For years, a persistent rumor has floated around candy aisles and schoolyards: that Skittles contain pig fat. This concern is rooted in the fact that many candies, particularly those with a chewy texture, traditionally used gelatin, an ingredient often derived from animal collagen, including that of pigs. However, the truth about Skittles' recipe has changed significantly over time.
The History of Skittles' Ingredients
Skittles, first sold in 1974, are produced by the Wrigley Company, a division of Mars, Inc.. The original formulation did include animal-based ingredients, specifically gelatin. For consumers following vegetarian, vegan, or halal diets, this made the colorful candy an unsuitable treat. The recipe began to shift in the late 2000s, driven by a desire to expand market reach and accommodate a wider range of dietary needs.
- Gelatin's Removal: In 2009, the brand removed animal-derived gelatin from its main recipe. This was a major turning point, allowing the candy to be marketed as suitable for vegetarians and vegans in many countries. The chewy texture was recreated using a combination of modified corn starch and other plant-based alternatives.
- Carmine Dye's Removal: Beyond gelatin, older recipes also included carmine (E120), a red food coloring derived from cochineal insects. This ingredient was removed from the Skittles recipe around 2015, addressing another concern for ethical vegans and those who avoid insect-based products.
Are all Skittles free of animal products now?
While the standard versions of Skittles are free of animal products like gelatin, it is important to exercise caution. The most significant exception to the current gelatin-free standard is the gummy-based Skittles variants. These products, such as Skittles Gummies and Squishy Clouds, explicitly list gelatin in their ingredients and are therefore not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those observing halal or kosher diets. For this reason, it is always best to read the label carefully, especially for new or specialty products.
Comparison of Skittles Products
| Ingredient | Standard Skittles (Original, Wild Berry, Sour) | Skittles Gummies / Squishy Clouds |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | No | Yes |
| Sourced from | Plant-based ingredients (modified corn starch) | Animal products (typically pork) |
| Suitable for vegetarians? | Yes | No |
| Suitable for vegans? | Yes (with a note about sugar processing) | No |
| Halal compliant? | Generally yes, based on ingredients | No |
The Vegan Sugar Question
Some vegans maintain a stricter interpretation regarding the origin of certain ingredients, particularly sugar. In the United States, white cane sugar is sometimes processed using bone char, a material derived from animal bones, to achieve a whiter color. While the sugar itself contains no animal traces, some vegans avoid products that use bone-char-filtered sugar due to ethical concerns. Skittles' manufacturer, Mars, does not specify their sugar processing method, making this a point of consideration for some. Products certified organic or explicitly labeled vegan are more likely to avoid this process.
Conclusion: The Answer is in the Label
The enduring belief that Skittles contain pig fat is a myth stemming from past recipes that included animal-based ingredients like gelatin. The company proactively removed gelatin over a decade ago, making standard Skittles varieties suitable for most vegetarians, vegans, and those with halal dietary requirements. The crucial caveat is the existence of gummy versions, which do contain gelatin. For conscientious consumers, the modern solution is simple: always read the ingredient list. The product's packaging will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, preventing any dietary missteps.
Potential Outbound Link
For more information on the processing of sugar and its implications for vegan diets, you can visit PETA's resource on vegan-friendly candies.
