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{{Short description|Brand of fruit-flavored candy by Wrigley}}
[[Image:Skittles-Louisiana-2003.jpg|thumb|250px|Skittles candy]]
{{pp-pc}}
'''Skittles''' are small, round [[candy|fruit chews]] that come in hard, sugar shells with the letter "[[s]]" printed on them, representing the candy's name. They are similar in outward appearance to the plain variety of the [[chocolate]] [[M&M's]], which, like Skittles, are produced by MasterFoods, a division of [[Mars, Incorporated]].
{{nutritionalvalue
| name = Skittles
| image = Skittles-Louisiana-2003.jpg
| image_size = 220px
| caption =
| kJ = 1680
| protein = 0 g
| fat = 4.4 g
| satfat = 3.9 g
| transfat = 0 g
| monofat =
| polyfat =
| omega3fat =
| omega6fat =
| carbs = 90.7 g
| starch =
| sugars = 75.6 g
| lactose =
| fibre = 0 g
| sodium_mg = 15.1
| potassium_mg =
| vitA_ug = 0
| vitC_mg = 26
| thiamin_mg =
| riboflavin_mg =
| niacin_mg =
| pantothenic_mg =
| folate_ug =
| vitD_ug =
| vitE_mg =
| vitK_ug =
| iron_mg = 0
| magnesium_mg =
| phosphorus_mg =
| zinc_mg =
| calcium_mg = 0
| vitB6_mg =
| vitB12_ug =
| water =
| alcohol =
| caffeine =
| source = [https://web.archive.org/web/20090525061921/http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/sweets/5611/2 NutritionData]
| note = Amounts converted and rounded to be relative to 100 g serving.
}}


'''Skittles''' are multicolored fruit-flavored lentil-shaped [[candy|candies]] produced and marketed by the [[Wrigley Company]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Skittles|url=http://www.wrigley.com/global/brands/skittles.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903031743/http://www.wrigley.com/global/brands/skittles.aspx|archive-date=September 3, 2009|access-date=October 31, 2012|publisher=Wrigley}}</ref> a division of [[Mars Inc.]]
Skittles Bite Size Candies, originally made by a company in England, were first introduced in the [[United States]] in 1974. Around 1981-1982, the production of Skittles began in the United States.<ref name = "InternetArchive">http://web.archive.org/web/20030411211658/skittles.com/product_info/</ref><ref>http://www.masterfoodsnews.com/products_detail.asp?prodId=157</ref> Skittles sold in the [[United Kingdom]] are made in the [[Czech Republic]], where Mars Incorporated makes them for export to many [[European Union]] markets. The company also produces the product in [[Victoria, Australia]], for distribution in the [[New Zealand]] market.


Skittles consist of hard sugar shells imprinted with the letter 'S', similar to [[M&M's]] which have the letter 'M'. The interior consists mainly of [[sugar]], [[corn syrup]], and [[hydrogenation|hydrogenated]] [[palm kernel oil]] along with [[fruit]] [[juice]], [[citric acid]], and [[Flavoring#Regulations on natural flavoring|natural]] and artificial [[Flavoring|flavor]]s.<ref name="wrigley" /> Skittles are sold in a variety of flavor collections, such as Tropical, Wild Berry, Smoothie, and Sour.
Skittles are a non-[[Kosher foods|kosher]] food and not [[vegetarian]] in the USA. However in Europe they are kosher and vegetarian because they do not contain any [[gelatin]].
== Advertising ==
Skittles has established itself as a popular modern product with [[advertising]] campaigns often associated with [[rainbow]]s due to their color. Skittles [[slogan]]s include "Taste the rainbow". There have been several [[television commercial]]s, centering on [[surrealism|surreal]] scenes, with people joyously receiving a bounty of Skittles raining from a rainbow in the sky.


== Varieties ==
== History and overview ==
Skittles were introduced in 1971 by Jack Candies, a British distributor for [[Mars, Incorporated]]. Mars was granted the patent in U.S. patent for the name Skittles in 1974.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PYZeHOZVeoYC&dq=skittles+candy+1971&pg=PA1828-IA77 | title=Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office: Patents | date=1974 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcpaAAAAYAAJ&q=jack+candies+ltd+skittles | title=CI: Candy Industry and Confectioners Journal | date=1971 }}</ref><ref name="backgrounder">{{cite web|date=23 August 2005|title=SKITTLES Bite Size Candies Backgrounder|url=http://www.masterfoodsnews.com/products_detail.asp?prodId=157|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201183339/http://www.masterfoodsnews.com/products_detail.asp?prodId=157|archive-date=February 1, 2009|publisher=Mars North America Newsroom}}</ref> An animated television advertisement from 1974 bears the logo of the "Galaxy" company and is copyrighted by Jack Candies Ltd.<ref>{{cite AV media |people= |date=1974 |title=Classic 1970's Skittles Commercial |trans-title= |type=TV commercial |language= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk3JSMqZudY |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810161234/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk3JSMqZudY |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |format= |time= |location= |publisher=Jack Candies Ltd |id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote= |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1979, Skittles became widely distributed throughout the U.S.<ref name="wrigley">{{cite web|title=Skittles|url=http://www.wrigley.com/global/brands/skittles.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903031743/http://www.wrigley.com/global/brands/skittles.aspx|archive-date=September 3, 2009|access-date=July 28, 2012|publisher=Wrigley}}</ref> In 1982, production of Skittles began in the United States.<ref name=wrigley /> Mars' Wrigley division acquired the Skittles company in 2008.
=== Original Fruit Skittles ===


