Do Skittles Contain Citric Acid? An In-depth Ingredient Analysis

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the official ingredients list, Skittles do contain citric acid. This common food additive is used to provide the signature tangy, sour flavor found in many candies, as well as to act as a preservative. Its presence is standard in confectionery to balance sweetness and prolong shelf life.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Skittles' ingredients confirms the inclusion of citric acid. The additive contributes to the product's tart flavor and acts as a preservative. Manufactured citric acid is typically derived from a fungus, a process that is generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It is found in many processed foods and has both culinary and dental health implications.

Key Points

Contains Citric Acid: Skittles' official ingredient list explicitly includes citric acid for its flavor and preservative properties.
Provides Tart Flavor: Citric acid is responsible for the sour, tangy, and fruity taste that complements the sweetness of Skittles.
Preservative Function: The acidic nature of citric acid helps to prevent microbial growth, extending the product's shelf life.
Manufactured from Mold: The citric acid in mass-produced candy is not from fruit but is fermented using a fungus called Aspergillus niger.
Dental Health Concerns: Frequent consumption of citric acid-heavy candy can erode tooth enamel over time due to its high acidity.
FDA-Approved as Safe: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes manufactured citric acid as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS).
Widespread Use: Citric acid is a versatile and common ingredient found in thousands of products, including cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Risk for Sensitivities: A very small number of individuals with mold sensitivities might have adverse reactions to manufactured citric acid, though the risk is minimal.

A Look at the Purpose of Citric Acid in Skittles

Citric acid, a weak organic acid, serves several functions in the production of Skittles and other candies. Its primary role is to provide the sour, tangy flavor that gives Skittles their distinctive fruity profile. This ingredient helps to create the 'taste the rainbow' experience by balancing the intense sweetness of the sugar and corn syrup. The second major purpose is preservation. Citric acid acts as a natural preservative by lowering the pH level of the candy, which helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and prolongs the product's freshness.

How is Citric Acid Made for Skittles?

While citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits like lemons and limes, the version used in mass-produced candies like Skittles is manufactured. The industrial process involves using a fungus, specifically Aspergillus niger (a type of black mold), to ferment a sugar medium such as corn starch or molasses. This fermentation process is a highly efficient and cost-effective way to produce the large quantities of citric acid required for the food industry. After the fermentation is complete, the citric acid is purified and crystallized into a powder form before being added to products.

Manufactured vs. Natural Citric Acid

It is important to distinguish between naturally occurring citric acid and the manufactured version. While the chemical structure is identical, some people report sensitivities to the manufactured form, which may be linked to mold residues.


Feature	Naturally Occurring Citric Acid	Manufactured Citric Acid
Source	Citrus fruits (lemons, limes) and other fruits.	Fermentation of sugars using a fungus (Aspergillus niger).
Processing	Extracted and purified from fruit juice.	Produced via industrial fermentation, then isolated and refined.
Antioxidant Properties	Has antioxidant benefits when consumed as part of fruit.	Does not typically possess antioxidant properties in the same way as natural fruit.
Availability	Dependent on agricultural supply.	Produced year-round at a consistent, industrial scale.
Allergies	Generally safe, unless an individual has a specific citrus allergy.	Some individuals with mold sensitivities may experience adverse reactions.

Potential Health Considerations of Citric Acid in Candy

For the vast majority of consumers, the amount of citric acid in Skittles is not a cause for concern. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified manufactured citric acid as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use as a food additive. However, as with many additives, moderation is key.

Impact on Dental Health

One of the most significant health considerations relates to dental health. Citric acid is a powerful acid, and frequent or prolonged consumption of acidic candies like Skittles can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends that individuals consume foods containing citric acid in moderation. To minimize dental damage, they also suggest rinsing your mouth with water after eating highly acidic candies to help neutralize the acid.

Mold Sensitivities

While rare, a small percentage of the population with severe mold allergies might be sensitive to manufactured citric acid, which is produced using the black mold Aspergillus niger. The final product is highly purified, but trace mold residues could potentially trigger a reaction in extremely sensitive individuals. For most, this is not an issue, but it is worth noting for those with heightened sensitivities.

Digestive Issues

For some people, consuming high quantities of manufactured citric acid has been linked to mild digestive discomfort, including upset stomach, though this is not a widespread issue and is often linked to very large intakes rather than typical consumption.

The Role of Citric Acid Beyond Candy

Citric acid's utility extends far beyond just flavoring candy. It is a versatile compound used in numerous applications, including:

Food Preservation: Added to canned fruits and vegetables to protect against botulism.
Cosmetics: Used as a pH adjuster in skin care products, body washes, and shampoos.
Cleaning Products: Acts as a chelating agent to bind to metal ions, making it effective for removing limescale and in laundry detergents.
Pharmaceuticals: Used to stabilize and preserve medications, and in mineral supplements to enhance absorption.
Antioxidant: Naturally occurring citric acid found in fresh citrus fruits acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from free radical damage.

This widespread use highlights citric acid's importance in modern manufacturing and chemistry, demonstrating its functional properties beyond its taste profile in products like Skittles.

Conclusion: A Key Ingredient with Minor Caveats

Yes, Skittles do contain citric acid. This ingredient is deliberately included to provide the candy's characteristic fruity, tangy flavor and to act as a preservative. For the average consumer, manufactured citric acid is considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, and it is a fundamental component of countless processed foods and other products. While the inclusion of citric acid is standard, mindful consumption is recommended, especially concerning dental health, due to its acidic nature. Individuals with known mold sensitivities should be aware of the manufacturing process, but the risk of reaction is generally very low. Ultimately, the presence of citric acid is a routine aspect of creating the familiar 'Taste the Rainbow' experience. For a deeper dive into the science behind this ingredient, consult a source like Healthline's detailed article on citric acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Citric acid is used in Skittles for two main reasons: it provides the candy's characteristic tangy, sour fruit flavor and acts as a preservative to extend its shelf life.

While citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, the citric acid used in most processed foods like Skittles is a manufactured version created through the fermentation of sugars with a fungus called Aspergillus niger.

For the majority of people, manufactured citric acid is considered safe for consumption and is designated as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA. However, as with all additives, it is best consumed in moderation.

Yes, frequent consumption of acidic candies, including Skittles, can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel over time. Dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with water after eating to help neutralize the acid.

The manufactured citric acid used in Skittles is made using a mold (Aspergillus niger). Although the final product is highly purified, people with severe mold sensitivities should be aware of this, though the risk of a reaction is very low for most individuals.

Many candies contain citric acid, especially sour varieties. This includes products like Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, and other fruity-flavored chewy and hard candies that rely on a tart or tangy taste.

No, citric acid is not the same as vitamin C (ascorbic acid). While both are organic acids found in citrus fruits, they are distinct compounds with different chemical structures and uses.