Understanding the Kosher Status of Skittles
The kosher status of any food product is determined by its ingredients, its manufacturing process, and its official certification from a reputable rabbinic authority. For years, Skittles were off-limits for kosher consumers due to the presence of gelatin, a gelling agent often derived from non-kosher animal sources. However, modern Skittles formulations have evolved significantly, prompting new certifications and making certain varieties acceptable for kosher diets. The key to determining if a specific bag of Sour Skittles is kosher lies in understanding these recent changes and how to properly verify the product.
Historical Hurdles for Skittles' Kosher Status
Historically, the two main ingredients that prevented most Skittles from being kosher were animal-derived gelatin and carmine. Gelatin, which provides the chewy texture, is traditionally made from animal parts, primarily bovine or porcine. For a product to be kosher, any gelatin used must come from a kosher animal that was slaughtered according to Jewish law, or from a plant-based source. Early Skittles did not meet this criteria. Additionally, some red food dyes, specifically carmine (or E120), were derived from cochineal insects, making the product non-kosher.
The Shift to a Gelatin-Free Formula
Around 2010, Mars, the parent company of Wrigley, reformulated many Skittles products to remove animal-derived gelatin and carmine. This marked a turning point, making the candy theoretically acceptable for kosher and vegan diets. The reformulated recipes now use plant-based ingredients like modified corn starch and other thickeners to achieve the signature chewy texture. However, the removal of non-kosher ingredients does not automatically make a product kosher. It must also be manufactured in a facility that meets strict kosher standards, with all equipment and processes overseen and approved by a kosher certification agency. This step is critical to prevent cross-contamination and ensure all ingredients are kosher.
How to Verify if Sour Skittles Are Kosher Today
Verification of kosher status is now more straightforward for certain products. The Orthodox Union (OU Kosher) has recently certified specific US-made Skittles products as kosher, including the Original Littles variety. For full-size Skittles, consumers must check the packaging for a specific printed production code to confirm their kosher status, according to an OU advisory. Similarly, in the UK, the Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD) has approved UK-made Crazy Sours Skittles and other variants, though they may not bear a specific logo on the packaging.
Here is a step-by-step guide to verifying if your Sour Skittles are kosher:
- Check the Country of Origin: Kosher certifications often apply to specific regions. Check the packaging to see if the product is US-made, UK-made, or from another country.
- Search for Certification Symbols: Look for a kosher certification symbol, such as the OU (Orthodox Union) or KLBD (Kosher London Beth Din) logo.
- Review Production Codes: For US-made products certified by the OU, check the ink-jetted production code. An advisory from OU Kosher specifies certain codes that indicate the product is certified, even if the symbol is not yet printed on the package.
- Consult Kosher Alerts: Stay updated with official kosher alerts from certification agencies like OU Kosher. These advisories provide the most current information, especially during a transition period when packaging may not yet reflect the new kosher status.
- Contact the Manufacturer: If you are unsure, the most direct approach is to contact Mars or Wrigley customer service to inquire about the kosher status of a specific product and location.
The Broader Picture: Kosher, Vegan, and Allergic Considerations
While the removal of gelatin is a win for both kosher and vegan consumers, it is important to understand the distinctions. A product can be vegan (free of animal ingredients) but not kosher, and vice versa. For example, some kosher products contain dairy, while a product can be vegan but not certified kosher if it is manufactured in a non-kosher compliant facility. The updated Skittles formulation has improved its eligibility for both groups, but certification is the ultimate deciding factor for kosher consumers. This is especially true for Sour Skittles, where certain added ingredients for the sour coating must also be kosher-certified.
