A History of Skittles and Carmine
For many years, the iconic red Skittles were colored with carmine, a red dye derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal scale insects. This natural colorant, also known by the code E120 or Natural Red 4, was a staple in many food and cosmetic products due to its vibrant, stable color. However, its animal-derived nature made Skittles unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians. The shift away from carmine was part of a larger trend in the food industry to address evolving consumer preferences and dietary considerations.
The Change to Vegan-Friendly Ingredients
Beginning around 2015, the manufacturer of Skittles, Mars, began phasing out carmine from its products, replacing it with artificial colorings. The move was a response to growing consumer demand for more transparent and ethically sourced ingredients. The change meant that for the first time, classic Skittles could be considered vegan-friendly, as they also removed gelatin—another animal-derived ingredient—more than a decade prior. The current red coloring is derived from Red 40 Lake, a petroleum-based artificial dye.
What Exactly Is Carmine?
Carmine is created from carminic acid, a compound found in the bodies of female cochineal insects. To produce the pigment, the insects are harvested from prickly pear cacti, dried, and then crushed and boiled. It is an efficient and long-lasting dye, which is why it was used for centuries. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate its use, but it has caused allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals. The insect origin of the dye is the primary reason it is not considered vegan.
Natural vs. Artificial Dyes: A Comparison
When Skittles switched from carmine to artificial colors like Red 40, they joined a long-running debate in the food industry. Natural dyes, while appealing to some consumers, can have drawbacks, such as higher cost and lower stability when exposed to light and heat. Artificial dyes, though synthesized in a lab, offer greater consistency and vibrant, long-lasting colors.
| Feature | Carmine (E120) | Red 40 (Allura Red AC) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Cochineal scale insects | Petroleum-based chemical synthesis |
| Vegan Status | No | Yes (typically) |
| Vibrancy | Stable, rich red color | Stable, bright red color |
| Cost | More expensive due to natural harvesting | More cost-effective for mass production |
| Allergy Concerns | Known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people | Potential for allergic reactions, but generally safe for most |
| Labeling (US) | Requires specific labeling (e.g., "carmine") | Declared as "Red 40" or "Red 40 Lake" |
What to Look for on the Label
If you want to ensure your candy is free of carmine, the ingredients list is your most important tool. For modern Skittles, you can expect to see listings like "Red 40," "Red 40 Lake," "Yellow 5," and "Yellow 6". Conversely, you will not find "carmine," "cochineal extract," or the code "E120" listed on the packaging for standard Skittles sold in most regions. Reading the ingredients is especially important for limited-edition Skittles or other candy products, as formulations can vary.
Broader Ethical Considerations
While Skittles have removed carmine, some ethically-minded consumers have other considerations. The candy contains ingredients like palm oil, whose production can be linked to environmental and animal welfare issues. Additionally, Skittles is owned by Mars, a company with a history that some vegans may find ethically questionable. These factors are a matter of personal choice for consumers when deciding which products align with their values.
Conclusion: No Carmine in Modern Skittles
The short answer is no, Skittles do not contain carmine in their current formulation, having replaced the insect-derived dye with artificial colors years ago. This change was a direct response to consumer demand for more vegan-friendly and transparent ingredients. While the modern candy is now free of both carmine and gelatin, consumers with strict ethical guidelines may wish to consider other ingredients like palm oil and the practices of the parent company, Mars. The change in Skittles' recipe highlights the significant influence consumers can have on corporate practices and the food industry as a whole.
For more information on carmine and food coloring, visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
What to Know About Carmine and Skittles
- Modern Skittles are carmine-free: The red dye derived from cochineal insects was removed from the recipe around 2015.
- Red 40 is the replacement: Artificial colors, specifically Red 40, are used for the red color in contemporary Skittles.
- The change was for dietary reasons: This ingredient update was made in part to make Skittles a vegetarian-friendly product.
- Carmine is an insect-derived dye: Carmine is produced from the crushed bodies of cochineal insects and is not vegan.
- Always check the label: While classic Skittles are now carmine-free, it's wise to check ingredients on limited-edition flavors or other candy to be certain.
