Last Updated on July 23, 2021 by Jim Edwards
Contents
What are Skittles?
Skittles are a fruit-flavored candy that is extremely popular all across the world. There are different flavors in a single packet. Over the years, different packets have hit the shelf, and people have welcomed all the variations. But the original Skittles flavor package is still the best seller.
Skittles slogan is “Taste the Rainbow!” which has led to tons of odd, funny and wacky commercials. It refers to tasting all of the different skittles flavors and of course it is a good marketing strategy. See the commercials below – quite funny!
History of Skittles
Skittles were introduced to the world in 1974 by a British company. It made its entry to North America in 1979, and later in 1982, the United States began the local production.
The Wrigley company manufactures Skittles. In 2016 they came up with white skittles in honor of the Gay Rights Movement. It was ironic that Skittles removed its rainbow color to honor the pride month. It later released an explanation stating that only one rainbow matters. They do not wish to steal the thunder from the LGBT+ community.
Flavors of Skittles
Skittles come in 5 different flavors:
- orange
- lemon
- green apple
- grape
- strawberry
Note: Before 2013, there was a lime flavor, which was replaced by green apple.
Summer 2021 Update – Lime Skittles are back as a Limited Edition
What are the ingredients in Skittles?
The ingredients include corn syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, tapioca dextrin, citric acid, artificial and natural flavors, sodium citrate, Carnauba wax, colors (red 40 lake, titanium dioxide, Red 40, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Skittles Vegan?
The natural ingredients are plant-based. The artificial flavors and other sweeteners and thickeners are either plant-based or synthetically sourced. Hence it is safe to say that Skittles is completely vegan.
How are Skittles Made?
Each piece is called a “lentil.” One of Skittles’ interesting facts is that the flavors are not color-coded, and every flavor has a different recipe. A strawberry flavor lentil will have a different recipe from a green apple-flavored lentil.
The five signature flavors are placed in five different mixers at the mixing station. In the beginning, the mixture looks like a brownie batter. It is then put into molds for hardening.
After that, the candies are transferred to a panning station, where the misshapen candies are segregated. Flavors still separate the candies.
The candies then move to a packing station. Every piece of candy undergoes a four-to-six-hour-long process of color addition. Any flavor can land any color. The colored Skittles are then mixed and headed for packaging.
Video – How are Skittles Made?
This is an excellent video showing how they are made inside the factory. It shows how they are molded and how they move through the factory lines.
Who makes Skittles?
The Wrigley Company currently manufactures skittles.
How many calories are there in Skittles?
A bit size bag of Skittles contains 60 calories. In general, 100 grams of Skittles contain 406 calories.
Are Skittles gluten-free?
A common misconception is that corn starch and corn syrup contain gluten. These two ingredients are used in making Skittles. However, it is tested from the long list of ingredients and found that Skittles are completely gluten and gelatin-free.
Are Skittles all the same flavor?
No!
The Original Skittles packet had five flavors: strawberry, lemon, orange, lime, and grape. Green apple flavor has replaced the lime flavor.
There are different kinds of Skittles – Original, Wild Berry, Orchards, Sour, Tropical Rainforest, Flavor Mash-ups, Darkside, Brightside, Sweet & Sours, Desserts, America Mix, Blenders, Riddles, Crazy Cores, Crazy Sours, Carnival, Fizzl’d Fruits, etc.
How many Skittles are there in a bag?
A 2.17 oz bag contains 60 Skittles. A 7 oz bag contains 190 Skittles.
A king-size bag contains 24 packets of 60 Skittles each.
Who owns Skittles?
Mars, Inc. owns Skittles. It is currently manufactured and advertised by the Wrigley Company, which is a division of Mars.
Who invented Skittles?
A British company made skittles for the first time in 1974. Skittles made its entry in North America as an import confectionery in 1979. By 1982, there was domestic production of Skittles happening in the United States.
How many colors of Skittles are there?
There are five different colors of Skittles – yellow, orange, red, purple, and green.
What are the Skittles shells made of?
Skittle shells are made from hard sugar, with the letter “S” inscribed on every candy piece.
Why did Skittles get rid of lime flavor? Why did they change from lime to green apple?
The original five flavors of Skittles included lime as one of the flavors. It was later replaced by green apple in 2013. The company had conducted several polls where people voted for green apple more. Hence, Skittles decided to adopt green apple flavor permanently.
How many carbs are there in Skittles?
Every 100 grams of Original Skittles contain 91 grams of carbohydrates.
What are Pride Skittles?
Pride Skittles are a limited-edition colorless candy to honor the LGBT+ community during June (Pride month). Ironically, Skittles being rainbow in color, chooses to stay colorless for the pride month. We know a rainbow symbolizes that pride.
Skittles has this explanation that only one rainbow should enjoy the center of attention during pride month, and that is the entire LGBT+ community.
Thus, Skittles chose to remain colorless for a limited time. And these have become very popular during Pride Month in June!
Skittles came up with the hashtag #OneRainbow matters.
How many Skittles are there in a fun-size bag?
A fun-size bag weighs one pound. It contains 16 packets of Skittles containing 12 pieces in each.
Skittles Commercials – Compilation of all the Best Skittles Commercials
Over the years there have been MANY hilarious Skittles commercials. This video has all of them in one place. Give it a watch and we guarantee you will LOL!
If you like Skittles and sour too, be sure to see our Sour Skittles review.
If you want a nice chocolate bar instead of a sweet fruity candy, be sure to read our Zero Candy Bar Review
Image Credit: “Skittles” by ambiebambie39507 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
I’m Jim Edwards and I started this website to share my love of Junk Food. We cover new junk food, desserts, snack foods, fast food secret menus, candy (of course!) and other related news. We love trying “secret menus” at restaurants. And we love trying new products too. So, we are trying to have some fun with our hobby and share some useful information with you, our community. Please feel to send us your suggestions and feedback through the contact form. And if you have products you would like us to try, let us know…!