When you think of colorful, fruity candy that promises a burst of flavor with every bite, Skittles is likely one of the first names that come to mind. Over the years, Skittles has released various flavors, each catering to different taste preferences. One such variant is the Wild Berry Skittles. However, as with many processed foods, there’s always a lingering question for the health and environmentally conscious: Are Wild Berry Skittles vegan?
What are Wild Berry Skittles?
Skittles, the iconic candy, has a simple tagline: “Taste the Rainbow.” And truly, they offer a rainbow of flavors. The Wild Berry variant brings together a mix of berry flavors that promises to tantalize the taste buds. Each color corresponds to a particular flavor – from the deep purple of wild cherry to the bright blue of raspberry.
While many of us have fond memories of enjoying these sugary treats during our younger years, or even sneaking some as adults, the rise in veganism and dietary awareness means many now pause before ripping open that colorful packet. So, let’s break down what goes into this popular candy.
What are Wild Berry Skittles Made Of?
It’s always a wise decision to understand the ingredients of any product, especially if you adhere to specific dietary choices. Here’s what goes into Wild Berry Skittles:
Ingredients List
- Sugar
- Corn Syrup
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
- Citric Acid
- Tapioca Dextrin
- Modified Corn Starch
- Natural And Artificial Flavors
- Titanium Dioxide
- Red 40 Lake
- Blue 2 Lake
- Yellow 5 Lake
- Blue 1 Lake
- Red 40
- Yellow 5
- Blue 1
- Yellow 6
- Sodium Citrate
- Carnauba Wax
Are Wild Berry Skittles Vegan?
The quick answer is: No, Wild Berry Skittles are not 100% vegan. Now, before you despair, let’s break it down. Many of the ingredients listed above are plant-derived or synthetic. However, a few ingredients in the mix raise eyebrows.
The primary culprits are the artificial colors. Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Yellow 6 are synthetic colors. While they aren’t derived from animal products, the issue lies in their testing. These dyes have historically been tested on animals, a practice staunchly opposed by vegans.
Furthermore, the term “natural and artificial flavors” is quite ambiguous. Without specifics from the manufacturer, it’s challenging to determine if animal-derived ingredients are part of those flavors.
Are Wild Berry Skittles Gluten-Free?
No, Wild Berry Skittles are not certified gluten-free. While none of the ingredients directly point to sources of gluten, cross-contamination is always a possibility in factories that produce a range of products. Thus, it’s always advisable for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to avoid products that aren’t explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
Are Wild Berry Skittles Vegetarian?
Yes, Wild Berry Skittles are vegetarian. They don’t contain any ingredients directly derived from animals, such as gelatin, which is found in many chewy candies and is made from animal bones, tendons, or ligaments. So, if you’re vegetarian, you can indulge in these fruity treats without worry.
Final Thoughts
Wild Berry Skittles certainly deliver for those craving a burst of fruity flavor. However, those strictly adhering to a vegan lifestyle might not meet the criteria due to concerns over artificial coloring and the vagueness of the flavoring ingredients.
Yet, it’s a testament to our changing dietary landscape that such questions are being asked, with consumers wanting to make informed choices about the products they consume. It underscores the importance of transparency from manufacturers.