The Surprising Shift: How Skittles Became Gelatine-Free
For many years, like a host of other popular chewy candies, Skittles contained gelatin to achieve their signature texture. However, around 2010, manufacturer Mars Wrigley reformulated the classic Skittles varieties to remove this animal-derived ingredient entirely. This change was a direct response to rising consumer demand for more inclusive products suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. The decision made the classic 'Taste the Rainbow' product accessible to a wider market without compromising the core experience of the candy.
The Plant-Based Alternative: Modified Corn Starch
In place of gelatin, Mars Wrigley substituted a plant-based gelling agent: modified corn starch. This ingredient, derived from corn, effectively mimics the binding and gelling properties of gelatin, providing the characteristic chewiness that fans expect. Other ingredients like tapioca dextrin also contribute to the candy's texture and coating. For consumers who strictly avoid animal by-products, this shift represents a major victory, as it allows them to enjoy a long-standing confectionary favorite.
A Critical Exception: The Rise of Skittles Gummies
While the classic varieties are now safe for vegetarians and vegans, the landscape changed again with the introduction of Skittles Gummies. This line of products, which features a softer, more traditional gummy consistency, explicitly lists gelatin as an ingredient. The inclusion of gelatin in these specific products makes them unsuitable for those following plant-based or halal diets. This highlights the importance of always checking the ingredient label, as the Skittles brand is no longer uniformly gelatin-free across all its offerings.
Ingredients for the Classic Chew
Beyond the primary gelling agent, classic Skittles are composed of a mix of sugars, flavorings, and colorings. The full ingredient list for original Skittles typically includes:
- Sugar and Corn Syrup
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
- Citric Acid
- Tapioca Dextrin
- Modified Corn Starch
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Sodium Citrate
- Carnauba Wax
- A variety of artificial colors
The ingredient list for newer gummy versions will add gelatin and potentially other variations depending on the flavor profile. For consumers concerned about sourcing, it is also worth noting that some sugar is processed using bone char, though no trace of the animal product remains in the final sugar.
Classic Skittles vs. Skittles Gummies: An Ingredient Comparison
| Feature | Classic Skittles (US) | Skittles Gummies (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Chewy Agent | Modified Corn Starch, Tapioca Dextrin | Gelatin |
| Vegan/Vegetarian | Yes | No |
| Halal Status | Yes (generally, depending on flavorings and processing) | No |
| Texture | Firm outer shell with a chewy interior | Soft, bouncy gummy |
| Ingredient List | No mention of gelatin or animal products | Explicitly lists gelatin |
Are Older Packets Still an Issue?
If you happen to find a very old bag of Skittles, it is possible it was produced before the formula change and may contain gelatin. However, given that the change occurred over a decade ago, it is highly unlikely that you will encounter such a product in a modern retail setting. Some older UK versions also contained carmine (E120), a red dye from insects, which has also been removed from mainstream formulas.
How to Be Sure About Your Skittles
For anyone with dietary concerns, the golden rule is always to read the ingredient label. The packaging provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on what is inside. For most major markets, the standard chewy varieties of Skittles will explicitly state that they are suitable for vegetarians. However, if you are purchasing a special edition, a newer product like the gummies, or a product from a different region, a quick glance at the label is your best bet to ensure it meets your dietary needs. You can also visit the official Mars Wrigley brand website for more information on their ingredients.
Conclusion
The question of what gelatine do Skittles use is one with a surprisingly nuanced answer. The straightforward fact is that most mainstream varieties no longer contain any animal-derived gelatin and are suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and halal diets. This is due to a deliberate formula change by Mars Wrigley over a decade ago. However, the introduction of newer products like Skittles Gummies requires a moment of caution, as these contain gelatin and are not plant-based. For peace of mind, always read the packaging to confirm the ingredients for the specific product you are purchasing.
Key takeaways
- Classic Skittles have been gelatine-free since 2010: The standard chewy varieties were reformulated to use plant-based alternatives like modified corn starch.
- Skittles Gummies contain gelatine: The newer, softer gummy products from the Skittles brand include animal-derived gelatin.
- Always read the ingredient label: This is the only way to be certain, especially for special editions, newer products, or candies from other countries.
- Original formula used beef gelatine: Before 2010, the original formula for Skittles used gelatin, which could have been derived from beef.
- Suitable for many diets: The absence of gelatin in classic Skittles makes them suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and halal diets, though strict vegans may consider the sugar processing method.
- Other ingredient changes: The red dye Carmine, derived from insects, was also removed from UK formulas around 2015.
FAQs
Question: Are all Skittles gelatine-free? Answer: No, only the classic chewy versions are gelatine-free. The newer Skittles Gummy products explicitly contain gelatin.
Question: When did Skittles remove gelatine from their recipe? Answer: Mars Wrigley removed animal-derived gelatin from the classic Skittles recipe around 2010.
Question: What do Skittles use instead of gelatine? Answer: Instead of gelatin, classic Skittles use plant-based alternatives such as modified corn starch and tapioca dextrin to achieve their chewy texture.
Question: Are Skittles Gummy products vegan? Answer: No, Skittles Gummy products are not vegan because they contain animal-derived gelatin.
Question: Are Skittles halal? Answer: The classic chewy varieties of Skittles are generally considered halal because they do not contain animal-derived gelatin. However, Skittles Gummy products are not halal as they contain gelatin.
Question: Can I tell if a packet of Skittles is gelatine-free by looking at the package? Answer: Yes, the ingredient list on the packaging is the most reliable source. Most classic chewy Skittles will specify that they are suitable for vegetarians.
Question: Was the gelatin in Skittles pork-based? Answer: The specific source of pre-2010 gelatin was not always disclosed, but gelatin is commonly sourced from pork or beef. The important point is that animal-based gelatin is no longer used in the classic products.
Question: Why was the ingredient list for Skittles changed? Answer: Mars Wrigley changed the formula for classic Skittles to meet the growing consumer demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly candy options.
