The History of Cochineal Dye in Confections
For centuries, the cochineal insect, a small scale insect native to Latin America, was the source of a valuable, natural red dye known as carmine or cochineal extract. Indigenous peoples, including the Aztecs and Mayans, cultivated and harvested these insects from prickly pear cacti to create brilliant red textiles. When Spanish colonizers discovered this vibrant pigment, it became a major export to Europe, where it was highly prized.
Fast forward several centuries, and this same dye was widely used in the food industry to achieve bright red colors in candies, yogurts, and drinks. For a long time, food products containing this ingredient were not required to explicitly state its insect origin, listing it only as a generic "natural color". This changed due to consumer concerns and allergy reports, leading to clearer labeling requirements by food regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Shift Away from Cochineal
Skittles, like many other confectionery brands, once used cochineal extract to color their red candies. However, due to pressure from various groups, including animal welfare organizations and vegetarian/vegan consumers, and concerns over allergic reactions, the company eventually phased out the ingredient. According to reliable reports and ingredient lists from Skittles' manufacturer, Mars, Inc., the shift occurred around 2015. Today, the company uses synthetic colorings for its red candies, such as Red 40.
Synthetic vs. Natural Colorings
The move away from cochineal highlights a broader industry trend toward both synthetic and alternative natural colorings. While carmine is a natural dye, its animal-derived nature and potential for allergic reactions led many companies to seek alternatives. Many modern synthetic colorings are derived from petroleum and coal sources, but have been tested and approved for use by regulatory bodies. Consumers and manufacturers weigh the pros and cons of these different approaches, balancing cost, consumer preference, and potential health concerns.
The Process of Making Cochineal Dye
Creating carmine dye is a labor-intensive process. It involves several key steps:
- Harvesting: Female cochineal insects are carefully collected from their host prickly pear cacti.
- Drying: The harvested insects are dried, often in the sun, until they are reduced to a small fraction of their original weight.
- Crushing: The dried insects are then crushed into a fine powder.
- Extraction: This powder is boiled in a solution, and the resulting extract contains the active coloring agent, carminic acid.
- Purification: The extract is further processed with additives like alum to precipitate and refine the final carmine dye, which can be adjusted to create various shades of red and pink.
It takes tens of thousands of cochineal insects to produce just one pound of the dye, making the natural process resource-intensive. This high demand and labor cost, combined with consumer pushback, further incentivized the switch to cheaper, non-animal-derived alternatives.
Comparison of Carmine vs. Synthetic Red Dyes
| Feature | Carmine (Cochineal Extract) | Synthetic Red Dyes (e.g., Red 40) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural (female cochineal insect) | Artificial (derived from petroleum) |
| Historical Use | Used for centuries by indigenous cultures; commercially since 16th century | Developed in the late 19th century |
| Labeling | Explicitly labeled as "Carmine" or "Cochineal Extract" since 2009 FDA ruling | Explicitly labeled by number (e.g., Red 40) or name |
| Vegan/Vegetarian | No, as it is an animal product | Yes, as it is chemically synthesized |
| Allergic Potential | Known allergen, can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals | Generally considered safe, but some potential health concerns debated |
| Cost | More expensive due to labor-intensive production | Generally less expensive to produce at a large scale |
The Ingredients of Modern Skittles
Looking at a modern ingredients list for a pack of Skittles confirms that the company no longer uses any bug-derived colorings. The colors are now created using a combination of artificial food dyes. The list typically includes:
- Sugar
- Corn Syrup
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
- Citric Acid
- Tapioca Dextrin
- Modified Corn Starch
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Colors: A list of various synthetic dyes, including Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, and Blue 1 Lake.
- Sodium Citrate
- Carnauba Wax: A vegan-friendly wax derived from palm trees that gives the candies their shine.
Conclusion: A Bug-Free Rainbow
The popular rumor that Skittles are made with bugs is based on a historical truth that is no longer accurate. While the vibrant red color of Skittles was once derived from the cochineal insect, this practice was discontinued by the manufacturer, Mars, Inc., around 2015. Today, Skittles' signature colors, including the red, are created using synthetic food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. This change was largely driven by consumer concerns regarding allergic reactions and the demand for vegan-friendly products. The story of the cochineal bug and its use in candies highlights the evolution of food production and the increasing transparency in ingredient labeling. For those seeking to avoid insect-derived products, it is always recommended to check the ingredients list for terms like “cochineal extract” or “carmine”.
For more information on food additives and labeling, a good resource is the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