The name of the candy, Skittles, comes from the [[Skittles (sport)|sports game of the same name]], named as such for the resemblance of the sweet to items used in the game.<ref name="backgrounder"/>
'''The flavors are:'''
*[[Orange (fruit)|Orange]] (orange)
*[[Lemon]] (yellow)
*[[Lime (fruit)|Lime]] (green)
*[[Strawberry]] (red)
*[[Grape]] (purple)


Skittles' "taste the rainbow" theme was created by the New York ad agency [[D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Ives|first=Nat|title=Skittles overhauls a familiar theme to encourage experiencing the candy, not just tasting it|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/09/business/media-business-advertising-skittles-overhauls-familiar-theme-encourage.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|newspaper=The New York Times|date=July 9, 2004|access-date=February 20, 2017|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227180305/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/09/business/media-business-advertising-skittles-overhauls-familiar-theme-encourage.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the South Korean, Taiwan, and Australian versions of Original Fruit Skittles, [[Apple]] (green) replaces Lime and outside the United States and Canada [[purple]] is flavored [[blackcurrant]].


[[File:Skittles are amazing.jpg|thumb|left|210px|Bilingual (English/French) Canadian packet of Skittles]]
=== Wild Berry Skittles ===
On March 2, 2009, Skittles launched a web-based marketing campaign where the official website became a small overlay with options to view different social media sites in the main area, including its official [[YouTube]] channel, a [[Facebook]] profile, and a [[Twitter]] account.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123604377921415283 |title=Skittles Cozies Up to Social Media |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=March 3, 2009 |first=Emily |last=Steel |access-date=August 8, 2017|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The move was debated by people interested in [[social media]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Capell|first=Kerry|date=March 8, 2009|title=When Skittles Met Twitter|url=http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/mar2009/ca2009038_020385.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309193022/http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/mar2009/ca2009038_020385.htm|archive-date=March 9, 2009|work=BusinessWeek}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2009/03/11/twitter-friendfeed-skittles-leadership-cmo-network-skittles.html |title=Skittles' Stupid Social Media Trick |work=Forbes |date=March 12, 2009 |first=Laurie |last=Burkitt |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227180308/https://www.forbes.com/2009/03/11/twitter-friendfeed-skittles-leadership-cmo-network-skittles.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In [[1990]],<ref name = "InternetArchive"/> Wild Berry Skittles were introduced. Wild Berry is a mix of exotic berry flavoring, and the product is sold in purple bags or boxes.


In 2009, the production of Skittles ceased using animal-derived [[gelatin]], making them suitable for [[Vegetarianism|vegetarians]], [[Veganism|vegans]], and certain religious groups.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vegknowledge.com/vegan/are-skittles-vegan/|title=Are Skittles Vegan? All Flavors Evaluated (2019)|last=Braden|date=2019-07-30|website=Veg Knowledge|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-21|archive-date=2023-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227180308/https://www.vegknowledge.com/vegan/are-skittles-vegan/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Yacoubou |first1=Jeanne |title=New Formulation Skittles Are Gelatin-Free; Starbursts & GummiBursts Contain Non-Kosher Gelatins |url=https://www.vrg.org/blog/2010/12/30/new-formulation-skittles-are-gelatin-free-starbursts-gummibursts-contain-non-kosher-gelatins/ |publisher=The Vegetarian Resource Group |access-date=21 August 2019 |date=December 30, 2010 |archive-date=27 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227180337/https://www.vrg.org/blog/2010/12/30/new-formulation-skittles-are-gelatin-free-starbursts-gummibursts-contain-non-kosher-gelatins/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
'''The flavors are:'''
*[[Raspberry]] (blue)
*[[Wild Cherry]] (red)
*[[Strawberry]] (magenta)
*[[Berry]] [[Punch (drink)|Punch]] (purple)
*[[Melon]] [[Berry]] (green)


Skittles were involved in two political incidents in the 2010s. In the aftermath of the [[killing of Trayvon Martin]], protestors used Skittles, which Martin had reportedly been carrying along with [[Arizona Beverage Company|Arizona watermelon fruit-flavored juice drink]], as a symbol during rallies. Though Mars' brief statement of condolences was criticized by some outlets, such as ''[[Adweek]]'', for being too subdued, Mars' response in 2016 to a Skittles-based [[image macro]] (which was posted by [[Donald Trump Jr.]] on his Twitter feed as an analogy for immigration) was praised for its tact and directness. [[MWWPR]] said Mars' responses could influence public relations best practices.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2016/09/22/skittles-gave-the-perfect-response-to-donald-trump-jr/ |title=Skittles can't seem to escape political controversies |last=McGregor |first=Jena |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=September 22, 2016 |access-date=September 22, 2016 |archive-date=September 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922201617/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2016/09/22/skittles-gave-the-perfect-response-to-donald-trump-jr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Tropical Skittles ===


