Skittles, the iconic fruit-flavored candies, have been a staple in many households for decades. Their bright colors, sweet taste, and chewy texture have made them a favorite among both kids and adults. But have you ever wondered what’s inside those tiny, sugar-coated shells? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Skittles and explore their composition, ingredients, and manufacturing process.
The History of Skittles
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s take a brief look at the history of Skittles. The candy was first introduced in the UK in 1974 by a British company called Rowntree’s. The original Skittles were quite different from the ones we know today, with a softer shell and a more subtle flavor. In 1979, Rowntree’s was acquired by Nestle, which later sold the brand to Wrigley Company in 1982. Wrigley’s introduced the modern Skittles recipe, which features a harder shell and a more vibrant color palette.
The Ingredients
So, what’s inside a Skittle? The ingredients may surprise you. Here’s a breakdown of the typical components:
- Sugar: The primary ingredient in Skittles is sugar, which makes up about 50% of the candy’s weight.
- Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is a sweet, viscous liquid derived from cornstarch. It helps bind the sugar and other ingredients together.
- Fruit Juice from Concentrate: Skittles contain a mixture of fruit juices, including orange, grape, lemon, lime, and cherry. These juices are derived from concentrates, which are made by evaporating the water content from the fruit.
- Citric Acid: Citric acid is a natural preservative that gives Skittles their characteristic tanginess.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: Skittles contain a blend of natural and artificial flavors, which are designed to enhance the fruit flavors.
- <strong Colors: The bright colors of Skittles come from a combination of natural and artificial dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1.
- Gelatin: Gelatin is a protein derived from animal bones and connective tissue. It helps give Skittles their chewy texture.
- Carnauba Wax: Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax that helps give Skittles their glossy appearance.
The Role of Sugar in Skittles
Sugar plays a crucial role in the composition of Skittles. Not only does it provide sweetness, but it also helps bind the other ingredients together. The sugar content in Skittles is relatively high, with a single serving (about 28g) containing around 20g of sugar. This is roughly 50% of the daily recommended intake of sugar.
The Controversy Surrounding Artificial Colors
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of artificial colors in food products, including Skittles. Some studies have suggested that artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5 may be linked to hyperactivity in children. However, it’s worth noting that the FDA has approved these colors for use in food products, and many manufacturers, including Wrigley’s, have committed to reducing their use of artificial colors in response to consumer concerns.
The Manufacturing Process
So, how are Skittles made? The manufacturing process involves several stages:
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
The first step in making Skittles is to mix the ingredients together in a large batch tank. The sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice from concentrate are combined with citric acid, natural and artificial flavors, and colors.
Step 2: Heating the Mixture
The mixture is then heated to a temperature of around 300°F (150°C) to create a syrup-like consistency.
Step 3: Forming the Skittles
The hot syrup is then passed through a machine called a starch molding machine, which shapes the mixture into small, round pellets. These pellets are the basic shape of Skittles.
Step 4: Polishing the Skittles
The Skittles are then polished in a rotating drum with a small amount of wax, such as carnauba wax, to give them a glossy appearance.
Step 5: Sorting and Packaging
Finally, the Skittles are sorted by color and packaged in bags or other containers for distribution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Skittles are a complex candy with a unique composition and manufacturing process. While they may not be the healthiest snack option, they remain a beloved treat for many people around the world. By understanding what’s inside Skittles, we can appreciate the science and technology that goes into creating these tiny, sugar-coated shells.
| Ingredient | Percentage of Total Weight |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 50% |
| Corn Syrup | 20% |
| Fruit Juice from Concentrate | 10% |
| Citric Acid | 5% |
| Natural and Artificial Flavors | 5% |
| Colors | 2% |
| Gelatin | 1% |
| Carnauba Wax | 1% |
Note: The exact percentages of each ingredient may vary depending on the country and region where Skittles are manufactured.
What are Skittles made of?
Skittles are a type of fruit-flavored candy that is primarily composed of sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice. The exact ingredients may vary depending on the country and region where they are produced, but the main components are generally the same. In addition to sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice, Skittles also contain citric acid, which gives them their characteristic tangy flavor.
The candy shell of Skittles is made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring. The shell is created by heating the sugar and corn syrup mixture to a high temperature, then adding food coloring to create the desired color. The shell is then molded into the familiar Skittles shape and filled with the fruit-flavored center.
What is the fruit-flavored center of Skittles made of?
The fruit-flavored center of Skittles is made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice. The exact type of fruit juice used may vary depending on the flavor of the Skittles, but common ingredients include orange, grape, and lemon juice. The fruit juice is mixed with sugar and corn syrup to create a sweet and tangy flavor.
In addition to sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice, the fruit-flavored center of Skittles may also contain other ingredients such as citric acid and natural flavors. Citric acid gives Skittles their characteristic tangy flavor, while natural flavors may be added to enhance the overall taste and aroma of the candy.
Do Skittles contain any artificial ingredients?
Yes, Skittles contain several artificial ingredients, including food coloring and artificial flavors. The candy shell of Skittles is colored with artificial food dyes, which are used to create the bright and vibrant colors of the candy. Additionally, some flavors of Skittles may contain artificial flavors, which are used to enhance the overall taste and aroma of the candy.
It’s worth noting that while Skittles do contain some artificial ingredients, the company that produces them, Wrigley, has made efforts in recent years to reduce the amount of artificial ingredients in their products. For example, in 2016, Wrigley announced that it would be removing artificial flavors and colors from its products in the United States.
Are Skittles gluten-free?
Yes, Skittles are gluten-free. The ingredients used to make Skittles do not contain any gluten, making them a safe choice for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredient label to confirm that the Skittles you are eating are gluten-free.
It’s worth noting that while Skittles themselves are gluten-free, they may be processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients. This means that there is a small risk of cross-contamination with gluten. However, Wrigley, the company that produces Skittles, has implemented strict quality control measures to minimize this risk.
Can Skittles be considered a vegan food?
No, Skittles are not considered a vegan food. While they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, they are processed using animal-derived products such as gelatin and beeswax. Gelatin is used to give Skittles their chewy texture, while beeswax is used to create the candy shell.
Additionally, some flavors of Skittles may contain carmine, a red food coloring that is derived from cochineal insects. Carmine is used to create the bright red color of some Skittles flavors. While Skittles do not contain any animal-derived ingredients in the classical sense, they are not considered vegan due to the use of animal-derived products in their processing.
How many calories are in a serving of Skittles?
A serving of Skittles is approximately 28 grams, or about 1 ounce. According to the Wrigley website, a serving of Skittles contains 110 calories. This includes 25 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat.
It’s worth noting that while a serving of Skittles may seem relatively small, it’s easy to eat multiple servings in one sitting. This can quickly add up to a large number of calories, making Skittles a treat that should be consumed in moderation.
Are Skittles safe to eat for people with food allergies?
Skittles are safe to eat for most people, but they may not be suitable for individuals with certain food allergies. For example, Skittles contain soy, which is a common allergen. They also contain corn syrup, which may be a problem for individuals with corn allergies.
Additionally, some flavors of Skittles may contain tree nuts or peanuts, which are common allergens. It’s always a good idea to check the ingredient label to confirm that the Skittles you are eating are safe for your specific food allergies. If you have a severe food allergy, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.