Core Sweeteners and Gelling Agents
At the heart of the chewy texture and sweet taste of gummy Skittles are a few key ingredients. The formula primarily relies on a combination of sugars to create its signature flavor profile and consistency.
Sweeteners
- Corn Syrup: The main component in gummy Skittles is corn syrup, which provides a significant portion of the candy's sweetness and moisture. It also helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is another essential sweetener, contributing to both the taste and structure of the gummies.
- Modified Corn Starch: This ingredient is crucial for managing the candy's viscosity and texture, helping to create the soft, gel-like interior.
Gelling Agent
Unlike traditional Skittles, which have a hard shell, gummy Skittles get their soft, chewy feel from gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically from pigs or cows, making these gummies unsuitable for vegetarian, vegan, and some religious diets. Pectin, a plant-based alternative used in some other gummy candies, creates a firmer, less elastic texture. The choice of gelatin is what gives gummy Skittles their characteristic bouncy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Natural and Artificial Flavors and Colors
To achieve the iconic "Taste the Rainbow" experience in a chewy form, gummy Skittles rely on a mixture of flavors and vibrant, synthetic dyes.
Flavorings
The fruity flavors—including strawberry, orange, grape, lemon, and green apple—are produced by a blend of both natural and artificial flavor compounds. The specific chemical composition of these flavor mixtures is proprietary. This blend is designed to replicate the taste of the original hard-shelled Skittles.
Colors
Gummy Skittles get their bright, distinct colors from synthetic food dyes approved for use by regulatory bodies. These typically include:
- Red 40: A red synthetic dye.
- Yellow 5: A yellow synthetic dye.
- Yellow 6: An orange-yellow synthetic dye.
- Blue 1: A blue synthetic dye.
It is worth noting that Mars Wrigley, the parent company, has previously announced plans to remove FD&C colors from some products in the coming years, though this change has been part of a gradual process.
Other Additives and Coating
Beyond the core ingredients, a few other components are included to refine the flavor, texture, and appearance of gummy Skittles.
Textural and Acidity Regulators
- Malic Acid, Citric Acid, and Fumaric Acid: These acids add a touch of tartness to the candy, balancing the overwhelming sweetness of the sugars. Citric acid also acts as a preservative.
- Lactic Acid: Another acid that contributes to the candy's flavor profile.
- Calcium Lactate: Used as a firming agent to help maintain the gummies' structure.
Glazing Agent
- Carnauba Wax: Derived from the fronds of the carnauba palm, this ingredient provides the gummies with a shiny, appealing gloss and prevents them from sticking together in the bag. It is a plant-based wax, and unlike gelatin, it is suitable for vegan diets.
Comparison: Gummy Skittles vs. Original Skittles
While sharing a similar flavor profile, the ingredients list differs significantly to achieve their distinct textures. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the key ingredient categories.
| Ingredient Category | Gummy Skittles | Original Skittles |
|---|---|---|
| Gelling Agent | Gelatin for a soft, chewy, and bouncy texture. | Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, which hardens to form the chewy, non-gummy center. |
| Coating | Carnauba Wax for a shiny, non-sticky exterior. | Carnauba Wax and a hard sugar shell built up in layers. |
| Flavoring | Natural and Artificial Flavors, similar to the original. | Natural and Artificial Flavors, contributing to the distinct fruit tastes. |
| Vegan Status | No, contains animal-derived gelatin. | Yes, generally considered vegan in the US since the removal of gelatin in 2009. |
| Texture | Soft and chewy, without a hard shell. | Hard, crunchy shell with a chewy center. |
Conclusion
To create the chewy, fruity mouthful that fans enjoy, the core ingredients in gummy Skittles are primarily corn syrup and sugar for sweetness, modified corn starch for consistency, and animal-derived gelatin for the characteristic soft texture. These are blended with a mix of natural and artificial flavors to achieve the familiar fruity tastes and vibrant synthetic colors to create their rainbow appearance. Other additives like various acids add a tart component, while carnauba wax provides a finishing shine. Understanding the specific components helps clarify the difference between the chewy gummies and their classic hard-shelled counterparts, particularly in terms of texture and dietary considerations like the use of gelatin.
