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Skittles are not banned in California. Starting January 1, 2027, California will restrict covered foods containing any of four specified ingredients. Separately, a nationwide FDA action phases Red No. 3 out of food by January 15, 2027. Mars says U.S. products made without FD&C colors, including SKITTLES Original, are expected in 2026—but that does not establish that every Skittles variety or package has already changed.
What California’s 2027 law actually restricts
California Assembly Bill 418 is an ingredient-specific law, not a ban on Skittles by name. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 7, 2023, it restricts covered foods containing any of these four substances from being manufactured, sold, delivered, distributed, held, or offered for sale in California beginning January 1, 2027:
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO)
- Potassium bromate
- Propylparaben
- Red Dye No. 3
The signed law does not include titanium dioxide. That ingredient featured in earlier public discussion about Skittles, but it is not one of AB 418’s four listed substances. In his signing message, Newsom noted that the Skittles bag shown with the proposal was from the European Union and said the delay until 2027 was intended to allow time for recipe changes.
How the California law differs from the FDA action
The two actions overlap on Red No. 3 but differ in geography, ingredients, products, and deadlines.
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#1 Best Overall
- SKITTLES Originals party candy is great for game day treats, as birthday party favors, or for decorating your favorite baked goods recipe
- Add a pop of color to your candy buffet and candy dishes with vibrant bite size SKITTLES chewy fruity candy variety pack
- The SKITTLES Original flavor assorted candy pack features grape, lemon, orange, strawberry and lime flavors
- Share SKITTLES Original chewy mixed candy from this candy bag during movie nights or as a midday snack
- Contains one (1) 50-ounce fruit chews party size bag of SKITTLES Original Chewy Candy Assortment
| Action | Where it applies | What it covers | Relevant date |
|---|---|---|---|
| California AB 418 | California | Covered foods containing BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or Red No. 3 | Restrictions begin January 1, 2027 |
| FDA revocation of Red No. 3 food authorization | Nationwide | Food containing Red No. 3 | Food manufacturers’ compliance deadline is January 15, 2027 |
| FDA revocation for ingested drugs | Nationwide | Ingested drugs containing Red No. 3 | Compliance deadline is January 18, 2028 |
The FDA issued its order on January 15, 2025. It says food made before the food compliance date could remain on the market afterward, so shoppers may encounter products containing Red No. 3 after that date. The FDA does not set a universal retailer sell-through date in the information cited here.
What Mars has said about Skittles
Mars has announced that U.S. products made without FD&C colors are expected in 2026 across several brands, including SKITTLES. The FDA’s industry pledge tracker names SKITTLES Original, and Skittles’ official color page says labels will change with the removal of FD&C colors from select bite-size candies.
Rank #2
- This Gluten Free and Gelatin Free candy bulk package of SKITTLES Original Fruity Candy is perfect for your Summer party and is a vacation essential
- Beat the heat and 'Taste the Rainbow' with the classic, assorted candy flavors of strawberry, orange, lime, grape, and lemon summer candy
- Bring the Taste the Rainbow on the go as a road trip snack with its easy to open chewy candy bag this Summer
- Pour this bright, colorful, rainbow SKITTLES fruit candy in a candy bowl to munch while celebrating Independence Day, Memorial Day & sunny summer barbecues
- Contains one (1) 15.6-ounce sharing size big resealable bag of SKITTLES Original Fruity Candy
These are company commitments and product statements, not confirmation that every package, flavor, or SKU has already been reformulated. They also do not establish the complete future ingredient list for every U.S. package. For a specific bag, check the ingredient statement printed on that package.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Red No. 3 is being phased out
The FDA revoked Red No. 3’s authorization for food in January 2025 under the Delaney Clause. The agency said its decision followed evidence of cancer in male laboratory rats exposed to high levels. That regulatory explanation should not be read as evidence that typical human consumption causes cancer; the cited FDA account does not establish that claim.
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Best Value
- Contains one (1) 26.46-ounce, bulk variety bag filled with SKITTLES Original, SKITTLES Wild Berry, and SKITTLES Sour Chewy Christmas Candy
- This nut-free holiday candy assortment of SKITTLES fun size packs are ideal stocking stuffers
- Tis the season for stuffing Christmas gift baskets with assorted fruit-flavored holiday candy
- There is nothing like sharing Christmas treats during a holly jolly movie night
- Don't forget to add SKITTLES chewy candy to your gingerbread houses, creating colorful and delicious decorations
Rank #4
- Contains one (1) 30-ounce resealable bulk candy jar SKITTLES Original Chewy Candy
- Explore the vibrant flavors of strawberry, grape, orange, lemon, and lime in this sweet treat
- Gather these colorful SKITTLES chewy candy for a joyful midday snack or road trip journey
- Incorporate chewy and colorful SKITTLES candies into a dessert salad and Taste the Rainbow
- This bulk container is resealable and made from 100% recycled plastic
Rank #3
- Contains one (1) 15.6-ounce sharing size resealable bag of SKITTLES Wild Berry Candy
- Experience a wild mix of berry punch, strawberry, melon berry, wild cherry, and raspberry flavors
- Is that midday slump hitting you hard? When you keep a sharing size bag of SKITTLES in your desk drawer, you're only a moment away from a sweet pick-me-up
- Add a pop of color to your candy dish or candy buffet with SKITTLES Wild Berry candy
- Share the colorful and fruity SKITTLES Wild Berry candy packs with family and friends on road trips
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
