Skittles Original Fruit Candies
Almost pure sugar in a colorful shell, with a rainbow of synthetic dyes and a questionable whitener, so treat it as an occasional indulgence.
Ingredients (14)
Sugar
It is the first ingredient and provides empty calories with no nutritional benefit. High intake is linked to tooth decay, weight gain and type 2 diabetes risk.
Corn Syrup
It is a second concentrated sweetener that raises blood glucose quickly. Combined with sugar, it makes sweeteners the bulk of the product.
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
ControversialIt is highly saturated, though fully hydrogenation means it is not a significant source of trans fat. It also raises sustainability concerns because of palm sourcing.
Citric Acid
E330It occurs naturally in citrus and is safe at food levels. Its main downside here is that acidic candy can erode tooth enamel.
Tapioca Dextrin
It is a processed starch with a high glycemic effect and no nutritional value. It is not a safety concern, but it is not a beneficial ingredient either.
Modified Corn Starch
E14xx (varies)It is widely used as a thickener and texturizer and is considered safe by regulators. It is still a refined carbohydrate.
Natural Flavors
The term is a catch-all that can cover many compounds, so consumers cannot tell what they are getting. They are generally considered safe but are not transparent.
Red 40
E129 ControversialStudies such as the Southampton study link it to increased hyperactivity in some children. The EU requires a warning label on products containing it.
Titanium Dioxide
E171 ControversialIn 2021 EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe because genotoxicity concerns could not be ruled out. It remains permitted in the US, and some recent Skittles formulations have removed it, so check your label.
Yellow 5
E102 ControversialIt can trigger allergic-type reactions in a small number of sensitive people and is linked to behavioral effects in some children. The EU requires a warning label.
Yellow 6
E110 ControversialIt is a synthetic dye associated with hyperactivity in some children and rare hypersensitivity reactions. It is approved but carries an EU warning label.
Blue 2
E132 ControversialIt is generally considered safe, but it is a synthetic dye with no nutritional purpose. Some animal studies raised questions that have not been confirmed in humans.
Blue 1
E133It is poorly absorbed and has a relatively good safety record among synthetic dyes. It is still purely cosmetic and part of the overall dye load.
Carnauba Wax
E903This plant-derived wax gives the candy its shine and is considered safe in the small amounts used.
Healthier alternatives
Colored with fruit and vegetable extracts rather than synthetic dyes, and made with organic ingredients.
Find on AmazonUses plant-based colors and organic sweeteners, with no artificial dyes or titanium dioxide.
Find on AmazonFar less sugar (around 3g per bag) and no artificial colors, though it uses fiber and sugar alcohols that can upset some stomachs.
Find on AmazonSkittles first launched in the UK in 1974 and reached the US in 1979. The 'S' stamped on each candy is a printed trademark mark, not just decoration.