In 2016, Skittles faced controversy over temporarily changing the color of the candies from the signature rainbow appearance to white in support of [[Pride month]], [[LGBT rights]] and [[Pride in London|London Pride]]. The Wrigley Company, a separate representing party of the Skittles brand, mass-produced the limited-edition colorless candies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Skittles packets have ditched their colours - and it's for one very important reason |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/skittles-packets-ditched-colours-its-8310422 |access-date=24 October 2020 |work=Mirror |date=29 June 2016 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231120144429/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/skittles-packets-ditched-colours-its-8310422 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=LondonPride2016>{{Cite news |last1=Beltrone |first1=Gabriel |url=https://www.adweek.com/creativity/skittles-sheds-its-rainbow-celebrate-london-pride-172303/ |title=Skittles Sheds Its Rainbow to Celebrate London Pride |publisher=Adweek |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=3 February 2020|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Skittles' rainbow themed packaging had also been altered temporarily to complement the achromatic confectionery within. On the back of each monochrome package, the Wrigley Company included an explanation for the company's marketing decision: "So this is kind of awkward, but we're just gonna go ahead and address the rainbow-colored elephant in the room. You have the rainbow... we have the rainbow... and usually that's just hunky-dory. But this Pride, only one rainbow deserves to be the centre of attention - yours. And we're not going to be the ones to steal your rainbow thunder, no siree."<ref name=LondonPride2016/> However, the message was met with confusion in some areas, with ''[[The Huffington Post]]'' publishing an article titled "Some People Think Skittles' All-White Pride Candies Are Racist", exploring the idea that by going all-white, the company failed to acknowledge the diversity defined by the LGBT community.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 June 2017|title=Some People Think Skittles' All-White Pride Candies Are Racist|publisher=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/skittles-all-white-pride-month_us_5943ffcce4b0f15cd5bae4bc|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-date=9 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009145015/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/skittles-all-white-pride-month_us_5943ffcce4b0f15cd5bae4bc|url-status=live}}</ref>
In [[1990]],<ref name = "InternetArchive"/> Tropical Skittles were introduced. Tropical is a mix of exotic [[tropical]] flavoring, and the product is sold in either light blue bags or boxes.


Every June, Skittles repeats the colorless marketing to spread Pride awareness and raise proceeds for an LGBT charity, such as the [[Switchboard (UK)|Switchboard helpline]] in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Switchboard continued to support LGBTQ+ people during the pandemic |url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/in-partnership-with/how-switchboard-continued-to-support-lgbtq-people-during-the-pandemic/ |access-date=24 October 2020 |work=Gay Times |date=17 July 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924050643/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/in-partnership-with/how-switchboard-continued-to-support-lgbtq-people-during-the-pandemic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For the 2020 Pride edition, Skittles changed the candy colors from a rainbow to all gray in the United States, with the tagline "Only one rainbow matters during PRIDE".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ebrahimji|first=Alisha|date=2020-05-22|title=Skittles ditches the rainbow to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/us/colorless-skittles-pride-trnd/index.html|access-date=2021-09-07|website=CNN|archive-date=2021-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723155835/https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/us/colorless-skittles-pride-trnd/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the white color continued to be used in countries such as the United Kingdom.{{Citation needed|date=September 2021}}
'''The flavors are:'''
* [[Banana]] [[Berry]] (yellow)
* [[Kiwifruit|Kiwi]] [[Lime (fruit)|Lime]] (green)
* [[Strawberry]] [[Watermelon]] (pink)
* [[Mango]] [[Peach]] (orange)
* [[Passionfruit|Passion]] [[Punch (drink)|Punch]] (blue)


Skittles' marketing has become known for its avant-garde viral marketing techniques, particularly in conjunction with the [[Super Bowl]]. In 2018, it produced a Super Bowl commercial that was viewed by only one person.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nudd |first1=Tim |title=The Kid Who Watched Skittles' Super Bowl Ad Reveals What Happened in It |url=https://www.adweek.com/creativity/the-kid-who-watched-skittles-super-bowl-ad-reveals-what-happened-in-it/ |website=Adweek |access-date=28 June 2019 |date=5 February 2018 |archive-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509024923/https://www.adweek.com/creativity/the-kid-who-watched-skittles-super-bowl-ad-reveals-what-happened-in-it/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, it conducted a pre-Super Bowl campaign featuring ''[[Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical]]'', which was performed one time only at The Town Hall in New York City.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/30/theater/skittles-musical-super-bowl-michael-c-hall.html|title=Who Needs a Super Bowl Ad? Skittles Ups the Ante With a Broadway Musical|last=Soloski|first=Alexis|date=2019-01-30|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-02-10|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2019-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212012010/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/30/theater/skittles-musical-super-bowl-michael-c-hall.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
There are now three new flavors of Tropical Skittles, apparently replacing the Strawberry Watermelon, Mango Peach, and Passion Punch flavors. They are:


