Carmine Dye: The 'Natural' Red Coloring
Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or Natural Red 4 (E120 in Europe), is a vibrant red pigment derived from the bodies of female cochineal insects. These insects are native to tropical and subtropical America and live on prickly pear cacti. To produce the dye, the insects are dried, crushed, and treated to extract carminic acid. This process creates a stable and brilliant red color that was historically used in textiles and later became a popular food, drug, and cosmetic additive. For vegans and vegetarians, carmine's insect origin makes it an unacceptable ingredient. Some people also experience allergic reactions to carmine, with symptoms ranging from hives to anaphylactic shock.
The Shift Away from Carmine in Skittles
For many years, Skittles included carmine in its ingredient list, using it to achieve the red coloring. However, changes began in the 2000s due to consumer pressure from organizations like PETA and growing concerns from vegetarian and vegan communities.
Historical Recipe Changes
- Pre-2009 (USA): Skittles contained gelatin, carmine, and shellac (another insect-derived product).
- Circa 2009 (USA): The manufacturer reformulated the recipe, removing gelatin, carmine, and shellac to make the candy vegetarian.
- Circa 2015 (UK): The UK recipe also underwent a reformulation to remove carmine (E120) and gelatin, aligning with the growing vegan market.
This shift was a strategic decision to appeal to a wider consumer base that was increasingly concerned with animal-derived ingredients.
What Colors Skittles Now?
Modern standard chewy Skittles rely on a cocktail of artificial food colorings to achieve their famous rainbow colors. The ingredients vary slightly depending on the country, but in the United States, Red 40 is the replacement for carmine.
Current US Skittles Ingredients (Colors):
- Red: Red 40 Lake, Red 40
- Yellow: Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6
- Blue: Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1
- Whitener: Titanium Dioxide (though this has faced safety scrutiny and some reformulations may omit it).
Current UK Skittles Ingredients (Colors):
- Beetroot Red (E162): A natural colorant derived from beets.
- Anthocyanins (E163): Natural colorants found in grape skin and other plants.
- Carotenes (E160a): Plant-derived colorants.
- Curcumin (E100): From turmeric.
- Artificial Blues: Indigo carmine (E132) and Brilliant Blue (E133).
This regional difference highlights how market demands and regulatory standards influence product formulations globally. For example, some artificial dyes banned or restricted in the European Union may still be used in the United States.
Comparison: Old vs. New Skittles
To better understand the change, here is a comparison of the key ingredients and their implications for consumers.
| Feature | Old Skittles (Pre-~2015) | New Skittles (Standard Varieties) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Coloring | Carmine (Cochineal Extract, E120) | Red 40 / Red 40 Lake (US); Plant extracts (UK) |
| Animal-Derived? | Yes, contained insect products (carmine, shellac) and gelatin | No, now vegetarian and vegan-friendly |
| Allergen Risk | Higher risk for carmine-sensitive individuals | Allergic reactions to synthetic dyes can occur, but carmine is not a risk factor |
| Vegan Status | Not Vegan | Vegan (except for some special editions) |
| Market Impact | Alienated vegan, vegetarian, and religious consumers | Broadened market appeal; better public relations |
Special Editions and Cross-Contamination
While standard Skittles are now free of carmine and other animal-derived ingredients, it is crucial to remain vigilant with limited edition or specialty flavors. Historically, some special flavors have contained non-vegan ingredients. For example, some special varieties may contain gelatin or different colorants. Always check the ingredient label, especially if you are adhering to a strict vegan or vegetarian diet. Additionally, strict vegans may still avoid Skittles due to the processing of white sugar, which can sometimes involve animal bone char.
Conclusion: The Modern Skittles Recipe
In short, if you purchase a standard bag of Skittles today, you can be assured that it does not contain carmine dye. The change reflects a long-term industry trend towards more transparent and inclusive ingredient sourcing. The candy is now suitable for vegetarians and most vegans, though careful label-reading is always recommended for special varieties and those concerned about the sugar processing method.
Ingredient Sourcing and Ethical Considerations
While the elimination of carmine is a positive step for many, consumers continue to consider other ethical and environmental impacts, such as the use of palm oil, which is linked to habitat destruction. Mars, the parent company, has also been involved in animal testing for certain products, which is a factor for some vegans. The modern food landscape requires consumers to look beyond single ingredients and consider the full scope of a product's sourcing and corporate ethics. Learn more about the history and production of carmine dye at Britannica.
