Wrigley

Skittles

Barcode 20472290

Scanned 59 times by Nomi users

Yes — Skittles is ultra-processed.

This confectionery contains several ultra-processed components and additives, including glucose syrup, palm fat, dextrin, maltodextrin, flavourings, modified starch, and multiple colour additives (e.g. E100, E132, E133). These are industrially processed sweeteners, refined fats, texturizers, and flavour/colour additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Ingredients

6 ultra-processed markers

OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
UPF

glucose syrup

A processed syrup made from starch (usually corn) consisting mainly of glucose; commonly used as a sweetener and thickener.
UPF

palm fat

A fat derived from the fruit of oil palm. Often a highly processed vegetable oil used in food production.
OK

citric acid

A weak organic acid found in citrus fruits, commonly used as an acidulant and preservative in foods and beverages.
OK

malic acid

An organic acid used as a acidity regulator and flavouring component in foods; often derived from natural sources.
UPF

dextrin

A carbohydrate derived from starch, often used as a thickener or binder in foods.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder made from starch that has been partially hydrolyzed; used as a thickener or filler and widely used as a food additive.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
UPF

modified starch

Starch that has been chemically or physically modified to alter its thickening, texture, or stability properties; commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer in processed foods.
OK

e162
OK

e163
OK

e70
OK

e160a
OK

e100
OK

e132
OK

e133
OK

trisolum citrate
OK

carnauba wax

A natural plant wax derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm, commonly used as a glazing agent and release agent in foods.

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Common questions about Skittles

Is Skittles ultra-processed?

Yes — Skittles by Wrigley is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). This confectionery contains several ultra-processed components and additives, including glucose syrup, palm fat, dextrin, maltodextrin, flavourings, modified starch, and multiple colour additives (e.g. E100, E132, E133). These are industrially processed sweeteners, refined fats, texturizers, and flavour/colour additives characteristic of NOVA ultra-processed foods.

Which ingredients in Skittles are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Skittles as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, palm fat, dextrin, maltodextrin, flavourings, modified starch. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.