What Ingredients Are in Skittles?

October 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official Skittles website, the candies are currently made with sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil, among other ingredients. We'll delve into the full ingredient list to understand what gives these candies their iconic flavor and chewy texture.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the ingredients used to make Skittles, focusing on the core components for their flavor and texture. It also covers recent changes that made them vegan-friendly and addresses common questions about allergens like gluten.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil form the sweet and chewy base of Skittles.
Flavor and Color: Natural and artificial flavors create the fruit taste, while various synthetic color additives are used for the iconic rainbow.
Vegan-Friendly: Most major varieties of Skittles are now vegan, a change that resulted from removing animal-derived gelatin and carmine.
Gluten-Free Status: Skittles are considered gluten-free, though they are not certified as such due to potential cross-contamination risks.
Geographical Differences: Ingredients can vary based on country due to differing food regulations, as seen when comparing US and UK products.
Glazing: Carnauba wax is the key ingredient that provides the glossy sheen on the candy shells.

The Core Components of Skittles

Skittles are primarily a sugary confectionery, and their ingredient list reflects this. The main components provide the bulk, sweetness, and texture of the candy.

Sugar: The primary ingredient, providing the sweet taste and structure.
Corn Syrup: A sweetener and a key component in achieving the candy's chewy consistency.
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil: A fat used to give the candy its texture and contribute to its smooth feel.
Citric Acid: Provides the tangy, sour kick that balances the sweetness.
Tapioca Dextrin and Modified Corn Starch: These are thickening agents that contribute to the candy's chewiness and structure.

The Colorful Shell and Flavor Profile

Beyond the core ingredients, a host of additives are responsible for the vibrant colors and distinctive fruit flavors.

Artificial and Natural Flavors

The iconic "Taste the Rainbow" is achieved through a combination of natural and artificial flavorings that replicate fruit tastes like strawberry, lemon, lime, and grape. The specific flavor profile has evolved over time, with the recent return of the lime flavor in some markets being a notable event.

Colors and Their Sources

Skittles' vivid colors are created using a variety of coloring agents. The current formulation for Original Skittles in the US includes:

Red 40 Lake
Yellow 5 Lake
Blue 2 Lake
Yellow 6 Lake
Blue 1 Lake
Yellow 6
Red 40
Yellow 5
Blue 1

It's important to note that the colors and specific ingredients can vary by country due to different food regulations. Historically, Skittles also contained carmine, a red dye derived from insects, but this was removed, contributing to their current vegan status.

Glazing Agents and Acidity Regulators

The finishing touches on a Skittle are crucial for its appearance and long-term freshness.

Carnauba Wax

This ingredient, derived from a Brazilian palm tree, is what gives the hard candy shell its distinctive glossy shine. It acts as a glazing agent and is also used in a variety of other confections and even car polish.

Sodium Citrate

This acts as an acidity regulator, helping to control the overall flavor profile and tartness of the candy.

Ingredient Comparison: Skittles Original vs. UK Skittles Fruits

To highlight how ingredients can vary by region, here is a comparison between the US Original Skittles and the UK's Fruits version.


Ingredient Category	US Original Skittles	UK Skittles Fruits
Sweeteners	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Sugar, Glucose Syrup
Fats	Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil	Palm Fat
Acids	Citric Acid	Citric Acid, Malic Acid
Thickeners/Binders	Tapioca Dextrin, Modified Corn Starch	Dextrin, Maltodextrin, Modified Starch
Acidity Regulator	Sodium Citrate	Trisodium Citrate
Glazing Agent	Carnauba Wax	Carnauba Wax
Colors	Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, etc.	E162, E171, E100, E160a, etc.
Vegan Status	Yes (Major varieties)	Yes (Major varieties)

Are Skittles Gluten-Free and Vegan?

For many consumers, dietary restrictions are a key consideration when choosing candy.

Vegan-Friendly: Most major varieties of Skittles (Original, Wild Berry, Sour, Tropical) are vegan-friendly, meaning they contain no animal-derived ingredients. The change occurred when the manufacturer removed gelatin and carmine from the formula over a decade ago. However, some limited editions have contained non-vegan ingredients, so it is always wise to check the label for special packs.
Gluten-Free: All Skittles products are considered gluten-free. While the manufacturer does not explicitly label them as "certified gluten-free," the ingredients list does not contain any gluten. The main concern for those with severe sensitivities might be the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, but for most people on a gluten-free diet, Skittles are safe to consume.

Conclusion: Unpacking the Rainbow

What ingredients are in Skittles? The answer is a blend of sweeteners, fats, and thickeners that form the candy's core, along with natural and artificial flavors and a host of color additives for its iconic rainbow appearance. Key changes over time, including the removal of gelatin and carmine, have made standard Skittles vegan-friendly. While they are considered gluten-free, individuals with high sensitivities should be aware of potential cross-contamination. Understanding the ingredient list allows consumers to make informed choices about this popular and colorful candy. For more information, you can always visit the official brand website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most major varieties of Skittles are vegan. Over a decade ago, the brand removed animal-derived ingredients like gelatin and carmine from its recipe. However, some limited-edition flavors may still contain animal products, so it's always best to check the label.

Yes, all Skittles products are considered gluten-free, as their ingredients list contains no gluten. The manufacturer does not have them officially certified gluten-free, meaning there's a small risk of cross-contamination for those with severe sensitivities, but they are safe for most.

No, Skittles do not currently contain gelatin. The manufacturer removed this animal-derived ingredient from the formula over a decade ago.

The glossy sheen on Skittles is created by a glazing agent called carnauba wax. This wax is derived from a palm tree and is also used in other confections and products.

No, the ingredients in Skittles can vary by country due to different food regulations. For example, the coloring agents and even some of the sweeteners can differ between the US and UK versions.

Skittles contain a combination of both natural and artificial flavors to achieve their unique and intense fruit taste. The specific blend is what allows them to "Taste the Rainbow."

Tapioca dextrin is a type of starch that acts as a thickening agent and contributes to the chewy texture and consistency of the candy.

While the core formula has been largely consistent for some time, the most notable recent change has been the reintroduction of the lime flavor in place of green apple in some markets. The removal of animal-derived ingredients like gelatin and carmine occurred much earlier.