Are Skittles Halal? The Shocking Reality

In the world of sweet candies, skittles stand out as one of the most famous and popular candy brands globally. These multicoloured, lentil shaped fruit flavoured candies are loved by children and adults alike. However these candies have sparked curiosity among Muslim consumers about their halal status.

The most frequently  asked question about these candies is “Are Skittles halal”? Skittles are made from coloured sugars and artificial flavours which are usually plant based. However, Skittles has officially confirmed that they lack halal certification.

While some plant based flavours in various regions are potentially halal, a definite answer requires closer look at specific ingredients. Let’s investigate the ingredients of skittles  together to determine which variants are suitable for Muslim consumers. 

Skittles were first originated in the United Kingdom in 1974 by Frank C. Mars. They introduced a variety of candy flavours, from original strawberry, grape, lemon, orange and lime to sour versions of these  tastes. These flavourful candies quickly made their place in the confectionery market and spread globally.

Initially started in Europe, they reached the United States in 1979. In the 1980s, the Wrigley Company, a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., took over skittles. This company expanded the brand worldwide. Today , skittles are sold in many countries in a wide range of flavours.

It is necessary to check ingredients before consuming to ensure it is Halal. The common ingredients used in skittles along with their Islamic dietary status are as follows:

Sugar

The Sugar used in skittles candies is obtained from sugarcane and sugar beets. It makes the candy sweet. It is Halal ingredient.

Corn Syrup

It is used to give a smooth structure to the candy and is obtained from corn. It is also halal.

Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil

Palm kernel oil obtained from palm nuts makes candies soft.  It is generally halal.

Citric Acid`

Citric acid is obtained from citrus fruits or fermented sugars to give candy a sour taste. Being a plant based ingredient, it is halal.

Tartaric Acid

This acid is sourced in two ways: from grapes or from wine to balance the overall flavor of candy. It is used in candy in its synthesised form which is considered halal.

Natural and Artificial Flavours

These flavours give different tastes to candy. Their halal status depends on their source. They are Halal only, if sourced from plants and ethanol residual is below 5000PPM. 

Colours (Dyes)

They make the candies colourful, bright and appealing. They are obtained from different sources including plants, insects and synthetic processes. So their status is uncertain ;check for halal labels.

Acetic Acid

It is obtained through fermentation of sugars and alcohol to preserve the  candy for a long period of time. It is halal if sourced from fermentation of sugars, but the Presence of alcohol makes the status questionable, potentially making some flavours of skittles haram.

Following are plant based flavours which are suitable for Muslims. There is no doubtful ingredient in these flavours:

• Skittles Original
• Skittles wild berry
• Skittles sour 
• Skittles tropical 
• Skittles sweet and sour

Following Flavours of Skittles are considered as haram and are not suitable for Muslims:

• Skittles gummies 
• Skittles sour gummies 
• Skittles wild berries gummies 
• Skittles squishy clouds 

Yes, some flavours sold in UK are halal suitable like:

• Skittles chewy crazy sour sweets 
• Skittles wild berry fruit flavoured treat
• Skittles and friends sweets 
• Skittles giants gooey vegan chewy sweets

All flavours are not halal. Following flavours are suitable for Muslims.

• Skittles original
• Skittles wild berry
• Skittles sour
• Skittles tropical

Skittles in the USA lack halal certification. However, flavours like skittles original, wild berry and sour are Suitable for Muslims.

To conclude, skittles are not halal certified. However, some flavours discussed above in the article are suitable for Muslims due to absence of doubtful ingredients.