The History of Bugs in Candy: Carmine and Shellac
The idea of insects in our food is unsettling for many, but for a long time, it was a normal part of food production. The claim that Skittles once contained bugs is not an urban myth but a historical fact. Specifically, two ingredients derived from insects were used in some Skittles formulations in the past: carmine and shellac.
Carmine (E120): The Red Bug Dye
Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or E120, was once responsible for the iconic red color of red Skittles. This crimson food dye is created from the crushed and boiled bodies of female cochineal insects, a species of scale insect that lives on cactus plants. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated in 2006 that foods containing cochineal must list it by name on the ingredients label, a move prompted by concerns over allergic reactions. Following consumer demand and pressure from animal welfare groups, Skittles eliminated carmine from its recipe around 2009 in the US and a few years later in the UK.
Shellac (E904): The Lac Bug's Coating
Besides color, Skittles' classic glossy coating also used to have an insect-derived origin. Shellac, also known as confectioner's glaze, is a resin secreted by the female lac bug. This substance was used to create the shiny, hard exterior of the candies. Much like carmine, this ingredient was also removed from the Skittles recipe to make the product suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Shellac remains a common ingredient in many other confections and glazes, though Skittles now use a plant-based alternative.
The Shift to Vegan-Friendly Ingredients
The major shift in Skittles' formula is a direct response to consumer demands for more ethical and allergen-friendly products. By removing gelatin (a decade ago) and both carmine and shellac, the standard varieties of Skittles have become suitable for most vegans and vegetarians.
Modern Skittles Ingredients: What Replaced the Bugs?
Today's Skittles use a completely different set of ingredients to achieve the same vibrant colors and classic finish. The insect-derived substances have been replaced with a mix of artificial colors and plant-based waxes.
Comparison of Old vs. New Skittles Ingredients
| Ingredient Purpose | Pre-2009 (Some Regions) | Current Formulation (Standard Varieties) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Coloring | Carmine (E120) derived from cochineal insects. | Artificial colors like Red 40 Lake and Red 40, which are petroleum-derived. |
| Glossy Coating | Shellac (E904) derived from lac bug secretions. | Carnauba Wax (E903) derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm. |
| Chewy Texture | Gelatin derived from animal collagen. | Modified corn starch, a plant-based gelling agent. |
What are the New Ingredients?
- Artificial Colors: For their vibrant rainbow, Skittles now use synthetic dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2. While these are not derived from bugs, some consumers have concerns about their potential health effects, leading to varied regulations worldwide.
- Carnauba Wax: The shiny exterior is now achieved with carnauba wax, also known as Brazil wax. This is a wax harvested from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree and is a plant-based, vegan-friendly alternative to shellac.
- Other Ingredients: The formulation still relies on a base of sugar, corn syrup, citric acid, and other standard confectionery ingredients. The move away from gelatin and bug-derived ingredients has made the core product more inclusive for different dietary needs.
Conclusion: Navigating Modern Food Labels
The rumor that Skittles contain bugs is based on older, now-outdated recipes that utilized carmine and shellac. Modern, mainstream varieties of Skittles no longer use these insect-derived ingredients. This shift reflects a broader trend in the food industry toward greater transparency and the use of synthetic or plant-based alternatives to satisfy changing consumer preferences and dietary needs. For those with vegan, vegetarian, or kosher diets, this change is a welcome one. However, it is always wise for consumers with strict dietary restrictions or severe allergies to read ingredient lists, as limited edition flavors and international versions can sometimes differ from the standard formulation. The current Skittles ingredients, which you can often find listed on the official website, confirm their move away from bug-derived components, allowing most people to 'Taste the Rainbow' without worry.
Is there an ethical concern beyond bug-derived ingredients?
While the elimination of carmine and shellac addressed one set of ethical concerns, some vegans still debate consuming Skittles due to the potential for palm oil production and the fact that the parent company, Mars, has engaged in animal testing in other areas of its business. This is an issue that goes beyond just the ingredients and relates to the wider corporate practices and sustainability issues.
