Part 3/8:
Upon crossing the Atlantic, a notable change occurred—specifically, in the purple Skittle. In the UK, it was flavored with blackcurrant, a fruit deeply loved in England, whereas the American version was changed to grape to better cater to local tastes. Interestingly, a rumor circulated suggesting that all Skittles shared the same flavor, differing only by the fragrance of their colorful shells. Let’s delve into the actual manufacturing process to separate fact from fiction.
The Manufacturing Process
The journey of a Skittle begins with a careful blend of ingredients. The chewy core is made from sugar, corn syrup, and hydrogenated palm kernel oil. Hydrogenation transforms the liquid oil into a solid form at room temperature—a necessary step in achieving the desired consistency.