Many people wonder if popular candy brands like Skittles contain ingredients that are not vegetarian or vegan friendly. Specifically, some ingredients like gelatin are derived from animal products like pork. So does Skittles candy contain pork or other non-vegetarian ingredients? Let’s take a closer look at the Skittles ingredients list and find out.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is no, Skittles do not contain pork or any other meat products. Original Skittles are vegan and vegetarian friendly. However, some flavored varieties do contain small amounts of non-vegetarian ingredients like gelatin.
Skittles Ingredients List
Here is the complete ingredients list for Original Skittles, according to the Wrigley website:
Sugar |
Corn syrup |
Hydrogenated palm kernel oil |
Apple juice from concentrate |
Less than 2% – citric acid, tapioca dextrin, modified corn starch, natural and artificial flavors, colors (red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, blue 1), sodium citrate, carnauba wax |
As you can see, the ingredients list for original Skittles does not contain any animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, which is sometimes made from pork. The original fruity flavors are vegan friendly.
No Pork Gelatin in Original Skittles
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many candies and is often made by boiling animal bones, skins, ligaments, and tissues. Pork is one type of animal that can be used as a source. However, gelatin does not appear in the ingredients list for regular Skittles. This confirms that original Skittles are pork-free.
Palm Oil Concerns
One ingredient that sometimes raises concerns is palm kernel oil. This vegetable oil is derived from the kernel or seed of palm fruits. While palm oil itself does not contain pork, there are environmental and sustainability issues surrounding palm oil production that vegetarians may want to consider.
Some Skittles Products Contain Gelatin
While original Skittles do not contain gelatin from pork or other animals, some special flavored varieties do contain small amounts of gelatin as an ingredient. These would not be considered vegetarian or vegan.
For example, Skittles Freeze Pops, Skittles Riddles, Skittles Wild Berry, Skittles Tropical, and other unique flavor editions contain gelatin. The gelatin allows these specialty Skittles to have a different texture and melt-in-your-mouth characteristic.
Always Check Ingredients Lists
Since only some Skittles products contain non-vegetarian gelatin, it’s important to always check the ingredients list on the back of the package before purchasing. The main Original Skittles are pork and gelatin-free, but other flavors may not be.
Are Skittles Gluten Free?
Many people also wonder if Skittles are gluten-free. Regular Skittles do contain gluten. The modified cornstarch in the ingredients list is likely the source of gluten. The maltodextrin and other ingredients may also contain gluten protein.
So original Skittles are not suitable for people with celiac disease or an allergy to gluten. There are no gluten-free labeled varieties of Skittles currently available. Many leading candy brands like Starburst and Sour Patch Kids also contain gluten.
No Wheat Ingredients
Even though Skittles contain gluten, they do not contain any wheat-based ingredients. The gluten likely comes from the modified corn starch, an ingredient derived from corn that may pick up traces of gluten in the manufacturing process.
Parent Company Mars Does Not Claim Skittles are Gluten Free
On their website, Mars Wrigley Confectionery states that Skittles may contain traces of gluten due to manufacturing procedures. However, they do not claim that any Skittles products are gluten-free or safe for celiacs. So all varieties of Skittles candy should be considered unsafe for those with gluten intolerance.
No Certification from GFCO
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is a program that provides independent verification of gluten-free claims. No Skittles products are currently GFCO certified gluten-free. Mars also does not label any Skittles as gluten-free.
Are Skittles Dairy Free?
Yes, Skittles are dairy-free. None of the ingredients in original Skittles contain milk, cream, butter, or any other dairy-derived ingredients. So Skittles can be safely consumed by those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.
The natural and artificial flavors used in Skittles are proprietary blends that may contain dairy-based natural flavorings. However, Mars states that all flavors used in Skittles are non-dairy. So there are no hidden dairy ingredients.
No Milk Chocolate Varieties
While brands like M&M’s have milk chocolate varieties, all Skittles are dairy-free. Even limited edition flavors do not contain any milk ingredients according to Mars.
Are Skittles Nut Free?
Yes, Skittles are nut-free. None of the ingredients contain peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, or other nut-based ingredients. This makes Skittles safe for those with tree nut and peanut allergies.
The Skittles factory also does not process any peanut or tree nut products. Mars states that the risk of allergen cross-contamination is minimal.
No Allergy Warning
Since Skittles contain no nut ingredients and there is little risk of cross-contamination, Skittles packages do not contain any allergy warning or advisory statement about nuts.
Are Skittles Kosher?
Most Skittles sold in the U.S. are certified Kosher Pareve. Kosher Pareve means the candy contains no meat or dairy ingredients, making it compatible with both meat and dairy meals under Kosher dietary laws.
To receive Kosher certification, the manufacturing facilities and ingredients are evaluated by Kosher supervision agencies. Mars Wrigley’s Chicago plant produces Kosher Skittles under rabbinical supervision.
Special Kosher Versions
For the Passover holiday, Mars also produces seasonal Skittles in Kosher for Passover versions. These have been certified as Kosher for Passover and do not contain chametz, which includes grains like wheat, barley, oats, spelt or rye.
Are Skittles Halal?
No, Skittles are not Halal certified. Halal is the Islamic set of dietary guidelines. Skittles ingredients and manufacturing facilities have not been officially certified as compliant with Halal standards by an accredited Halal organization.
Pork-Free but Not Halal
While Skittles do not contain pork gelatin, they have not earned Halal certification. So some Muslim consumers may avoid Skittles and other non-certified candies or speak with an Imam to see if they are considered Halal.
Are Skittles Organic or Natural?
No, Skittles are not organic and cannot be considered a natural food product. The ingredients contain many artificial colors, synthetic food dyes, artificial flavors, and highly processed oils.
Skittles go through a significant amount of manufacturing and are not a minimally processed food. So they do not qualify for natural designations. There are no organic certified Skittles products available currently.
Non-GMO Project Verified
While not organic or natural, Skittles are certified non-GMO by the Non-GMO Project. This verification indicates that Skittles do not contain any genetically modified corn syrup, sugars, or other GMO ingredients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, original Skittles do not contain any pork, pork by-products, or pork gelatin. The main fruity Skittles are completely vegetarian friendly and vegan. However, some product variations do contain small amounts of non-vegetarian gelatin as an ingredient.
Skittles also contain gluten and are not suitable for gluten-free diets. But they are dairy-free, nut-free, and Kosher Pareve. Skittles are not Halal certified or organic.
Always check the ingredients list for special varieties, as only original Skittles are guaranteed to be 100% vegetarian and vegan. But for most people, regular Skittles can be enjoyed as a sweet pork-free treat.