Skittles just made a major move—and it’s not a new flavor. The iconic rainbow candy has officially ditched titanium dioxide, a controversial additive that has long been used to give foods a smooth, bright finish.
Mars Wrigley, the New Jersey-based maker of Skittles, confirmed this week that titanium dioxide is no longer used in U.S. products. While the company insists its candies have always met safety standards, the change aligns with growing public concern and pressure from health advocates.
Why the switch? Titanium dioxide has been under scrutiny for years, with studies suggesting it may cause cellular and DNA damage. The European Union banned it in 2022 after a report linked the additive to potential genotoxic effects. Now, as the U.S. ramps up food safety conversations—led in part by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again Commission”—many Americans are starting to scrutinize ingredient labels more closely.
According to the FDA’s FoodData Central, more than 4,000 food products in the United States still contain titanium dioxide, ranging from sauces to sweets. But Skittles’ bold move might be the tipping point for other candy makers to follow suit.
Mars Wrigley says the decision reflects its “commitment to quality” and dedication to evolving consumer expectations. After all, you shouldn’t have to worry about DNA damage just for enjoying a handful of fruity candy.
If you’ve been avoiding Skittles over sketchy ingredients, now’s your moment to jump back in. The rainbow just got a little cleaner—and it might be the start of a bigger shift in the candy world.
