Uncovering the Composition of a Skittle
To understand what's the white stuff inside of Skittles, it's necessary to look at the candy's complete anatomy. A Skittle is not a single substance but a layered confection, similar to other candies with a hard outer shell and a soft, chewy core. The visible white layer is just one part of its complex composition.
The Chewy Core: Beyond the White Layer
The very center of a Skittle, the part that gives it its signature chewy texture, is a mixture primarily of sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil. This foundation is where the candy's primary flavor resides, infused with a blend of natural and artificial flavors and citric acid for that tangy kick. This core mixture is prepared first and then cooled and shaped before the coating process begins.
The Coloring Process and the Role of Titanium Dioxide
The colorful exterior of Skittles is achieved through a multi-stage process called "panning". During this process, layers of sugar syrup and colorants are built up around the candy's core. In the past, and in some regions, a key ingredient for creating the bright, vibrant colors was titanium dioxide. This additive is a naturally occurring white, powdery mineral used as a pigment.
- Whitening Agent: Titanium dioxide's primary function in Skittles was to act as a whitening base layer. This layer allowed the vibrant artificial colors (such as Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, etc.) to appear brighter and more vivid.
- Opacity and Coverage: The white layer also helped ensure uniform color distribution across the candy, preventing the underlying chewy core from showing through.
The Shift Away from Titanium Dioxide
Recent years have seen a significant change in the ingredient composition of Skittles in response to consumer concerns and evolving food safety regulations.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated titanium dioxide, concluding it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive due to potential genotoxicity concerns. This led to a ban on its use as a food additive in the European Union.
- Manufacturer Response: In response to these developments and public pressure, Mars, Inc., the manufacturer of Skittles, has been phasing out the use of titanium dioxide in its products. While the additive is still approved for use in the US by the FDA (at a quantity not exceeding 1 percent by weight), Mars has taken steps to remove it to align with global standards and consumer preferences.
The Difference Between Old and New Formulas
As Mars removes titanium dioxide from its recipes, the candy's composition has been altered. This leads to subtle differences between older packages and newly formulated ones. Some consumers may notice a slight change in the vibrancy of the colors or texture, although the flavor profile is intended to remain the same. The company has confirmed it is updating its packaging to reflect these ingredient changes.
Potential Health Concerns and Regulation
While the FDA maintains that titanium dioxide is safe in specific quantities, the EFSA's decision highlights ongoing debate within the food science community. The concern stems from the behavior of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which some studies suggest could accumulate in the body and potentially cause genotoxicity. However, these studies are not without their critics, and more research is needed for a definitive conclusion. For the average consumer, the occasional handful of Skittles is unlikely to cause harm, but for those with concerns about food additives, being aware of ingredient changes is prudent.
Comparison of Skittles Formulations
| Feature | Original (pre-phase-out) | Current (post-phase-out) |
|---|---|---|
| Visible White Layer | Present, using titanium dioxide | May be less prominent or achieved with different ingredients |
| Color Vibrancy | Historically very bright and opaque | Potentially slightly less opaque, but still vibrant |
| Key Whitening Agent | Titanium dioxide (TiO2) | Calcium carbonate (E170) or other whiteners |
| EU Status | Banned in foods since 2022 | Approved, using revised formula |
| Ingredient Label | May list "Titanium Dioxide" | Explicitly does not list "Titanium Dioxide" |
Conclusion: The Evolving Anatomy of a Skittle
The mystery of what's the white stuff inside of Skittles is a story of a widely used food additive and changing consumer demands. Historically, the white layer was titanium dioxide, an ingredient that made the candy's signature colors pop. As regulatory bodies and consumer watchdogs raise questions about its safety, Skittles' manufacturer has responded by phasing it out of its recipe. This shift ensures that even as the ingredients evolve, the iconic "Taste the Rainbow" experience can continue in a way that is more aligned with modern food safety standards and consumer preferences.
