The Carmine Story: A History of Natural Red
For centuries, carmine—also known as cochineal extract, Natural Red 4, or E120—has been a valuable natural dye. Its vibrant crimson hue is derived from the crushed bodies of the female Dactylopius coccus insect, which lives on prickly pear cacti native to Latin America. Indigenous peoples were the first to harvest these insects to create brilliant pigments for textiles and art. After the Spanish conquest, cochineal became one of Mexico's most valuable exports, rivaling even silver, and was eventually used globally to color everything from textiles to cosmetics and food. The dye's intensity and resistance to degradation made it a superior choice for a wide range of applications.
The process of creating carmine involves drying the female cochineal insects, crushing them, and boiling the material to extract carminic acid. This acid is then treated with other substances to create the final, stable red pigment used in manufacturing. For decades, this included some versions of Skittles, which used carmine to achieve their bright red color.
The Skittles and Carmine Controversy: A Shift in Consumer Preference
The use of carmine came under scrutiny from consumers, particularly those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, who objected to its insect origin. Ethical and animal welfare concerns, combined with a rising demand for transparency in food labeling, prompted food manufacturers to reassess their ingredients. The pressure from animal welfare groups and the growing vegan movement played a significant role. Additionally, some people experience severe allergic reactions to carmine, though this is rare, which also factored into the decision to remove it.
In response to this consumer pressure, Mars, the parent company of Skittles, announced its intention to move away from artificial colors in its products. As a result, starting around 2015, Skittles removed carmine and gelatin from its recipes in many markets, making them suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. While older stock containing carmine could still be found for a time, modern Skittles are now manufactured using alternative ingredients. This change highlights the power of consumer demand in shaping food industry practices and the ingredients we consume.
Modern Skittles: New Ingredients, New Concerns
With carmine's removal, modern Skittles replaced the natural red dye with artificial, petroleum-derived colors. The ingredient list now includes a variety of dyes, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1, to create the iconic rainbow of colors. While synthetic dyes offer consistent color and are less expensive, they have also faced scrutiny. Some studies have linked certain artificial food dyes to hyperactivity in children, leading to warnings in some regions and bans in others. For example, the EU requires a warning label on food containing certain artificial dyes, and has banned others outright.
In addition to food colorings, other ingredients raise dietary and environmental concerns. The shiny outer coating on Skittles comes from carnauba wax, a plant-based substance derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree. However, production of ingredients like palm oil and carnauba wax has been associated with environmental issues, including deforestation and habitat loss. In a more recent development, Mars also quietly removed titanium dioxide, another controversial color additive, from US Skittles in late 2024, following a class-action lawsuit and concerns about its safety.
Alternative Dyes and Reading Ingredient Labels
For those seeking alternatives to both insect-derived and artificial dyes, many natural options exist. Plant-based colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, and spices are used in various food products to create vibrant hues without synthetic ingredients. Examples include beet juice, beta-carotene, turmeric, and paprika extract. Reading ingredient labels is the most reliable way to know what you're eating. Look for specific ingredients like 'carmine' or 'cochineal extract' for insect-derived colors, or 'Red 40', 'Yellow 5', etc., for artificial colors. Brands using natural alternatives will often list ingredients like 'beet juice' or 'turmeric' as the source of their coloring.
Making Informed Dietary Choices: Beyond the Label
For individuals concerned about the ethical or environmental impact of their food choices, researching the parent company's practices is also important. For instance, while modern Skittles are technically vegan-friendly, the parent company Mars has been known to test on animals and uses palm oil, which poses environmental concerns. Making dietary decisions, especially for specific diets like veganism, can involve balancing the immediate ingredients with broader ethical considerations.
Choosing Vegan-Friendly Candies
Fortunately, for those seeking vegan-friendly candy options free from carmine and other animal-derived ingredients, there are many choices available. Many brands now offer products made exclusively with plant-based ingredients.
- Sour Patch Kids
- Swedish Fish
- Airheads
- Twizzlers (Original variety)
- Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
- Smarties (US version)
- Dots
- Yum Earth Gummies and Lollipops
Comparison of Common Food Color Sources
| Feature | Carmine / Cochineal Extract | Artificial Dyes (e.g., Red 40) | Natural Dyes (e.g., Beetroot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Female Dactylopius coccus insects | Petroleum-derived chemicals | Plants (fruits, vegetables, spices) |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan/vegetarian | Generally considered vegan | Vegan |
| Potential Health Concerns | Rare allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis | Hyperactivity in children, potential link to other issues | Generally considered safe, some potential for added flavor |
| Used in Skittles | Yes (historically, pre-2015) | Yes (modern US versions) | Yes (modern UK versions, plant-based) |
| Labeling | Cochineal Extract, Carmine, E120, Natural Red 4 | Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, etc. | Beetroot juice, turmeric, beta-carotene |
Conclusion
The ingredient list of Skittles has changed significantly over time, and the myth about crushed bugs is now largely historical fact. While versions of the candy did once use carmine, an insect-derived dye, modern Skittles use artificial colorings like Red 40. Recent ingredient shifts also show a continued response to public health and safety concerns, with the removal of titanium dioxide. This evolution underscores the importance of consumer awareness and informed decisions when considering a diet, especially for those with specific ethical or health considerations regarding ingredients like food dyes. The increasing availability of vegan alternatives and the growing transparency in labeling empowers consumers to make choices that align with their personal nutrition and ethical standards. Ultimately, understanding the origins of what we consume, whether from insects, synthetic chemicals, or plants, is key to navigating our modern diets.
Center for Science in the Public Interest provides extensive research on food dyes and additives, a valuable resource for informed choices.