Skittles are commonly used to effectively treat [[hypoglycemia]] in [[Diabetes|diabetics]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Husband |first1=Allison C |last2=Crawford |first2=Susan |last3=McCoy |first3=Lesley A |last4=Pacaud |first4=Danièle |date=2009-08-03 |title=The effectiveness of glucose, sucrose, and fructose in treating hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1399-5448.2009.00558.x |journal=Pediatric Diabetes |language=en |volume=11 |issue=3 |pages=154–158 |doi=10.1111/j.1399-5448.2009.00558.x |pmid=19663922 |s2cid=12008993 |access-date=2023-02-22 |archive-date=2023-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227180304/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1399-5448.2009.00558.x |url-status=live }}</ref>
*[[Pineapple]] [[Passionfruit]] (blue)
*[[Strawberry]] [[Carambola|Starfruit]] (pink)
*[[Mango]] [[Tangelo]] (orange)


The European Union's top food regulators found in 2021 that [[titanium dioxide]], an additive found in Skittles, could damage DNA, which in turn could lead to cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-12 |title=Study: Additive found in Skittles and Starburst no longer considered safe {{!}} Environmental Working Group |url=https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2021/05/study-additive-found-skittles-and-starburst-no-longer-considered |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=www.ewg.org |language=en}}</ref> This resulted in the EU phasing out sale of Skittles and other foods containing titanium dioxide starting February 7, 2022, with a full ban enacted August 7, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-03 |title=European Union: Titanium Dioxide Banned as a Food Additive in the EU {{!}} USDA Foreign Agricultural Service |url=https://fas.usda.gov/data/european-union-titanium-dioxide-banned-food-additive-eu |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=fas.usda.gov |language=en}}</ref>
The new packaging of Tropical Skittles mentions nothing of them being a limited edition.


In July 2022, a lawsuit seeking class-action status was filed in California regarding the continued use of titanium dioxide as a coloring agent.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/07/18/skittles-lawsuit-toxin-titanium-dioxide/ |title=Skittles lawsuit claims 'toxin' makes it 'unfit for human consumption' |last=Heil |first=Emily |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=July 18, 2022 |access-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719231555/https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2022/07/18/skittles-lawsuit-toxin-titanium-dioxide/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice in November 2022.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nypost.com/2022/11/08/skittles-lawsuit-that-claimed-candy-contained-toxin-is-dismissed/ |title=Lawsuit claiming Skittles are 'unfit' for consumption due to toxin dismissed |agency=Reuters |publisher=[[New York Post]] |date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109002559/https://nypost.com/2022/11/08/skittles-lawsuit-that-claimed-candy-contained-toxin-is-dismissed/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Sour Skittles ===


In March 2023, Democratic California Assemblyman [[Jesse Gabriel]] introduced a bill to the [[California Assembly]] that will ban production, sales, and consumption of all foods and drinks (including Skittles, [[Pez]], [[Sour Patch Kids]], [[Campbell Soup]], etc.) that contain titanium dioxide and 4 other harmful additives (which are [[propylparaben]], [[red dye 3]], [[brominated vegetable oil]], and [[potassium bromate]]) across the State of California, all five of which have been linked to causing cancer and other health problems and at least three of these five harmful additives are already banned by the [[European Union]] from being used in food and drink products. If passed, California will become the first US state to adopt the European Union's ban on titanium dioxide and other cancer causing chemical additives from being used in food and drink products.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/california-could-ban-skittles-sour-patch-kids-and-campbell-s-soup-over-additives/ar-AA18JleN | title=California could ban Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Campbell's soup over additives | website=[[MSN]] | access-date=2023-03-18 | archive-date=2023-03-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318221526/https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/california-could-ban-skittles-sour-patch-kids-and-campbell-s-soup-over-additives/ar-AA18JleN | url-status=live }}</ref>
In [[2000]], Sour Skittles were introduced. These types of Skittles are coated with very sour [[citric acid]] crystals.


==Varieties==
'''The flavors are:'''
{{main|List of Skittles products}}
*[[Raspberry|Sour Blue Raspberry]] (blue)
*[[Lemon|Sour Lemon]] (yellow)
*[[Strawberry|Sour Strawberry]] (red)
*[[Orange (fruit)|Sour Orange]] (orange)
*[[Grape|Sour Grape]] (purple)


Skittles are produced in a wide variety of flavors and colors, including sour varieties. Skittles has hinted at new flavor releases on its Facebook page, using such statuses as "Locking myself in the Rainbow kitchen until I see some results!" A 2011 posting contained confirmation of a new flavor: "Putting the last touches on a new Skittles flavor. Tweak the Rainbow."<ref>{{cite web|author=Skittles|date=January 1, 2011|title=Putting the last...|url=http://www.facebook.com/skittles/posts/119249298144659 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/7914733474/119249298144659 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|website=[[Facebook]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
There used to be a [[Apple|sour Green Apple]] flavor, but it has been replaced by sour Blue Raspberry.


