-party testing and adheres to stricter standards, often below 10 ppm, with audited manufacturing processes.

Many other candies are considered safe for celiacs, including regular Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers bars, and Tootsie Rolls. For certified options, look for brands like Enjoy Life or Jelly Belly jelly beans.