Are Skittles vegan? Almost every new vegan learning how to be vegan asks this question as they start to navigate which candies are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Whether you’re looking for vegan candy to hand out on Halloween, to hide in Easter baskets, or to sneak into the movie theater with friends, you’re in luck—because YES! Skittles are vegan! The ingredients are all plant-derived, and while Skittles used to contain gelatin and carmine, both original and sour Skittles are now fully vegan. Read on to learn more.
Colorful, fruity candies that encourage you to “taste the rainbow,” Skittles have been a worldwide sensation since they first broke the mold in 1974. Named for the lawn game known by the same name, these tiny footballs are far tastier than the inspiration. Young or old, no one can resist such a cheerful treat. However, do you know what secrets the ingredients hold? More importantly, are Skittles vegan in the first place?
Skittles Ingredients Although gelatin was (thankfully) removed from Skittles over a decade ago, another ingredient called Carmine (AKA Cochineal Extract, E120) was only scrapped from the ingredients list in around 2015, so some older bags of Skittles that are floating around might still contain this product.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
No, there’s no fruit in these treats, but let’s not confuse dessert with health foods. There’s a time and a place for everything in a balanced diet.
What Does That Mean?! Are Skittles Vegan or Not?
Skittles are made from entirely plant-based ingredients. That means: Yes, Skittles are vegan for all intents and purposes, although there’s still a lingering question about the processing for the sugar. If you’re an ethical vegan, trying to do your due diligence to avoid animal products, you can rest assured that Skittles are a reasonable choice. Those with severe allergies would be wise to stay away unless details can be confirmed directly with the manufacturer.
Skittles are also:
- vegetarian
- plant-based (technically, but not the healthy whole foods kind of course!)
- dairy-free
- gelatin-free
- carmine-free
- gluten-free
- kosher
Many special flavors and limited edition variations have come and gone, but all of the options still on the market shares similar ingredients. Always double-check new additions to the lineup since there are no guarantees that they will always follow suit. Let’s not forget that the parent company is far from vegan.
If you want a change of pace in your candy routine, try any of the following unique vegan Skittle flavors:
- Original Skittles
- Sour Skittles
- Sweets & Sour Skittles
- Sweet Heat Skittles
- Wild Berry Skittles
- Tropical Skittles
- Brightside Skittles
- Darkside Skittles
Do Skittles have gelatin?
FAQ
Do Skittles still have gelatin?
Can Muslims eat Skittles?
Can vegetarians eat Skittles?
Is Skittles gelatin beef or pork?
Do skittles gummies contain gelatin?
Like palm oil, extraction of the wax can cause deforestation and habitat destruction for native wildlife. Like their old-school counterparts, Skittles gummies contain gelatin. Skittles gummies have most of the same ingredients as Skittles chewy candies, but the one that seals their non-vegan fate is gelatin.
Are skittles vegan?
As such, it’s best to read the ingredient list. Until approximately 2010, Skittles contained gelatin, which is not a vegan ingredient. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, the protein found in connective tissues, and used to give foods a chewy, gel-like texture. Skittles’ manufacturer has since removed gelatin.
Do Skittles have sugar?
Additionally, Skittles contain sodium citrate, carnauba wax, and in some cases, gelatin and possibly titanium dioxide. Sugar is the primary ingredient in Skittles, which provides the sweet taste that we all know and love.
Are skittles made in the UK?
Skittles’ manufacturer has since removed gelatin. Additionally, until 2015, Skittles made in the United Kingdom contained carmine, also called E120 or cochineal, a red coloring derived from the Dactylopius coccus beetle ( 8 ).