Are Skittles Vegan?
Skittles are a classic candy treat that generations of children and adults have enjoyed.
They come in various flavours, including cherry, grape, lime, orange, raspberry, strawberry, watermelon, and even chocolate.
While most kids love the fruity flavours, some adults enjoy the sweet and sour taste of the citrus flavours.
While most people know that Skittles are made from sugar and corn syrup, did you know that they also contain artificial colours and flavourings?
Skittles are considered to be non-vegan. The original recipe called for red food colouring, which contains a synthetic dye known as FD&C Red No. 40.
To find out whether or not Skittles are vegan, we need to look at the ingredients list. According to the label,
Skittles contain the following ingredients: sugar, corn syrup solids, natural and artificial flavours, dextrose, citric acid, sodium benzoate, carrageenan gum, yellow 5, blue 1, green 3, black 6, caramel colour, red 40, titanium dioxide, calcium disodium EDTA, and potassium sorbate.
Now that we know what the ingredients are let’s look at each ingredient individually.
Sugar is a prominent ingredient that we all use every day. It provides sweetness to our foods and drinks.
Corn Syrup Solids are another common ingredient found in almost everything we eat. It helps to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups.
Dextrose is a form of glucose that is used as a sweetener.
Citric Acid is a naturally occurring substance found in fruits and vegetables. It gives off a tart flavour. Sodium Benzoate is a preservative that prevents bacteria growth.
Carrageenan Gum is a thickening agent that is derived from seaweed.
Yellow 5 Lake is a synthetic version of the chemical Ponceau 4R.
Yellow 6 Lake is a synthetic version of Ponceau 6R.
Green 3 is another synthetic version of the chemical Erythrosine.
Black 6 is a synthetic version of coal tar.
Calcium Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that helps prevent metal ions from interacting with other substances.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative.
Titanium Dioxide is a white pigment added to give products a whitish appearance.
Blue 1 Lake is a synthetic version of the chemical Quinoline Yellow.
Blue 2 Lake is a synthetic version of Quinoline Blue.
Red 40 is a synthetic version of Sunset Yellow FCF.
Caramel Colour is a brown colouring agent.
The only two items on this list that have anything to do with candy are the Carrageenan Gum and the Calcium Disodium EDTA.
Both of these additives are commonly used in candies because they help keep them soft and pliable.
However, neither of these ingredients are safe for vegans.
If you want to make sure that your favourite candy treats are free of animal products, it is essential to read labels carefully.
The best way to avoid potential allergens is to buy brands that clearly state “Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly” on their packaging.
When looking at the ingredients list, it becomes clear that Skittles are not vegan.
However, there are several things that you can do to make sure that you don’t accidentally consume any animal products while eating Skittles.
- First, read the ingredients label carefully. You should see that none of the ingredients listed above is derived from animals.
- Second, when purchasing Skittles, check the back of the package where you can usually find information about the company’s policies regarding animal testing.
- Third, if you want to avoid consuming any animal products, you can always buy organic versions of Skittles. These will have no artificial dyes or additives.
If you still want to enjoy your favourite fruit flavoured candy, you can always try making your vegan version using this simple recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 2 cups strawberries
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons agave nectar
Directions
Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Are All Types of Skittles Vegan?
The short answer is yes. However, some types of Skittles may contain gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen. Collagen comes from cows, pigs, sheep, and fish. Therefore, if you purchase Skittles that contain gelatin, they are not vegan.
You might also be wondering if Skittles are gluten-free. While most brands of Skittles are gluten-free, some varieties are made with wheat flour. What could make Skittles not vegan?
Skittles are vegan in that they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, if they were made in a factory that also makes confectionery for children, then they may have used a milk-based ingredient in their production.
Some of the flavourings are based on gelatin, which comes from animal bones. This is not a problem for vegans, but vegetarians and vegans who cannot tolerate gelatin.
If you’re looking for a more detailed answer, then you’ll need to take a look at the ingredients list. Some of the ingredients in Skittles are derived from milk, such as flavouring, colouring and sweetener. However, the main ingredient in Skittles is sugar, which is vegan.
Are Original Skittles Vegan?
Original Skittles are considered non-vegan because they contain gelatin. This means that even though they claim to be 100% natural, they are not vegan for those who follow a strict vegan diet.
Other Skittle Flavors and Ingredients:
Sour Skittles – Sour Skittles are sour candies that come in two flavours: grapefruit and lime. They are available in both regular and mini sizes. Both flavours are made with real fruit juices, so they are completely vegan.
Brightside Skittles – Brightside Skittles are bright orange candies made with real fruit juice. The only difference between them and regular Skittles is that they have added vitamin C.
Fruit Punch Skittles – Fruit Punch Skittles are strawberry flavoured popcorn balls. Like other Skittles, they are sold individually and come packed in a pack of four.
Watermelon Skittles – Watermelon Skittles are made by mixing watermelon seeds with corn syrup. They are sold individually.
Strawberry Skittles – Strawberry Skittles are made using real strawberries. They are sold individually in packs of eight.
Tropical Skittles – Tropical Skittles are made of coconut, pineapple and mango. They are sold individually but can also be found packaged in boxes of 12.
Darkside Skittles – Darkside Skittles are dark chocolate covered Skittles. They are sold individually; however, they can also be found in boxes of 12.
Sweet Heat Skittles – Sweet Heat Skittles are made up of caramelized peanuts and marshmallows. They are sold individually as well as in packs of 4.
Sweets & Sours Skittles – Sweets & Sours Skittle are candy coated marshmallow treats. They are sold individually although they can also be found packaged together in boxes of 16.
Blue Moon Skittles – Blue Moon Skittles are made exclusively for Canada. They are similar to regular Skittles except that they are pink instead of red. They are sold individually with no packaging.
What About Other Fruit Flavored Candy?
If you are trying to eat more healthy, you probably already know that many popular candies are loaded with sugar.
For example, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are made with peanut butter, chocolate, and lots of sugar. They are not suitable for your health.
However, one type of candy is healthier than most others. That type of candy is called “fruit roll-ups.” These treats are made with dried fruits such as raisins, apples, bananas, oranges, and pears.
The only thing that they lack is sugar. They are so low in sugar that you could quickly eat them without feeling guilty.
Other Skittles Alternatives:
There are other alternatives to Skittles that are just as delicious, if not better. Here are three great options:
• Jelly Bellies – Jelly Belly jelly beans come in many different flavours, including strawberry, grape, cherry, orange, banana, lime, watermelon, and sour apple. You can find these tasty sweets online or in stores near you.
• Sour Patch Kids – Sour patch kids are another classic candy that has been around since the 1920s. They are filled with fruity goodness like lemon, lime, tangerine, grape, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, pineapple, and cherry. Try the Sour Patch Kids fruit snacks if you want something similar but a little sweeter.
• Tootsie Rolls – Tootsie rolls are another classic treat that dates back to the 1930s. They are available in many different flavours, including vanilla, caramel, coconut, mint, peanut butter, and cinnamon.
These are just a few examples of what you can do instead of eating Skittles. There are plenty of other candies out there that will satisfy your craving while still being healthy. So go ahead and enjoy yourself!
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Last Words
While Skittles are not strictly vegan, you can still enjoy them without worrying about consuming animal products. Just remember to read the labels carefully before buying them. Also, keep in mind that some varieties of Skittles may not be vegan.
If you decide to consume Skittles, make sure that you pick up organic versions. These will have no added dyes or chemicals.
