Vegan Skittles: What You Need to Know

If you love the rainbow‑colored chew of Skittles but stick to a vegan diet, you’re probably wondering whether those tiny candies fit your lifestyle. The short answer: most original Skittles aren’t vegan because they contain animal‑derived ingredients like gelatin and certain food‑color additives. But don’t worry – there are ways to enjoy a Skittles‑like snack without breaking your plant‑based rules.

Which Ingredients Make Skittles Non‑Vegan?

The biggest red flag is gelatin, which is used in some candy coatings to give that glossy finish. Even if a brand claims “no gelatin,” they might still use cochineal (also called carmine) – a red dye made from crushed insects. Look for the code E120 on the ingredient list; that’s a tell‑tale sign of animal‑derived coloring.

Other sneaky non‑vegan additives include L‑cysteine (an amino acid sometimes sourced from feathers or hair) and certain buttery flavorings. In the US, the classic Skittles formula has moved away from gelatin, but the colorants still pose a problem for strict vegans.

How to Find or Make Vegan Skittles

Fortunately, a few options exist if you crave that tangy, sugary bite. Some specialty stores now stock vegan‑friendly “fruit‑flavored candy shells” that mimic Skittles’ texture without animal ingredients. Brands like SmartSweets and Surf Sweets offer fruit‑based, gelatin‑free chewies that satisfy the same sweet‑and‑sour craving.

If you’re up for a DIY project, here’s a simple recipe that takes about 30 minutes:

1. Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, and a splash of water until smooth.
2. Add a few drops of natural fruit‑derived food coloring (beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow, spirulina for blue).
3. Stir in ½ tsp citric acid for that signature tang.
4. Drop small spoonfuls onto a parchment sheet and let them set for 15–20 minutes.

The result is a soft, fruit‑flavored candy that looks and tastes a lot like Skittles, but is 100% plant‑based. You can experiment with flavors by swapping out the citric acid for powdered juice powders (like raspberry or lime).

When you shop, always read the label. Look for terms like “vegan,” “plant‑based,” or “gelatin‑free.” If the packaging is silent on these points, a quick online search of the product’s ingredient list can save you from an accidental animal‑derived bite.

Bottom line: original Skittles aren’t vegan, but there are plenty of alternatives, both store‑bought and homemade, that let you enjoy the candy‑store experience without compromising your values. Keep an eye on the ingredient list, experiment with DIY recipes, and you’ll have a colorful, cruelty‑free stash in no time.