In the United States and Canada, in 2013, Skittles replaced the lime-flavored Skittles with green apple, causing a backlash from many consumers. The lime flavor became part of the Darkside packets, which were discontinued in 2015 and followed up by the Orchards packets, which were discontinued in 2017. Lime was also part of the "Long Lost Lime" packets that came out in summer 2017 and 2018. The Darkside flavor was revived in 2019. In 2021, the "All Lime" packets containing only the lime flavor were released for a limited time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Caitlyn|date=2021-05-19|title=Skittles Just Unveiled a New Pack That Only Consists of the Lime Flavor|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/skittles-just-unveiled-pack-only-180200958.html|access-date=2021-09-07|website=www.yahoo.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907012642/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/skittles-just-unveiled-pack-only-180200958.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2021, Skittles announced that the green apple-flavored Skittles would be replaced with the original lime flavor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thetakeout.com/lime-skittles-are-coming-back-permanently-1847751818|title=Lime Skittles are coming back permanently|date=27 September 2021|access-date=27 September 2021|archive-date=27 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927205826/https://thetakeout.com/lime-skittles-are-coming-back-permanently-1847751818|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Skittles Gummies were released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skittles.com/gummies|title=Our Gummy Candy Products SKITTLES®|date=October 16, 2022|access-date=October 16, 2022|archive-date=October 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016212036/https://www.skittles.com/gummies|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2024, Skittles released their own version of freeze-dried Skittles called Skittles POP'd. It comes in two versions Skittles Original flavor and Sour Skittles flavor. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Mars Wrigley Debuts Skittles POP’d {{!}} Food Engineering |url=https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/102587-mars-wrigley-debuts-skittles-popd |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=www.foodengineeringmag.com |language=en}}</ref>
As part of the [[Shrek The Third]] promotion, a pink [[Watermelon]] skittle was added to the variety of Sour Skittles, replacing [[Grape]].
<gallery>
File:Skittles-Wrapper-Small.jpg|Original Skittles
File:Skittles-Tropical-Small.jpg|Tropical Skittles, released in 1989
File:Skittles-Wild-Berry-Wrapper-Small.jpg|Wild Berry Skittles, released in 1989
File:Sour-Skittles-Wrapper-Small.png|Sour Skittles, released in 2001
File:Smoothies-Skittles-Wrapper-Small.webp|Smoothies Skittles, released in 2020
</gallery>


==See also==
During the [[Shrek The Third]] promotion of Sour Skittles, Sour Skittles adds [[Watermelon|Wizard Watermelon]] and [[Apple|Appily-ever-after]] to Sour Skittles. This would mean replaces of these flavors.
* [[Jelly beans]]

* [[List of confectionery brands]]
=== Smoothie Mix Skittles ===
* [[M&M's]]

* ''[[Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical]]''
In [[2005]], Smoothie Mix Skittles were introduced. The name comes from a [[smoothie]], which is a [[fruit]] mix drink, and the product is sold in either orange bags or boxes.
* [[Smarties (tablet candy)]]

'''The flavors are:'''
* [[Peach]] [[Pear]] (light green)
* [[Berry|Mixed Berry]] (pastel purple)
* [[Lemon]] [[Berry]] (light yellow)
* [[Strawberry]] [[Banana]] (light peach)
* [[Orange (fruit)|Orange]] [[Mango]] (faded orange)

=== Ice Cream Skittles ===

In March [[2006]] Skittles released a 'Limited Edition' Ice Cream Skittles variety. This also went along with their "Chillin' for a Million" campaign. By late 2006 they were very difficult to find, making it seem as if 2007 would be the end date for these Skittles.

*[[Vanilla]] (light yellow)
*[[Strawberry]] (deep pink)
*[[Chocolate]] (dark brown)
*[[Caramel|Caramel Ripple]] (light brown)
*[[Orange (fruit)|Orange Vanilla Swirl]] (orange)
There were also flavors in the packages of regular Skittles.
In the Original there was Strawberry, in the Wild Berry there was [[Cherry]] [[Vanilla]] Swirl (deep red), In the Sour there was [[Lemon]] [[Sorbet]] (yellow with white powder), and in the smoothie Mix there was Orange Vanilla Swirl.

=== Carnival Skittles ===

In October [[2006]] Limited Edition Carnival Skittles began circulating. It is unknown when the first production of this variety began. References to this variety have also been difficult to obtain. In 2007, flavors of Carnival Skittles were made available in regular packs of Skittles ([[Slush (beverage)|Green Slushy]] in Original Fruit packs, [[Candy Apple]] in Wild Berry packs, [[Cotton Candy]] in Smoothie Mix packs) to help coincide with the Text Thru Time promotion.

*[[Cotton Candy]] (baby blue)
*[[Bubble Gum]] (pink)
*[[Candy Apple]] (light yellow)
*[[Licorice|Red Licorice]] (red)
*[[Slush (beverage)|Green Slushy]] (green)

This variety of Skittles contains very sweet and accurate flavors causing some to liken them to [[Jelly Belly]] flavors.

=== Xtreme Fruit Skittles ===

Xtreme Fruit Skittles will be introduced in [[2007]], and will have the same flavors as '''Xtreme Fruit Skittles Bubble Gum'''. Xtreme Fruit is a mix of exotic extreme fruit flavoring, and the product will be sold in either black bags or boxes.

