So, Are Skittles Vegan? Quick Answer
For U.S.A, Yes for dietary vegans. Maybe not for strict ethical vegans due to artificial colors and palm oil. In UK, widely considered vegan-friendly with a cleaner ingredient list.
Major Ingredient Differences at a Glance
| Ingredient / Concern | U.S. Skittles | U.K. Skittles |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin | ❌ Removed | ❌ Not used |
| Carmine (from beetles) | ❌ Not used | ❌ Not used |
| Shellac | ❌ Not used | ❌ Not used |
| Titanium dioxide | ✔️ Common | ❌ Banned in UK |
| Artificial colors (tested on animals) | ✔️ Yes | ⚠️ Restricted / alternatives used |
| Palm oil | ✔️ Yes | ✔️ Sometimes present, varies |
Are Skittles Vegan? The Surprising Differences Between the U.S. and U.K. Versions
Are Skittle Vegan in 2026?
If you’ve ever stood in a supermarket aisle wondering whether you can toss a pack of Skittles into your vegan cart, you’re not alone. Skittles are one of the most searched candies in the “Is it vegan?” world – and the answer is a little more complicated than a simple yes or no. It depends on where you’re buying them.
Below is a clear breakdown of Skittles ingredients in the U.S. and U.K., why they differ, and what vegans should know before snacking.
Skittles in the US: Mostly Vegan… With Some Gray Areas
In the U.S., Skittles removed gelatin years ago, which used to be the biggest non-vegan ingredient. Today, the U.S. recipe does not contain gelatin, carmine, or shellac, which means technically Skittles are free from the obvious animal-derived ingredients.
Gelatin – Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically from the skin, bones, and connective tissue of cows or pigs. Because it comes directly from animal body parts, it is not vegan or vegetarian. Plant-based alternatives include agar-agar (from seaweed), pectin (from fruits), and carrageenan.
Keru App Tells You The Truth
Keru App tell you what is actually inside the products you use – from Food to Makeup, Skincare to Cleaning Supplies.
Keru App Vegan Checker analyzes ingredients real-time and quickly tell you if a product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Current U.S. Ingredients
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1
- Titanium dioxide (varies by variety)
Why Some U.S. Vegans Still Avoid Skittles
Even though there are no direct animal ingredients, a few ethical concerns come up:
1. Artificial Colors (Big Debate)
Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and others are traditional food dyes. They aren’t animal-derived, but they are tested on animals in some regulatory processes. Ethical vegans often avoid them; dietary vegans generally don’t.
Keru App also offers Eat Clean feature where it highlights Artifical Color alongside other additives.
2. Palm Oil
Skittles use hydrogenated palm kernel oil. Palm oil isn’t animal-derived, but many vegans avoid it because of deforestation and damage to wildlife habitats.
Keru App also offers Palm Oil flagging where it highlights Palm Oil and its hidden forms.
If you’re a “strict-ethical” vegan, U.S. Skittles may not fully align with your standards. But if you follow a plant-based diet without deeper ethical rules, U.S. Skittles are considered vegan-friendly.
Skittles in the UK: Much More Vegan-Friendly
The U.K. version has stricter rules around colorings and additives. The recipes differ slightly, and they’ve been marketed as vegan for years.
Why U.K. Skittles Are More Clearly Vegan
- No gelatin
- No carmine (E120)
- No shellac
- No animal-based glazing agents
- No U.S.-style artificial colors that involve animal testing requirements
- No titanium dioxide (which has been banned in the EU/U.K.)
Coloring in the UK
The U.K. uses plant-derived or approved synthetic colorings that bypass U.S.-style testing.
Result
For most vegans, U.K. Skittles are considered safely vegan with fewer ethical dilemmas.
