The History of Bugs in Candy
For decades, two key bug-derived ingredients were commonly used in the food industry to achieve bright colors and a glossy finish: carmine and shellac. For consumers with vegetarian, vegan, or certain religious diets, this posed a significant obstacle. Skittles, among other candies, utilized these ingredients until fairly recently.
Carmine: The Cochineal Connection
Before 2015, the vibrant red color in red Skittles came from an ingredient called carmine, also known as cochineal extract or Natural Red 4. Carmine is a pigment extracted from the dried, ground-up bodies of female cochineal insects. These insects, native to Mexico and South America, live on prickly pear cacti. To create the red dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and then crushed. The resulting carminic acid is treated with aluminum salts to create a stable, brilliant red dye.
Shellac: The Lac Bug's Contribution
The second bug-derived ingredient was shellac, or confectioner's glaze, which was used to give Skittles their shiny, hard outer coating. Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug, which is found in the forests of India and Thailand. The resin is harvested from tree branches and processed into flakes, which are then dissolved in alcohol to create a liquid glaze. This is the same shellac used in furniture polish, although it is processed differently for food-grade applications.
Why Skittles Are Now Bug-Free
Around 2015, Mars, the parent company of Skittles, made a significant change to the candy's formula. Driven by rising concerns from animal welfare organizations and the growing vegan and vegetarian consumer market, the company removed both carmine and shellac from its ingredients. This decision was influenced by the desire to make the product more broadly accessible and ethical.
The new ingredients are:
- Artificial Colors: Instead of carmine, the red color in modern Skittles comes from artificial dyes like Red 40 Lake, a petroleum-based color additive. Other colors are achieved using different artificial dyes.
- Carnauba Wax: The glossy finish is now achieved with carnauba wax, a plant-based wax from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree. This change ensured the final product would be suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The Vegan Verdict
For a brief period after the removal of gelatin but before the switch from carmine, Skittles were vegetarian but not vegan. With the removal of all bug-derived ingredients and gelatin, classic Skittles sold in most regions are now considered vegan-friendly. However, it is always wise to check the packaging, especially for limited-edition or regionally specific versions, as recipes can vary. Palm oil is still used in Skittles, and some vegans avoid it due to environmental concerns, but it is not an animal product.
Comparison Table: Ingredients in Skittles (Past vs. Present)
| Ingredient | Old Formulation (Pre-~2015) | Modern Formulation (Post-~2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Color | Carmine (from cochineal insects) | Red 40 Lake (petroleum-based artificial color) |
| Glossy Coating | Shellac (from lac bugs) | Carnauba Wax (plant-based) |
| Other Animal Products | Gelatin (in older versions) | None (classic versions) |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan (contained carmine and gelatin) | Vegan-friendly (uses plant-based wax and artificial colors) |
What to Look for on Labels
To avoid bug-derived ingredients in other products, learn to read food labels carefully. Key terms to watch for include:
- Cochineal Extract: The source of carminic acid for red dyes.
- Carmine: A red pigment derived from cochineal insects.
- Natural Red 4: Another name for carmine/cochineal.
- Confectioner's Glaze: The term for shellac when used as a food coating.
- Shellac: The resin from lac bugs.
Conclusion
While the rumor that Skittles have bugs in them stems from a real historical use of bug-derived ingredients, the candy is now bug-free. The company reformulated its classic recipe to meet consumer demands for vegan-friendly products, replacing animal-derived carmine and shellac with artificial colors and plant-based carnauba wax. For those concerned about animal products in their diet, understanding food labels is a valuable skill, as many other candies and products may still contain these or similar animal-derived ingredients. The history of Skittles serves as a great example of how dietary concerns and ethical considerations can drive meaningful changes in the food industry.
