Halal Skittles: Are They Halal? 5 Best Halal Alternatives

Skittles are one of the most iconic candies around the world. Their chewy texture, fruity flavor, and colorful shells make them a favorite for both kids and adults. But if you’re someone who follows a halal lifestyle, you might find yourself wondering: Are Skittles halal?

This article explores that question in detail. We’ll break down the ingredients, look at halal certifications, and most importantly—mention Skittles varieties that are actually halal-certified along with 5 other halal-certified chewy candies you can enjoy.

Let’s dive into the sweet (and sometimes sticky) world of halal candy!

Table of Contents

🔍 What Does Halal Mean in Candy?

Before we get into Skittles specifically, it’s important to understand what “halal” means in the context of candy.

Halal (Arabic: حلال) means permissible according to Islamic law. When it comes to candy, this usually refers to:

No gelatin derived from pigs or non-zabiha animals
No alcohol-based ingredients
No artificial colors or additives derived from haram (forbidden) sources
Clean manufacturing practices that prevent cross-contamination

So even if a candy looks innocent, its ingredients or production process can make it non-halal.

📌 Are Skittles Halal or Not?

Skittles have had a controversial halal status over the years due to the presence of gelatin and other questionable ingredients in older formulations. However, in recent years:

Most Skittles varieties no longer contain gelatin.
The carmine (a red dye from insects) has been removed from many versions.
Some varieties still may include non-halal ingredients like shellac or ambiguous natural flavors.

So, are there any halal-certified Skittles?

✅ Halal-Certified Skittles Varieties

While many people assume Skittles are halal simply because they no longer contain gelatin or carmine, the reality is more nuanced. In the UK, certain Skittles varieties have received official halal certification from trusted authorities, making them a reliable choice for Muslims who wish to indulge responsibly. Below are the halal-certified Skittles you can look out for:

🟣 Skittles Fruits (UK Version)

This is the classic flavor mix that most people associate with Skittles. The UK version has undergone reformulations to remove non-halal ingredients like gelatin and carmine.

Certification: Halal Food Authority (HFA)
Why It’s Halal: Does not contain gelatin, carmine, or shellac, and is produced under certified halal compliance.
Why Recommended: It’s the original Skittles experience without compromising on your dietary values.

🟡 Skittles Crazy Sours (UK Version)

For those who love a sour twist, Crazy Sours are a flavorful, tangy delight. This version is also halal-certified in the UK.

Certification: Halal Food Authority (HFA)
Why It’s Halal: Free from haram ingredients and certified by a trusted UK-based body.
Why Recommended: Offers a bold sour flavor while staying 100% halal-approved.

🟢 Skittles Tropical (UK Version)

This variant offers exotic fruit flavors like mango and pineapple. It caters to fans of tropical tastes and is also halal-certified.

Certification: Halal Food Authority (HFA)
Why It’s Halal: Produced under halal-compliant conditions with no animal-derived ingredients.
Why Recommended: A fun and flavorful choice for those who want variety with halal assurance.

Important Note: Always verify the certification symbol on the packaging. Skittles manufactured in one country may differ in ingredients and certification status from those produced elsewhere.

If you’re outside the UK, Skittles may not carry a halal certification despite having no haram ingredients.

🔔 Tip: Look for the HFA halal stamp on the back of Skittles packs if you’re buying in Europe or importing.

🏷️ Halal Certification Authorities to Look For

When choosing halal candies, it’s helpful to look for products certified by reputable organizations. Here are a few globally recognized halal authorities:

IFANCA (Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America)
HFA (Halal Food Authority)
HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee)
JAKIM (Malaysia)
SANHA (South Africa)

Products with logos from these organizations are generally safe for halal consumption.

💡 Quick Tips for Choosing Halal Candy

Here are some practical tips when shopping for halal candy:

✅ Always read the label – Look out for gelatin, carmine, shellac, and emulsifiers.
✅ Look for halal logos – Certified products are your safest bet.
✅ Avoid ambiguous terms like “natural flavors” unless clarified.
✅ Check online halal reviews or community forums for updated guidance.
✅ When in doubt, choose a clearly halal alternative (like the ones listed below).

🛒 5 Best Halal Alternatives to Skittles (With Detailed Reviews)

Here are five chewy, fruity, and 100% halal-certified candies you can enjoy with peace of mind:

1. YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks

These colorful and delicious organic fruit snacks are a family favorite. Made with real fruit extracts and completely free from artificial dyes, they’re a smart choice for health-conscious candy lovers.

Features: USDA Organic, gluten-free, allergen-free, no artificial flavors or colors
Halal Note: Certified by Islamic Services of America (ISA)
Why Recommended: Ideal for kids and adults who want a clean, tasty, and halal-certified treat.

2. ZazzyZ Fruit Chews

If you’re looking for something that mimics the chewiness and flavor punch of Skittles, ZazzyZ has you covered. These halal-certified, vegan chews come in a rainbow of fruity flavors and deliver a satisfying bite.

Features: Vegan, no animal products, bold flavors
Halal Note: Certified halal and made without gelatin
Why Recommended: Great texture and taste, making it a perfect halal replacement for Skittles.

3. Sweet Zone Rainbow Bites

A go-to name in the halal candy space, Sweet Zone delivers vibrant, chewy rainbow bites that are not only fun to eat but also strictly halal-certified. Their colorful sour strips are perfect for kids and teens.

Features: Sour & tangy, chewy strips, colorful
Halal Note: Certified by HMC (Halal Monitoring Committee)
Why Recommended: Sweet Zone is known for strict halal compliance and quality.

4. Halal Goodies Tropical Gummy Mix

Packed with tropical flavors and a chewy texture that mirrors Skittles, Halal Goodies’ tropical mix is both delicious and trustworthy.

Features: Tropical flavors, soft gummies, resealable pouch
Halal Note: Halal certified by HFA
Why Recommended: A fun variety of fruity bites perfect for candy lovers who value halal transparency.

5. Candy Kittens Gourmet Gummies

These premium, vegan-friendly gummies are bursting with fruit juice and style. Ideal for adults looking for something sweet but ethically made and halal-compliant.

Features: Made with real fruit juice, gourmet flavors, trendy packaging
Halal Note: Certified halal and vegan
Why Recommended: A refined take on fruity candy that’s both chic and certified.

🧾 Conclusion: Make Halal Choices Without Compromise

While original Skittles may seem halal-friendly due to the removal of gelatin and carmine, they often lack clear halal certification—which makes them a gray area for many Muslims.

However, certain Skittles varieties—especially those sold in the UK—are officially halal-certified. Be sure to look for HFA-certified packs like Skittles Fruits or Crazy Sours.

And if you can’t find a certified version in your region, you can enjoy one of the five halal-certified chewy candies listed above.

✅ Always check labels, look for trusted certification marks, and choose from the trusted halal-friendly products we listed.

Living halal doesn’t mean limiting your sweet tooth—it means choosing smarter!

🍬 Halal Skittles: Are They Really Halal & What Are the Alternatives?

🔍 What Does Halal Mean in Candy?