As a food science enthusiast with a keen interest in the composition of various confectionery products, I can provide you with information on the typical ingredients of Skittles, including the red ones.

Skittles are small, fruit-flavored sugar candies that come in a variety of colors. The red Skittles, like other colors, are primarily made of sugar, which serves as the base for the candy. They also contain corn syrup, which acts as a sweetener and helps to bind the ingredients together. Citric acid is added to provide a tangy taste, and the red color is achieved through the use of food coloring, specifically a blend of various dyes such as Red 40 and other ingredients that are approved for use in the food industry.

In addition to these, Skittles may contain other ingredients like modified corn starch, which helps to give the candy its texture, and natural and artificial flavors that provide the fruity taste. It's important to note that the specific formulation can vary by country and manufacturer, and some may use different ingredients or proportions.

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Carmine is a red dye used to create the red Skittles. Carmine is harvested from the cochineal scale insect. Shellac is a wax secreted by the lac insect, Kerria lacca. Food grade shellac is often used as a coating to seal the food and prevent transfer of the color dyes from the candy to the skin.read more >>