If Skittles were your favorite candy growing up (also, now), then you probably know a few basic things about them. Like, green apple is totally the best flavor, the Wild Berry version sucked, and the texture of Sour Skittles is seriously trippy. But beyond that, what do you really know about the sweet-tart candy? Before you taste the rainbow, here are a few things you should probably know.
1. Skittles Originated In Britain
Though you might think they're a quintessentially American candy, Skittles were only available in Britain for five years before coming to North America in 1979. My entire history with the candy feels like a lie at this point.
2. No One Actually Knows Who Invented Them
With a candy so brilliant, we want to give credit where credit is due, but unfortunately—no one really knows who made them. It's speculated that either Wrigley or some unknown British company created Skittles, but our personal favorite theory is that a man named Mr. Skittles looked at a rainbow and wondered how it would taste. Yeah, let's just run with that one.
3. The Original Flavors Were Sparse
Skittles originally only came in a few core flavors: Grape, orange, strawberry, lemon and lime. Wait—no green apple?!
4. The Slogan Is Legit
If you feel like you've got "Taste the Rainbow" burnout by now, it's for good reason. It originated in 1994, making it today one of the longest-running advertising campaigns ever. NBD.
5. They're Not Just Skittles Anymore
Since 2000, Skittles has been branching out into a bunch of insane new products. From Sour Skittles to Skittles Bubble Gum to smoothie mix and even collabs for Skittles Slurpees—there's a whole new world of Skittles goodness out there.
6. They're Vegan-Friendly
In 2009, Skittles changed the gelatine in the recipe so that it now contains no animal products. So they're basically a health food, right?
7. Skittles Are The Second Most Popular Candy In America
Losing out the top spot to Starbursts. It's OK, you can't win them all.
8. The Candy Is Crazy Popular On Facebook
Seriously. Skittles has over 25 million followers, making it one of the most liked brand pages on Facebook. Take that, Starbursts.
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Senior Editor
Sienna is a senior editor at Hearst. She lives in California with her husband and two littles.
As someone with a profound passion for confectionery and a deep understanding of the candy industry, I've delved into the world of Skittles extensively. My expertise extends beyond the average consumer knowledge, encompassing the history, production, and evolution of this iconic candy.
Skittles, the rainbow-colored candy that's captivated taste buds for decades, holds a fascinating origin story. Contrary to popular belief, they didn't originate in the U.S. but rather in Britain. Introduced there, they only made their way to North America in 1979, altering the perception of where this beloved treat truly began.
Regarding their inception, the mystery shrouding their creator remains unsolved. While speculation points to either Wrigley or an anonymous British company, the lack of a definitive originator adds an aura of enigma to Skittles' history. It's almost more enjoyable to entertain whimsical theories like the one involving a man named Mr. Skittles gazing at a rainbow and envisioning its flavors.
In their nascent stage, Skittles boasted a modest lineup of flavors—grape, orange, strawberry, lemon, and lime. Surprisingly, the now-ubiquitous green apple flavor was conspicuously absent from the original roster.
The iconic slogan "Taste the Rainbow" might induce a sense of familiarity fatigue, yet its longevity since 1994 makes it one of the enduring advertising campaigns in modern history, a testament to its effectiveness and impact.
Skittles has not remained stagnant but has evolved into a diverse range of products since the turn of the millennium. From Sour Skittles to Bubble Gum and collaborations spawning creations like Skittles Slurpees, the brand has embraced innovation, continually expanding its offerings to captivate diverse palates.
An intriguing transformation occurred in 2009 when Skittles underwent a recipe alteration, eliminating gelatin from its ingredients, rendering it vegan-friendly—an unexpected turn for a candy once perceived as standard confectionery.
Although not reigning as the top candy in America (that honor belongs to Starbursts), Skittles secures its place as the second most popular candy, amassing a considerable following and retaining a strong presence on social media. With over 25 million followers, its Facebook page stands as a testament to its widespread appeal and engagement, rivaling even its closest competitors.
The evolution of Skittles, from its modest origins to a global sensation and its continued innovation, reflects not only a shift in consumer tastes but also the adaptability and marketing prowess of the brand. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual consumer, exploring the colorful world of Skittles offers a journey through the evolution of a candy icon.
