From Insects to Artificial Colorants
The ingredient history of Skittles is a tale of evolving consumer demands and regulatory pressures. For many years, the brand used a natural red coloring derived from insects, which is a common practice in the food industry. This practice, however, eventually fell out of favor with many consumers, especially those who adhere to a vegan or vegetarian diet. The transition to artificial colorants allowed the company to appeal to a wider audience and avoid using animal byproducts in the candy.
The Insect-Based Colorant: A Historical Perspective
Historically, the red color in Skittles was derived from carmine, also known as cochineal extract or E120. This vibrant crimson dye is made from the dried and crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, Dactylopius coccus, which live on cacti in Central and South America. The process involves harvesting, drying, and boiling the insects to extract carminic acid, which is then used to create the pigment. While this practice was standard for centuries and is still used in many food and cosmetic products today, it posed a problem for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even required that foods containing carmine list it by name on the ingredients list, increasing awareness among consumers.
The Modern Dye: Red 40
As of around 2009 in the U.S., Skittles transitioned away from carmine to a synthetic, petroleum-derived red dye known as Allura Red AC, or more commonly, Red 40. This move was prompted in part by pressure from animal welfare organizations and the growing market for vegan-friendly products. The specific red coloring listed on the ingredient labels for many versions of Skittles is often "Red 40 Lake" and "Red 40". The "Lake" version refers to a solid pigment that helps provide a consistent color to the candy coating. While artificial dyes are widely used and approved for use by the FDA, their safety has been a subject of ongoing debate and research.
Comparison of Red Dyes in Skittles
| Feature | Carmine (Pre-2009) | Red 40 (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural (crushed cochineal insects) | Artificial (petroleum-derived) |
| Vegan Status | Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians | Suitable for vegans and vegetarians |
| Ingredients List | Explicitly labeled as "carmine" or "cochineal extract" | Labeled as "Red 40" and "Red 40 Lake" |
| Regulatory Action | FDA mandated specific labeling in 2006 | Subject to different regulations and restrictions globally |
| Associated Concerns | Potential allergic reactions in some individuals | Linked to potential health risks in some studies |
The Move Towards Synthetic Dye
The shift to Red 40 was a strategic business decision for Mars, the parent company of Skittles. Beyond catering to vegan and vegetarian consumers, the change also sidestepped potential allergic reaction issues associated with carmine. For many, the switch meant they could enjoy the candy without concern for animal-based ingredients. However, the use of artificial colors like Red 40 also attracts its own share of controversy. In recent years, public awareness about food additives has increased, with some studies suggesting potential health effects.
Modern Developments and Future Outlook
The discussion around Skittles' ingredients continues to evolve. In some markets, particularly within the European Union, regulations on certain food colorings differ significantly from those in the U.S.. This has led to different formulations of Skittles sold internationally. Additionally, in 2025, Mars Wrigley announced plans to offer options of Skittles free of artificial FD&C colors in the U.S., catering to consumers who prefer products with natural colorants. This indicates a renewed push towards natural sourcing, though not necessarily a return to the insect-derived carmine.
This ongoing evolution underscores the dynamic nature of the food industry, with companies constantly adapting to shifting consumer preferences, scientific research, and regulatory landscapes. The journey of the red dye in Skittles—from insect extract to artificial chemical and potentially to future natural alternatives—reflects broader changes in how food is produced and consumed globally.
Conclusion
To summarize, the red dye in current versions of Skittles found in many parts of the world, including the U.S., is the artificial color Red 40. This is a change from older formulations, which famously used carmine, a natural colorant derived from cochineal insects. The switch, motivated by a desire to appeal to a broader consumer base and concerns about allergens, highlights the ever-changing landscape of food production. As Mars Wrigley continues to adapt to consumer preferences, future versions of Skittles may see further changes to their coloring ingredients.
Key considerations for the red dye in Skittles
- Modern Red Dye: In many regions, the current red dye used in Skittles is the synthetic colorant Red 40 and its derivative, Red 40 Lake.
- Historical Red Dye: Before 2009 in the U.S., the red color was derived from carmine, an extract from crushed cochineal insects.
- Reason for Change: The transition was prompted by pressure from groups like PETA and a growing consumer demand for vegan-friendly ingredients.
- Vegan Status: The removal of carmine and gelatin in 2009 and 2015 respectively made U.S. Skittles suitable for vegans.
- International Variations: Different regulations in countries like those in the European Union mean that ingredients in Skittles can vary by region.
- Upcoming Changes: Mars Wrigley has announced plans to offer versions of its candies, including Skittles, with natural colorants starting in 2026.
FAQs
Question: Is there an insect in Skittles? Answer: No, modern Skittles no longer contain carmine, the insect-derived colorant that was used historically. The red color is now from Red 40, an artificial dye.
Question: When did Skittles stop using carmine? Answer: Skittles stopped using the insect-derived colorant carmine in its U.S. recipe around 2009 in response to consumer demand for vegan-friendly options.
Question: Are Skittles vegan? Answer: Yes, most standard varieties of Skittles sold in the U.S. are now considered vegan, as they no longer contain animal-derived ingredients like carmine or gelatin.
Question: What is Red 40 made from? Answer: Red 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-derived food dye that is widely used in the food industry. It is not derived from any animal or natural source.
Question: Why was carmine removed from Skittles? Answer: Carmine was removed from Skittles to make the product suitable for vegetarians and vegans and to address allergy concerns and general consumer preference for non-animal-derived ingredients.
Question: Are Skittles ingredients different in other countries? Answer: Yes, due to differing food regulations, the ingredients in Skittles can vary by country. The European Union, for example, has different rules regarding food additives.
Question: Are natural colorings used in Skittles? Answer: While natural alternatives were previously discussed, modern Skittles in many regions use synthetic dyes. However, Mars Wrigley has announced plans to introduce options with natural colorants in the future.