Comparison of Skittles Kosher Status by Region
| Feature | US-Made Skittles (Sour) | UK-Made Skittles (Crazy Sours) | Older/Uncertified Skittles | Kosher Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | None (Vegan-friendly) | None (Vegan-friendly) | Animal-derived Gelatin | None |
| Carmine (E120) | None | None | Derived from insects | None |
| Kosher Certification | Varies; requires checking specific OU codes. | Certified by KLBD, no logo required. | Not Kosher | Certified with OU, KLBD, or other symbol |
| Certification Agency | Orthodox Union (OU) | Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD) | None | Various |
| Ingredients | Plant-based thickeners, sugar refined via bone char possible concern. | Plant-based thickeners, sugar refined via bone char possible concern. | Animal-derived ingredients, sugar refined via bone char possible concern. | May use organic or vegan-friendly sugar |
| Packaging | OU symbol or specific code on packaging required. | KLBD approved, but no logo currently required. | N/A | Look for certification symbol on package. |
Conclusion
The question, "Is Sour Skittles kosher?" now has a complex, but ultimately positive answer. As of late 2025, specific batches of US-made Sour Skittles with particular production codes are considered kosher, according to the Orthodox Union. Similarly, UK-made Crazy Sours have received approval from the KLBD. The historical barriers of gelatin and carmine have been addressed through reformulation, opening the door for broader consumption. However, the final determination rests with the individual consumer, who must verify the specific product and its certification. Always check the packaging, refer to the latest kosher advisories, and confirm with your certifying authority to ensure you are consuming a genuinely kosher product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specific Skittles products are kosher in the US now?
As of late 2025, certain US-made products, including some Sour Skittles, have been certified kosher by the Orthodox Union. You must check for a specific ink-jetted code on the package (e.g., "YRV" or "WAC" with a best-by date of June 2026 or later) to confirm certification during the transition period.
Did Skittles always contain gelatin, making them non-kosher?
Yes, for many years, Skittles included animal-derived gelatin, which made them unsuitable for kosher and vegetarian diets. However, Mars removed this ingredient from most varieties around 2010.
Why is a kosher certification important for a gelatin-free candy?
Even without animal-derived gelatin, kosher certification is necessary to ensure all other ingredients (like flavorings and colors) are kosher and that the product is manufactured on equipment that is not used for non-kosher products.
How can I be sure my Sour Skittles are kosher if the package doesn't have a symbol?
Refer to the official OU Kosher advisory. During the initial rollout, many products will not yet have the symbol printed. Checking the specific production code on the package is the required step for confirmation.
Are the Skittles Littles products also kosher?
Yes, Skittles Littles Original, produced in the US, are officially certified as OU Kosher, and no special code is needed for these products.
Are there any kosher-certified Skittles alternatives?
Yes, some brands like YumEarth make sour candies that are explicitly vegan, gluten-free, and often kosher-certified. Always look for a reputable certification symbol on the packaging.
What about UK-made Crazy Sours Skittles? Are they kosher?
Yes, the UK-made Crazy Sours, along with Fruits, Tropical, and Wild Berry flavors, were reformulated and approved as Parev by the Kosher London Beth Din (KLBD) in 2019.
Key Takeaways
- Updated Kosher Status: As of 2025, certain US-made Sour Skittles are officially certified kosher by OU Kosher, though verification via production codes is currently necessary.
- Gelatin-Free Formula: All standard chewy Skittles, including Sour varieties, no longer contain animal-derived gelatin, a significant change that opened the door for certification.
- Regional Differences: Kosher status is region-specific; UK-made Crazy Sours are approved by the KLBD, while US-made versions are certified by the OU.
- Check for Certification: Always look for an official kosher certification symbol (OU, KLBD, etc.) or refer to advisories when packaging is in transition.
- Potential Contamination Risk: While certified products are manufactured to kosher standards, be mindful that cross-contamination is a factor with any uncertified product.
- Allergy and Vegan Friendly: The new formula is also vegan-friendly, but stricter vegans may consider the use of sugar processed with bone char, though the finished candy contains no animal traces.
- Alternative Options: If uncertainty remains, several certified-kosher and vegan sour candy alternatives are available from brands like YumEarth.
