Are skittles gluten free? Skittles is the brand name for a popular fruit-flavored, chewy candy manufactured by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. These fruity treats are enjoyed by all ages – kids and adults alike. Here are some of my favorite recipes that you can use to make gluten-free skittles at home.
It is safe to say that Skittles are Gluten Free but there is a possibility of skittles having some ingredients that have some amount of gluten in it because most of this type of food is created by many processes that can involve gluten presence.
What does “gluten-free” actually mean?
The term “gluten-free” is defined by the FDA as “a food that contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten.” Because of this, people with celiac disease may find that some products are advertised as being “gluten free” but are still harmful to their health.
One of the most common offenders is malt vinegar, which can contain up to 10 parts per million of gluten. In addition, other ingredients like wheat starch and barley malt may be added to foods labeled “gluten free.” These ingredients are typically used in beer making and can contain up to 20 parts per million of gluten.
Should I be concerned about gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten is what gives bread its chewy texture. If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there are some foods that are off-limits for you.
But if you’re not sure if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there are still some things to consider before making a decision about whether or not to eliminate gluten from your diet.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten is what gives bread its chewy texture. If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there are some foods that are off-limits for you.
But if you’re not sure if you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or if you’re just trying to eat healthier, there are still some things to consider before making a decision about whether or not to eliminate gluten from your diet.
Most Skittles products are gluten-free
Skittles are made from a combination of corn syrup, sugar and gelatin. The only type of gelatin that contains gluten is hydrolyzed vegetable or animal protein (HVP). HVP is used in many types of candy, including some Skittles candies. All of the following products are considered gluten-free:
- Skittles Original Fruit Chews (UPC 72600 07611)
- Skittles Original Fruit Chews – Sour Apple (UPC 72600 07612)
- Skittles Original Fruit Chews – Tropical (UPC 72600 07613)
- Skittles Original Fruit Chews – Wild Berry (UPC 72600 07614)
Skittles is safe for most people on a gluten-free diet
Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s what gives breads and pastas their elasticity and chewiness. When you’re allergic to gluten or have celiac disease, it can cause serious health problems.
Skittles are made from corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, dextrose, artificial flavors, natural and artificial colors, citric acid, carnauba wax and confectioner’s glaze. There are no current plans to make Skittles gluten-free because there are no ingredients that contain gluten in Skittles candies currently sold in the United States or Canada.
Skittles are made by the Wrigley Company
They are a popular confectionery brand and are sold in many countries throughout the world. These candies come in a variety of colors, flavors, and shapes. They are made from sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, gelatin, corn starch, artificial and natural flavors and colors. In addition to being candy, Skittles make great baking decorations for cakes, cookies and cupcakes.
The ingredients include Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake and Blue 1 Lake. Skittles do not contain any wheat or gluten ingredients, but some varieties may contain lactose due to milk in their flavoring. Skittles are not considered to be a wheat-free product because they may contain traces of wheat in their ingredients.
If you have Celiac disease you should check the bag to confirm that there is no warning about gluten
If there is a warning, then it is not safe for you to eat. If you do not have Celiac disease, but are concerned about gluten or want to avoid it, then look for candies made with artificial flavors instead of natural flavors.
The ingredients list for Skittles includes corn syrup and sugar, but otherwise it’s pretty straightforward.
- Sugar
- Corn Syrup, Dextrose
- Citric Acid
- Artificial Flavor
- Red 40 Lake
- Yellow 6 Lake
- Blue 1 Lake and Carnauba Wax
- Skittles have no artificial colors or flavors
- They do contain sugar alcohols (maltitol)
Conclusion
Even with careful label reading, you may have a run in with gluten in unexpected places. We hope that Skittles remain freely available to you and do not cross the path of your needlessly-restrictive diet, but problems can happen to anyone when they’re least expected. This is why everyone should be cautious of what they eat and make sure that they get enough protein if they feel like they are losing it.