'''The flavors are:'''
* [[Cherry|Wild Cherry]] (red)
* [[Tangerine]] (orange)
* [[Watermelon]] (pink)
* [[Raspberry|Blue Raspberry]] (blue)
* [[Apple|Green Apple]] (green)

=== Skittles Bubble Gum and other products ===
[[Image:Skittlesgum.jpg|320px|thumb|right|Skittles bubble gum]]

In [[2004]], Original Fruit Skittles [[bubble gum]] was introduced. Later that year, Skittles introduced a product made in partnership with [[Lip Smackers]], Skittles-flavored [[lip gloss]]. Mint Skittles, which came in two mixes (Peppermint and Spearmint mixes) were also made. In [[2005]], Xtreme Fruit Skittles [[bubble gum]] was introduced.

==Skittles in Popular Culture==
The original release in [[1981]] featured a child doing the [[Moonwalk (dance)|moonwalk]], a dance made popular by [[Michael Jackson]].

Skittles was the sponsor of the #36 [[Pontiac]] in the [[NEXTEL Cup Series]] in [[NASCAR]] racing from 1997-1998. Drivers were [[Derrike Cope]] and [[Ernie Irvan]].

On the popular U.S. basic cable television wrestling program [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]'s [[WWE Raw|''RAW'']], announcer [[Jim Ross]] has been known for aggressively promoting Skittles during the sponsors portion of the show. Whenever the advertisement appears on the screen he says something like "Bah gawd, I love 'em, King! They're delicious! They're Fruity! Fruity! Delicious! FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY Skittles!" <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8rYJODwHPQ</ref>

Skittlesincorporated as a major part of the video game [[Darkened Skye]]. The game involved finding the rare Skittles in order to use them to form spells. The game was a way of promoting the confectionary.

The [[Christian rock]] band [[Relient K]] has a song called ''[[Skittles and Combos]]''. It's a [[hidden track]] after the song "Less is More", on their [[2001]] album ''[[The Anatomy of the Tongue in Cheek]]''.

[[Homer Simpson]] makes references to Skittles in [[Bart Star|an episode]] of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' :

<blockquote>
Homer: I'm feeling kinda low, Apu. Got any of that beer that has candy floating in it? You know...SkittleBrau?<br>
Apu: Such a product does not exist, sir. I think you must have dreamed it.<br>
Homer: Oh. Then just give me a six pack and a couple of packets of Skittles.
</blockquote>

In the hit TV show [[Seinfeld]], the character of Kramer returns from the dentist with the message "lay off the Skittles."

In the episode 'World War Three' of the popular cult series of Dr Who, skittles are seen on the PM'S desk next to the red phone.

In the movie [[Blades of Glory]], Darren MacElroy dispenses Skittles to Jimmy MacElroy after the latter finished his event.

==Skittles in the News==
Gold Clio awards were won for the 2007 commercials about Skittles candy.[http://www.clioawards.com/winners/index.cfm]

In May, 2007, a man was charged for stealing a tractor-trailer containing $250,000 worth of Skittles.[http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/sns-ap-odd-stolen-skittles,0,3787864.story?coll=ny-top-headlines]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
<references />


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Skittles}}
* [http://www.skittles.com Official U.S. Website]
* [http://www.skittles.com/ Official U.S. website]


{{Mars brands|state=collapsed}}
{{Candy products of Mars}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Skittles (Candy)}}
[[Category:Mars brands]]
[[Category:Brand name confectionery]]
[[Category:British confectionery]]
[[Category:Candy]]
[[Category:Mars confectionery brands]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 1971]]
[[Category:Wrigley Company brands]]

Latest revision as of 18:44, 6 January 2025

Skittles
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy1,680 kJ (400 kcal)
90.7 g
Sugars75.6 g
Dietary fibre0 g
4.4 g
Saturated3.9 g
Trans0 g
0 g
Vitamins and minerals
VitaminsQuantity
%DV†
Vitamin A equiv.
0%
0 μg
Vitamin C
29%
26 mg
MineralsQuantity
%DV†
Calcium
0%
0 mg
Iron
0%
0 mg
Sodium
1%
15.1 mg
Amounts converted and rounded to be relative to 100 g serving.
†Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[1] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[2]
Source: NutritionData

Skittles are multicolored fruit-flavored lentil-shaped candies produced and marketed by the Wrigley Company,[3] a division of Mars Inc.

Skittles consist of hard sugar shells imprinted with the letter 'S', similar to M&M's which have the letter 'M'. The interior consists mainly of sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil along with fruit juice, citric acid, and natural and artificial flavors.[4] Skittles are sold in a variety of flavor collections, such as Tropical, Wild Berry, Smoothie, and Sour.

History and overview

[edit]

Skittles were introduced in 1971 by Jack Candies, a British distributor for Mars, Incorporated. Mars was granted the patent in U.S. patent for the name Skittles in 1974.[5][6][7] An animated television advertisement from 1974 bears the logo of the "Galaxy" company and is copyrighted by Jack Candies Ltd.[8] By 1979, Skittles became widely distributed throughout the U.S.[4] In 1982, production of Skittles began in the United States.[4] Mars' Wrigley division acquired the Skittles company in 2008.

