A History of Skittles Ingredients
Before 2009, the original Skittles recipe did indeed contain animal-derived gelatin, an ingredient commonly used in chewy candies to achieve a soft, gummy texture. For this reason, Skittles were previously unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with certain religious dietary guidelines, such as halal and kosher. However, due to growing consumer demand and a shift toward more plant-based ingredients, the manufacturer, Wrigley Company (a division of Mars, Inc.), made a significant change. They officially removed gelatin from the standard chewy candies around 2009, replacing it with a combination of modified corn starch and corn syrup.
Additionally, some international versions of Skittles, particularly in the UK, used carmine (E120) as a red food coloring until around 2015. Carmine is derived from cochineal insects, making the candy non-vegan. This ingredient has also been phased out of most modern Skittles products globally, though it's always wise to check the packaging, especially if buying a product from a different region.
Classic Chewy Skittles vs. Skittles Gummies
One of the most important distinctions to make is between the original, hard-shelled, chewy Skittles and the more recent gummy variations. The presence of gelatin depends entirely on which type you are buying.
Classic Chewy Skittles (No Gelatin)
These are the standard, bite-sized candies found in the familiar red (Original), purple (Wild Berry), and green (Sour) bags. The current ingredients for these products do not list gelatin. Instead, they use a combination of modified corn starch, corn syrup, and other plant-based ingredients to achieve their unique chewy texture. This makes them suitable for most individuals following vegetarian, vegan, and halal diets.
Skittles Gummies (Contains Gelatin)
Introduced as a separate product line, Skittles Gummies are specifically formulated to have a softer, more traditional gummy candy texture. To achieve this, the manufacturer uses gelatin in its recipe, which is derived from animal collagen. Therefore, any product labeled as 'Skittles Gummies,' 'Skittles Squishy Clouds,' or similar gummy variations are not vegan, vegetarian, or halal. This is the primary reason for confusion among consumers, as the two product lines have different ingredient lists.
Navigating Skittles for Dietary Restrictions
For those with specific dietary needs, it's essential to understand the nuances of Skittles' ingredients beyond just gelatin.
- Vegan Concerns: While the chewy varieties contain no animal-derived ingredients, some stricter vegans may still choose to avoid them due to ethical concerns. This is primarily because refined cane sugar is sometimes processed using bone char, though no animal product remains in the final sugar. The parent company, Mars, has also been known to conduct some forms of animal testing, though they state they don't test for everyday confections.
- Vegetarian Suitability: The standard, chewy Skittles are suitable for vegetarians. The manufacturer labels them as such on UK packaging, and their gelatin-free status means they fit most vegetarian guidelines.
- Halal and Kosher Status: The classic chewy Skittles are generally considered halal and kosher due to the removal of animal-derived gelatin. However, the gummies are not. Some strict observers may require third-party certification, so checking for a halal or kosher symbol on the packaging is recommended if absolute certainty is needed.
Comparison Table: Classic Skittles vs. Skittles Gummies
| Feature | Classic Chewy Skittles | Skittles Gummies |
|---|---|---|
| Contains Gelatin? | No | Yes |
| Suitable for Vegetarians? | Yes | No |
| Suitable for Vegans? | Yes, but some strict vegans avoid due to sugar processing | No |
| Suitable for Halal/Kosher? | Generally yes, but verify certification | No |
| Chewiness Source | Modified corn starch | Gelatin |
Gelatin-Free Candy Alternatives
If you are seeking other gelatin-free options, a wide variety of popular candies are made without this animal-derived ingredient. This provides ample choice for those following vegetarian, vegan, or halal diets.
- Sour Patch Kids: A classic sour candy that is entirely gelatin-free.
- Swedish Fish: The original Swedish Fish are a reliable, gelatin-free option.
- Airheads: These chewy, taffy-like candies do not contain gelatin.
- Dots: The well-known gumdrop candy is made without gelatin, making it a safe choice.
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy: These hard candies are completely gelatin-free.
Conclusion
The straightforward answer to "Does Skittles use gelatin?" is that the classic, chewy Skittles are gelatin-free, but their gummy versions are not. The parent company, Wrigley, changed the recipe for the traditional candies around 2009 to be more inclusive of vegetarians, vegans, and those with halal dietary restrictions. However, they continue to use gelatin in their separate line of gummy products. Therefore, it is crucial to always check the specific product label, especially if the packaging mentions 'gummies' or 'squishy clouds.' As candy manufacturers can vary ingredients for limited editions or regional markets, a quick look at the ingredients list is the safest way to ensure you're getting a gelatin-free sweet.
Learn more about dietary guidelines and food labeling from the Vegetarian Resource Group.
