From Animal-Based to Plant-Based: A Timeline of Skittles Ingredients
The journey of Skittles from a non-vegan product to a largely vegan-friendly one is a result of changing consumer preferences and corporate decisions. For years, the chewy candy contained gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient, which made it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, the manufacturer, Mars, made a significant change that opened up the product to a wider audience.
The 2009 Recipe Change
The primary reason Skittles were not vegan was the use of gelatin, a gelling agent derived from animal collagen. In 2009, Mars's Wrigley division removed this ingredient from the standard Skittles recipe, making the classic chewy varieties suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This was a quiet but significant move that was celebrated by the plant-based community. By replacing gelatin with plant-based alternatives like modified corn starch and pectin, the company was able to retain the candy's signature chewy texture.
The Removal of Carmine
While the 2009 change addressed gelatin, another non-vegan ingredient remained in some international versions: carmine. Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or E120, is a red food coloring derived from cochineal insects. For vegans and those on a strict halal diet, this ingredient was a dealbreaker. The use of carmine was phased out over time, with reports indicating it was removed from the UK version around 2015. Always check the ingredient list for the specific version you're purchasing, as regional differences persist.
The Continuing Nuances of 'Vegan' Skittles
Even after the removal of gelatin and carmine, some ethical vegans may still have reservations about consuming Skittles. This is due to a few gray areas in the ingredients and manufacturing process.
- Bone Char Processed Sugar: Standard white sugar is sometimes refined using bone char, a charcoal made from the bones of cattle. While no animal product remains in the final sugar, strict vegans may avoid it. Since Skittles simply lists 'sugar' on the label, it's impossible to know if it was processed this way without a vegan certification.
- Palm Oil Concerns: Skittles contain hydrogenated palm kernel oil. While this ingredient is not animal-derived, its sourcing is controversial due to its association with deforestation, habitat destruction, and harm to endangered species like orangutans. Many ethical vegans choose to avoid products containing palm oil for environmental reasons.
- Parent Company Ethics: Skittles is owned by Mars, Inc., a large corporation with a wide range of products. Some ethical vegans consider the overall corporate behavior, including Mars's past animal testing practices, when making purchasing decisions.
Comparing Pre-2009 and Post-2009 Ingredients
| Feature | Pre-2009 Skittles | Post-2009 Skittles (Classic Chewy) |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | Present (animal-derived) | Not present (plant-based alternatives) |
| Carmine (E120) | Present in some regions | Removed in most regions |
| Vegan Status | Not vegan | Mostly vegan (except for gummies and regional variations) |
| Primary Thickener | Gelatin | Modified Corn Starch, Tapioca Dextrin |
| Halal Status | Not Halal (unless plant-based) | Mostly Halal |
Non-Vegan Skittles Varieties and Regional Differences
While the classic chewy Skittles are now largely vegan, it is crucial to check the label for other versions and in different countries.
- Gummy Skittles: Varieties like Skittles Original Gummies contain gelatin and are explicitly not vegan.
- Limited Editions: Some special or limited-edition flavors may contain animal-derived ingredients, such as the 'Once in a Blue Moon' variety, which contained non-vegan blue coloring.
- Australian Skittles: As of 2023, Skittles manufactured in Australia are no longer vegan or vegetarian due to the inclusion of shellac, a glaze derived from lac bugs.
A Final Word on Nutrition Diet
Even with the shift to vegan-friendly ingredients, it's important to remember that Skittles are still candy. They are high in sugar and offer little to no nutritional value beyond quick energy. For those on a nutrition-focused diet, whether plant-based or not, Skittles should be considered an infrequent treat. The primary benefit of the ingredient change is aligning the product with ethical and dietary choices, not enhancing its health profile. For a truly healthy vegan alternative, focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts is always the best approach. A great resource for exploring plant-based diets further is the Vegan Society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, classic, chewy Skittles became vegan-friendly in 2009 when the manufacturer removed gelatin from the recipe. Subsequent changes have also seen the removal of carmine in most regions, solidifying their status for many vegans and vegetarians. However, for those with stricter dietary standards, concerns regarding sugar processing, palm oil, and overall corporate ethics may still arise. The existence of non-vegan gummy varieties and regional ingredient differences also makes label-checking essential. Ultimately, the story of Skittles illustrates the power of consumer demand in shaping a product's ingredients, turning a once-forbidden candy into a 'taste the rainbow' option for many on a plant-based journey.