The name of the candy, Skittles, comes from the sports game of the same name, named as such for the resemblance of the sweet to items used in the game.[7]

Skittles' "taste the rainbow" theme was created by the New York ad agency D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles.[9]

Bilingual (English/French) Canadian packet of Skittles

On March 2, 2009, Skittles launched a web-based marketing campaign where the official website became a small overlay with options to view different social media sites in the main area, including its official YouTube channel, a Facebook profile, and a Twitter account.[10] The move was debated by people interested in social media.[11][12]

In 2009, the production of Skittles ceased using animal-derived gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and certain religious groups.[13][14]

Skittles were involved in two political incidents in the 2010s. In the aftermath of the killing of Trayvon Martin, protestors used Skittles, which Martin had reportedly been carrying along with Arizona watermelon fruit-flavored juice drink, as a symbol during rallies. Though Mars' brief statement of condolences was criticized by some outlets, such as Adweek, for being too subdued, Mars' response in 2016 to a Skittles-based image macro (which was posted by Donald Trump Jr. on his Twitter feed as an analogy for immigration) was praised for its tact and directness. MWWPR said Mars' responses could influence public relations best practices.[15]

In 2016, Skittles faced controversy over temporarily changing the color of the candies from the signature rainbow appearance to white in support of Pride month, LGBT rights and London Pride. The Wrigley Company, a separate representing party of the Skittles brand, mass-produced the limited-edition colorless candies.[16][17] Skittles' rainbow themed packaging had also been altered temporarily to complement the achromatic confectionery within. On the back of each monochrome package, the Wrigley Company included an explanation for the company's marketing decision: "So this is kind of awkward, but we're just gonna go ahead and address the rainbow-colored elephant in the room. You have the rainbow... we have the rainbow... and usually that's just hunky-dory. But this Pride, only one rainbow deserves to be the centre of attention - yours. And we're not going to be the ones to steal your rainbow thunder, no siree."[17] However, the message was met with confusion in some areas, with The Huffington Post publishing an article titled "Some People Think Skittles' All-White Pride Candies Are Racist", exploring the idea that by going all-white, the company failed to acknowledge the diversity defined by the LGBT community.[18]

Every June, Skittles repeats the colorless marketing to spread Pride awareness and raise proceeds for an LGBT charity, such as the Switchboard helpline in the United Kingdom.[19] For the 2020 Pride edition, Skittles changed the candy colors from a rainbow to all gray in the United States, with the tagline "Only one rainbow matters during PRIDE".[20] However, the white color continued to be used in countries such as the United Kingdom.[citation needed]

Skittles' marketing has become known for its avant-garde viral marketing techniques, particularly in conjunction with the Super Bowl. In 2018, it produced a Super Bowl commercial that was viewed by only one person.[21] In 2019, it conducted a pre-Super Bowl campaign featuring Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical, which was performed one time only at The Town Hall in New York City.[22]

Skittles are commonly used to effectively treat hypoglycemia in diabetics.[23]

The European Union's top food regulators found in 2021 that titanium dioxide, an additive found in Skittles, could damage DNA, which in turn could lead to cancer.[24] This resulted in the EU phasing out sale of Skittles and other foods containing titanium dioxide starting February 7, 2022, with a full ban enacted August 7, 2022.[25]

In July 2022, a lawsuit seeking class-action status was filed in California regarding the continued use of titanium dioxide as a coloring agent.[26] The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice in November 2022.[27]

In March 2023, Democratic California Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel introduced a bill to the California Assembly that will ban production, sales, and consumption of all foods and drinks (including Skittles, Pez, Sour Patch Kids, Campbell Soup, etc.) that contain titanium dioxide and 4 other harmful additives (which are propylparaben, red dye 3, brominated vegetable oil, and potassium bromate) across the State of California, all five of which have been linked to causing cancer and other health problems and at least three of these five harmful additives are already banned by the European Union from being used in food and drink products. If passed, California will become the first US state to adopt the European Union's ban on titanium dioxide and other cancer causing chemical additives from being used in food and drink products.[28]

Varieties

[edit]
Main article: List of Skittles products

Skittles are produced in a wide variety of flavors and colors, including sour varieties. Skittles has hinted at new flavor releases on its Facebook page, using such statuses as "Locking myself in the Rainbow kitchen until I see some results!" A 2011 posting contained confirmation of a new flavor: "Putting the last touches on a new Skittles flavor. Tweak the Rainbow."[29]

In the United States and Canada, in 2013, Skittles replaced the lime-flavored Skittles with green apple, causing a backlash from many consumers. The lime flavor became part of the Darkside packets, which were discontinued in 2015 and followed up by the Orchards packets, which were discontinued in 2017. Lime was also part of the "Long Lost Lime" packets that came out in summer 2017 and 2018. The Darkside flavor was revived in 2019. In 2021, the "All Lime" packets containing only the lime flavor were released for a limited time.[30] In September 2021, Skittles announced that the green apple-flavored Skittles would be replaced with the original lime flavor.[31] In 2022, Skittles Gummies were released.[32] In October 2024, Skittles released their own version of freeze-dried Skittles called Skittles POP'd. It comes in two versions Skittles Original flavor and Sour Skittles flavor. [33]

