SkittlesMars

Skittles

Barcode 4009900522120

Scanned 18 times by Nomi users

Yes — Skittles is ultra-processed.

The ingredient list includes several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA: glucose syrup and maltodextrin (industrially refined sugars), palm fat/oil (highly refined oil), flavourings (industrial flavorings), modified starch (industrially processed thickener), and multiple additives and colorants (dyes such as E160a, E100, E162, E163, glazing agent carnauba wax, acidity regulators). Any one of these is enough to classify the product as ultra-processed; together they clearly make Skittles a UPF.

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 by partial hydrolysis, used as a thickener, texturizer or binder in foods.
UPF

maltodextrin

A white powder produced from starch (usually corn, rice, or potato) through acid or enzymatic hydrolysis. It is used as a thickener, filler, or instantizing agent in foods.
OK

flavourungs
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

dyes e162
OK

e163
OK

?
OK

e160a
OK

e100
OK

acidity regulator

Additives used to control acidity (pH) and acidity in foods, such as citric acid, phosphates, sulphates. Generally considered basic food processing aid ingredients; many are allowed in foods and are not in themselves UPF.
OK

citrate trisodique
UPF

carnauba wax

Natural wax from the leaves of Copernicia prunifera (carnauba palm) used as a glaze or coating in foods.

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Common questions about Skittles

Is Skittles ultra-processed?

Yes — Skittles by SkittlesMars is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The ingredient list includes several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA: glucose syrup and maltodextrin (industrially refined sugars), palm fat/oil (highly refined oil), flavourings (industrial flavorings), modified starch (industrially processed thickener), and multiple additives and colorants (dyes such as E160a, E100, E162, E163, glazing agent carnauba wax, acidity regulators). Any one of these is enough to classify the product as ultra-processed; together they clearly make Skittles a UPF.

Which ingredients in Skittles are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 6 ingredients in Skittles as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, palm fat, dextrin, maltodextrin, modified starch, carnauba wax. 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.