The Truth Behind the Beetle Rumor
The long-standing rumor that Skittles contain beetles stems from the candy's original ingredient list, which included insect-derived additives for both color and shine. However, the company has since changed its formulation to align with growing consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Understanding the difference between past and present ingredients is key to separating fact from fiction.
The Ingredient That Fueled the Myth: Carmine
The bright red dye in many foods and cosmetics was once carmine, a crimson pigment extracted from cochineal insects. These small, scale insects live on prickly pear cacti in Central and South America. To produce the dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and crushed to release carminic acid, which is then processed into the red pigment. Before 2009, Skittles used carmine, officially listed as Cochineal Extract (or E120 in Europe), for their red candies. This practice is the primary source of the rumors about 'beetles' being used in the candy.
Another Insect-Derived Ingredient: Confectioner's Glaze
Another insect-derived ingredient historically used in Skittles was shellac, also known as confectioner's glaze. Shellac is a resinous wax secreted by the female lac insect (Kerria lacca), native to forests in India and Thailand. This glaze is applied to candies and other food products to give them a glossy, protective outer coating. However, like carmine, Skittles have since removed shellac from their recipe in favor of a plant-based alternative.
The Modern Skittles Recipe
Today, the ingredient list for classic Skittles in the United States reflects a clear shift towards non-animal derived additives. This change was largely prompted by consumer pressure and a desire to be more inclusive of different dietary needs. The current formulation uses artificial colors and plant-based alternatives to achieve the same visual and textural properties.
Current Ingredients Used in US Classic Skittles
- Sugar and Corn Syrup: Provide sweetness and the chewy base.
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil: Keeps the oil solid at room temperature.
- Modified Corn Starch: Acts as a binder to hold the candy's ingredients together.
- Artificial Flavors: Replicate the fruity tastes.
- Artificial Colors: A variety of colors derived from petroleum, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1, create the vibrant rainbow.
- Carnauba Wax: A plant-based wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm that provides the glossy finish.
The Exception: Skittles Gummies
While the classic chewy Skittles are free of animal products, consumers should be aware of a key exception. Skittles gummies, a more recent product line, contain gelatin. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen and is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. It is crucial for those with dietary restrictions to check the ingredient list of any specific Skittles product, especially limited editions or variations, as the formulation can differ.
Natural vs. Artificial Coloring and Glaze
The switch from natural insect-derived ingredients to artificial and plant-based alternatives has several implications for food manufacturers and consumers. The following table compares the characteristics of these different additives.
| Feature | Carmine (Insect-Derived) | Red 40 (Artificial) | Shellac (Insect-Derived) | Carnauba Wax (Plant-Based) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cochineal beetles | Petroleum | Lac beetles | Carnauba palm leaves |
| Color | Bright, vibrant red | Vibrant, consistent red | Transparent, glossy coating | Transparent, glossy coating |
| Stability | Relatively stable, but can degrade with light | Highly stable against light, heat, and pH | Highly durable and water-resistant | Highly durable and water-resistant |
| Cost | Can be more expensive due to complex harvesting | Generally less expensive to produce | Moderate, depends on processing | Varies, but often cost-effective |
| Labeling | Carmine, Cochineal Extract, E120 | Red 40, Allura Red AC | Confectioner's Glaze, E904 | Carnauba Wax, E903 |
| Dietary Suitability | Not vegan or vegetarian | Vegan and vegetarian friendly | Not vegan or vegetarian | Vegan and vegetarian friendly |
Common Foods Still Using Carmine or Shellac
Although Skittles no longer use insect-derived ingredients, many other popular food products still do. For those who wish to avoid them, checking the ingredient label is the best practice. Some products that may contain carmine or shellac include:
- Yogurt and dairy products: Some strawberry, cherry, or raspberry flavored yogurts use carmine for coloring.
- Other candies: Certain jelly beans, candy corn, and chocolates often use confectioner's glaze (shellac) for shine.
- Red beverages: Some fruit juices and sports drinks may still use carmine for their red color.
- Glazed baked goods: Donuts, cakes, and other pastries may use confectioner's glaze.
- Certain cosmetics: Many red and pink lipsticks and blushes contain carmine.
Conclusion: A Rainbow Without Bugs
The myth that Skittles contain beetles is rooted in historical facts, but it is no longer true for the classic chewy varieties. By switching from insect-derived carmine and shellac to artificial colors and plant-based wax, Skittles have adapted to meet changing consumer preferences. However, consumers, especially those following vegetarian or vegan diets, should remain vigilant by checking the ingredient lists of all candy products, including specific Skittles variations like gummies, as some may still contain animal-derived ingredients like gelatin. For those who prefer a completely animal-free diet, plenty of alternative treats exist to satisfy a sweet craving.
Vegan.com offers comprehensive guides for navigating animal-derived ingredients and cruelty-free alternatives, including information on carmine and other food additives.