  • Original Skittles
    Original Skittles
  • Tropical Skittles, released in 1989
    Tropical Skittles, released in 1989
  • Wild Berry Skittles, released in 1989
    Wild Berry Skittles, released in 1989
  • Sour Skittles, released in 2001
    Sour Skittles, released in 2001
  • Smoothies Skittles, released in 2020
    Smoothies Skittles, released in 2020

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  2. ^ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Food and Nutrition Board; Committee to Review the Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (2019). "Chapter 4: Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". In Oria, Maria; Harrison, Meghan; Stallings, Virginia A. (eds.). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. The National Academies Collection: Reports funded by National Institutes of Health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US). pp. 120–121. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  3. ^ "Skittles". Wrigley. Archived from the original on September 3, 2009. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "Skittles". Wrigley. Archived from the original on September 3, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
  5. ^ "Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office: Patents". 1974.
  6. ^ "CI: Candy Industry and Confectioners Journal". 1971.
  7. ^ a b "SKITTLES Bite Size Candies Backgrounder". Mars North America Newsroom. 23 August 2005. Archived from the original on February 1, 2009.
  8. ^ Classic 1970's Skittles Commercial (TV commercial). Jack Candies Ltd. 1974. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  9. ^ Ives, Nat (July 9, 2004). "Skittles overhauls a familiar theme to encourage experiencing the candy, not just tasting it". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  10. ^ Steel, Emily (March 3, 2009). "Skittles Cozies Up to Social Media". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  11. ^ Capell, Kerry (March 8, 2009). "When Skittles Met Twitter". BusinessWeek. Archived from the original on March 9, 2009.
  12. ^ Burkitt, Laurie (March 12, 2009). "Skittles' Stupid Social Media Trick". Forbes. Archived from the original on February 27, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2017.
  13. ^ Braden (2019-07-30). "Are Skittles Vegan? All Flavors Evaluated (2019)". Veg Knowledge. Archived from the original on 2023-02-27. Retrieved 2019-08-21.
  14. ^ Yacoubou, Jeanne (December 30, 2010). "New Formulation Skittles Are Gelatin-Free; Starbursts & GummiBursts Contain Non-Kosher Gelatins". The Vegetarian Resource Group. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  15. ^ McGregor, Jena (September 22, 2016). "Skittles can't seem to escape political controversies". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 22, 2016. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  16. ^ "Skittles packets have ditched their colours - and it's for one very important reason". Mirror. 29 June 2016. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  17. ^ a b Beltrone, Gabriel (29 June 2016). "Skittles Sheds Its Rainbow to Celebrate London Pride". Adweek. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  18. ^ "Some People Think Skittles' All-White Pride Candies Are Racist". HuffPost. 16 June 2017. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  19. ^ "How Switchboard continued to support LGBTQ+ people during the pandemic". Gay Times. 17 July 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  20. ^ Ebrahimji, Alisha (2020-05-22). "Skittles ditches the rainbow to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month". CNN. Archived from the original on 2021-07-23. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
  21. ^ Nudd, Tim (5 February 2018). "The Kid Who Watched Skittles' Super Bowl Ad Reveals What Happened in It". Adweek. Archived from the original on 9 May 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  22. ^ Soloski, Alexis (2019-01-30). "Who Needs a Super Bowl Ad? Skittles Ups the Ante With a Broadway Musical". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2019-02-12. Retrieved 2019-02-10.
  23. ^ Husband, Allison C; Crawford, Susan; McCoy, Lesley A; Pacaud, Danièle (2009-08-03). "The effectiveness of glucose, sucrose, and fructose in treating hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes". Pediatric Diabetes. 11 (3): 154–158. doi:10.1111/j.1399-5448.2009.00558.x. PMID 19663922. S2CID 12008993. Archived from the original on 2023-02-27. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  24. ^ "Study: Additive found in Skittles and Starburst no longer considered safe | Environmental Working Group". www.ewg.org. 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  25. ^ "European Union: Titanium Dioxide Banned as a Food Additive in the EU | USDA Foreign Agricultural Service". fas.usda.gov. 2022-03-03. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
  26. ^ Heil, Emily (July 18, 2022). "Skittles lawsuit claims 'toxin' makes it 'unfit for human consumption'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 19, 2022. Retrieved July 19, 2022.
  27. ^ "Lawsuit claiming Skittles are 'unfit' for consumption due to toxin dismissed". New York Post. Reuters. November 8, 2022. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  28. ^ "California could ban Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Campbell's soup over additives". MSN. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2023-03-18.
  29. ^ Skittles (January 1, 2011). "Putting the last..." Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26.
  30. ^ Fitzpatrick, Caitlyn (2021-05-19). "Skittles Just Unveiled a New Pack That Only Consists of the Lime Flavor". www.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2021-09-07.
  31. ^ "Lime Skittles are coming back permanently". 27 September 2021. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  32. ^ "Our Gummy Candy Products SKITTLES®". October 16, 2022. Archived from the original on October 16, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  33. ^ "Mars Wrigley Debuts Skittles POP'd | Food Engineering". www.foodengineeringmag.com. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
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