The Surprising History of Non-Vegan Skittles
The assumption that fruit-flavored candies are automatically vegan is a common misconception. For years, Skittles, the iconic "taste the rainbow" candy, were not suitable for a vegan diet. The journey of Skittles from a non-vegan product to its current, mostly vegan-friendly status is a story of changing consumer demands and ingredient reformulations. Understanding what made Skittles non-vegan in the past helps to clarify why modern vegans must still exercise caution.
The Animal-Derived Ingredients of the Past
For many years, Skittles included two key animal-derived ingredients: gelatin and carmine. Gelatin, a gelling agent that gives many candies their chewy texture, is made from animal collagen derived from bones, skin, and connective tissues of cows and pigs. Its presence alone made Skittles off-limits for vegans. Carmine, also known as E120 or cochineal extract, was the other culprit. This vibrant red food coloring is derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. Its inclusion meant that vegans, who avoid all animal products, could not consume red Skittles.
Modern Reformulations and the Rise of Vegan-Friendly Skittles
Amid growing pressure from animal welfare organizations and the expanding vegan market, Skittles' manufacturer, Mars, began phasing out these non-vegan ingredients. In the US, gelatin was removed from the standard recipe around 2010, and carmine was eliminated around 2015. This change made classic Skittles and other mainstream chewy varieties like Sour and Wild Berry suitable for vegans. Instead of animal-derived coloring, they now use synthetic dyes like Red 40, which are sourced from petroleum and are considered vegan. The candy's shiny coating is typically achieved with plant-based carnauba wax.
The Exception to the Rule: Newer and Limited-Edition Products
The transition to a vegan-friendly formula has not been universal across all Skittles products. This is where the modern confusion for vegans arises. The most significant non-vegan product in the Skittles lineup is the gummy variety. Skittles Gummies explicitly contain gelatin, a fact clearly listed on the ingredients list. This makes them unsuitable for a vegan diet despite the classic chewy version being safe. Additionally, some international markets or limited-edition flavors may have different ingredient lists. For example, some products still contain the insect-derived shellac (often listed as 'confectioner's glaze') for shine. It is crucial for vegans to read the label of any Skittles product they encounter, especially if it is a new or unusual flavor.
The Ambiguity of Sugar
Another grey area for strict vegans is the sugar used in Skittles. Most cane sugar in the US is processed using animal bone char to remove impurities and whiten the sugar crystals. While no animal product remains in the final sugar, many vegans consider this process to be against their ethical principles. Since the sugar source is not specified on the Skittles label, it's impossible to know whether bone char was used. This means that for some vegans, even the traditionally "safe" varieties of Skittles are off-limits.
The Complexities of Manufacturing and Company Ethics
Beyond the ingredients, some vegans consider the ethics of the parent company. Skittles is owned by Mars, Inc., a large corporation with a wide range of products, some of which are not vegan. Furthermore, Mars has been known to participate in animal testing for certain products in the past, a factor some vegans consider when making purchasing decisions. While this is a more philosophical consideration, it contributes to why some vegans might choose to avoid Skittles entirely.
Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Skittles Ingredients
| Ingredient | Typical Source | Found in Classic Skittles (US) | Found in Skittles Gummies (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | Animal collagen (cow/pig) | No (Removed circa 2010) | Yes |
| Carmine (E120) | Crushed cochineal insects | No (Removed circa 2015) | No |
| Confectioner's Glaze | Shellac (lac bug secretions) | No (Uses carnauba wax) | Varies (check label) |
| Carnauba Wax | Carnauba palm tree leaves | Yes | Yes |
| Refined Cane Sugar | Cane plant (potentially filtered with bone char) | Yes (source not specified) | Yes (source not specified) |
| Artificial Colors | Petroleum-derived (synthetic) | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion: A Rainbow of Nuances
The question of what makes Skittles not vegan has a nuanced answer. While the classic chewy candies are now free of the most overt animal-derived ingredients like gelatin and carmine, newer gummy versions remain non-vegan. Furthermore, the ethical debate surrounding the processing of conventional sugar and the wider business practices of parent company Mars means that the brand as a whole may not align with all vegan values. As always, the most reliable approach for any vegan is to carefully read the ingredients list on the specific product's packaging and, if in doubt, to choose a certified vegan-friendly candy instead.
