Are Skittles Gluten Free and Dairy Free?

As we’ve established, Skittles are a beloved candy around the world.

They’re available in a wide range of colors and flavors, making them a popular choice for people of all ages.

However, for those who follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, finding a suitable candy can be a challenge.

In this very article, we will answer this question, “are Skittles gluten-free and dairy-free?” and provide you with all the needed information you need to know about this popular candy.

Are Skittles Gluten-Free?

The short answer is yes – Skittles are gluten-free. Skittles are made using corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, and natural and artificial flavors.

None of these ingredients contain gluten or gluten-containing ingredients.

Additionally, Skittles are labeled as “gluten-free” and are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

This certification is vital for people with celiac disease or gluten allergies as it guarantees that the product does not contain gluten.

It’s important to note that while Skittles are gluten-free, they are not necessarily made in a gluten-free facility.

Skittles are manufactured in facilities that also process products containing gluten.

However, the company follows strict manufacturing processes to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring that the final product is safe for consumption by those following a gluten-free diet.

Are Skittles Dairy-Free?

Yes, Skittles are dairy-free. The ingredients in Skittles do not include any dairy or dairy-containing products.

This fact makes Skittles an excellent choice for those who are lactose intolerant or have any dairy allergy.

Skittles Ingredients

Skittles are made using a combination of natural and artificial flavors, corn syrup, sugar, Tapioca, dextrin modified corn starch, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these ingredients.

• Natural and Artificial Flavors: Skittles combine natural and artificial flavors, giving them their unique taste.
• Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is used as a sweetener in Skittles. It’s made from cornstarch and is gluten-free.
• Sugar: Sugar is another sweetener used in Skittles. It’s also gluten-free.
• Modified Corn Starch: Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent in Skittles. It’s gluten-free.
• Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil: Hydrogenated palm kernel oil keeps Skittles from sticking together. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free.

Skittles Flavors

Skittles come in a wide range of flavors, including:

1) Original Skittles:

This classic flavor includes strawberry, orange, lemon, grape, and green apple.

2) Sour Skittles:

These come in a range of sour flavors, including sour strawberry, sour lemon, sour grape, sour lime, and sour orange.

3) Wild Berry Skittles:

This flavor includes berry punch, strawberry, melon berry, wild cherry, and raspberry.

4) Tropical Skittles:

This flavor includes banana berry, kiwi lime, mango tangelo, pineapple passionfruit, and strawberry starfruit.

5) Darkside Skittles:

This flavor includes dark berry, forbidden fruit, blood orange, midnight lime, and pomegranate.

6) Skittles Gummies:

These are a softer version of the classic candy.

Are Sour Skittles Gluten-Free?

Yes, sour Skittles are gluten-free. They use the same ingredients as regular Skittles and are certified gluten-free.

Are Skittles Gummies Gluten-Free?

Yes, Skittles gummies are gluten-free. They are also made using the same ingredients as regular Skittles, including corn syrup, sugar, and modified corn starch.

Skittles Gummies come in a variety of flavors, including the available wild berry, sour strawberry, and banana berry.

Tropical Skittles Gluten Free 

Tropical Skittles are a fan favorite; the good news is that they are gluten-free.

The flavors in this variety include forbidden fruit, mango tangelo, pineapple passionfruit, strawberry starfruit, and citrus punch.

Are Skittles Vegan Candies?

Most Skittles are vegan-friendly. The ingredients in Skittles do not include any animal products.

However, it’s important to note that Skittles contains hydrogenated palm kernel oil, which may concern some vegans due to its potential environmental impact.

Palm oil production can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction for endangered species like orangutans.

The good news is that the company that produces Skittles, Mars Wrigley, has committed to using sustainably sourced palm oil in recent years.

This means that the palm oil used in Skittles is sourced from plantations certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). This non-profit organization promotes sustainable practices in the palm oil industry.

Other Gluten-Free Candy Brands

If you’re looking for other gluten-free candy brands, plenty of options are available. Here are some popular ones that are also dairy-free:

a) Sour Patch Kids 

Sour Patch Kids are a candy similar to Sour Skittles, and they are also gluten-free.

They come in various flavors, such as lime, orange, lemon, and grape, and are a popular choice for those who enjoy sour candy.

b) Tootsie Rolls and Jelly Beans 

Tootsie Rolls and Jelly Beans are also gluten-free candy options for those on a gluten-free diet.

Tootsie Rolls are chewy chocolate-flavored candy, while Jelly Beans come in various fruity flavors.

• Enjoy Life Foods – This brand offers a variety of gluten-free and dairy-free candy options, including chocolate bars, chocolate chips, and snack bars.
• YumEarth – YumEarth offers a range of gluten-free and dairy-free gummy candies, including their popular gummy bears and sour gummy worms.
• Unreal Candy – Unreal Candy offers a variety of gluten-free and dairy-free candy options, including chocolate-covered peanuts, chocolate cups, and candy-coated chocolates.
• SmartSweets – SmartSweets offers a variety of low-sugar, gluten-free, and dairy-free gummy candies, including their popular gummy bears and sour gummy worms.
• Surf Sweets – Surf Sweets offers a range of organic, gluten-free, and dairy-free gummy candies, including gummy bears, gummy worms, and jelly beans.

It’s important always to check the ingredients list and look for certifications such as “certified gluten-free” or labeled gluten-free to ensure that candy is safe for those following a gluten-free diet.

Additionally, be aware that some candies may be naturally gluten-free but may be produced in a facility that processes gluten-containing ingredients, so always read labels carefully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Skittles is a gluten-free and dairy-free candy that comes in a wide range of flavors and is suitable for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance, or dairy allergy.

While some vegans may be concerned about using hydrogenated palm kernel oil, Skittles are generally considered a vegan-friendly candy.

If you have any worries or questions about Skittles, check the packaging or contact the manufacturer.