The candy aisle has witnessed countless innovations over the decades, but few brands have maintained their iconic status quite like Skittles. When Mars Wrigley introduced Skittles Chewies—a shell-less version of the classic candy—fans were both intrigued and skeptical. Could a Skittle without its signature crunch still deliver the rainbow of flavor we’ve come to expect? Today, we’re putting both varieties to the ultimate test in a head-to-head comparison that explores every aspect of these colorful treats.
The Skittles Legacy: A Brief History
Before diving into our taste test, it’s worth appreciating the journey of this beloved candy. Skittles first appeared in the United Kingdom in 1974 and made their way to North American shores by 1979. The simple yet effective slogan “Taste the Rainbow” has been associated with the brand since 1994, becoming one of the most recognizable taglines in candy marketing history.
The original Skittles—with their hard candy shell and chewy interior—quickly became a staple in movie theaters, convenience stores, and Halloween bags across the country. Their distinctive crunch followed by chewy texture created a unique eating experience that helped them stand out in a crowded confectionery market.
The Birth of Skittles Chewies
In 2018, Mars Wrigley decided to shake things up by introducing Skittles Chewies. The concept was simple yet revolutionary for the brand: remove the hard candy shell while maintaining the same flavors and chewy interior. This wasn’t the first time Skittles experimented with their formula—limited editions like Tropical, Wild Berry, and Sour variants had come before—but it was perhaps the most fundamental change to the candy’s identity.
Packaging and Presentation
Walking down the candy aisle, both varieties of Skittles command attention with their vibrant packaging. The Original Skittles maintain their classic red packaging with the rainbow pouring out of the letter “S.” It’s instantly recognizable and has barely changed over the decades—a testament to successful branding.
Skittles Chewies, meanwhile, come in a purple package that still features the rainbow but includes clear “NO SHELL” messaging to differentiate the product. The purple background creates enough distinction for consumers to notice something different while maintaining brand continuity.
Visual Appearance
Pouring both varieties side by side reveals immediate differences. Original Skittles have a glossy, almost wet-looking appearance with vibrant colors that perfectly match their packaging. The shell gives them a uniform, smooth surface that reflects light.
Chewies, by contrast, have a matte, slightly powdery appearance. Without their shells, they look somewhat naked and are slightly smaller in size. The colors are more subdued but still distinguishable—you can easily tell the green from the yellow, the red from the orange. There’s also a slight transparency to them that you don’t get with the originals.
Size and Texture Differences
Holding both varieties reveals another difference: Chewies are slightly softer to the touch. Original Skittles have that familiar hardness that promises a satisfying crunch, while Chewies yield slightly under pressure. The Chewies also have a slightly tacky exterior that can stick to fingers if handled too long—something the shell prevents in the original version.
The Taste Test Methodology
For this comparison, I’ve established a systematic approach to ensure a fair assessment. Each flavor will be tested individually, comparing the Original directly with its Chewie counterpart. I’ll be evaluating five key aspects: initial flavor impact, flavor development, sweetness level, texture experience, and aftertaste.
To cleanse my palate between tastings, I’m using room temperature water and unsalted crackers. All candies have been stored at the same temperature and are from packages with similar expiration dates to ensure freshness isn’t a variable.
The Classic Five Flavors
Both Original Skittles and Skittles Chewies come in the same five classic flavors: strawberry (red), orange (orange), lemon (yellow), green apple (green), and grape (purple). Green apple replaced lime in 2013, a controversial move that still sparks debate among Skittles purists, but for consistency, we’re working with the current flavor lineup.
Flavor-by-Flavor Breakdown
Let’s dive into each flavor pair and see how they stack up against each other when comparing the Original to the Chewies version.
Strawberry (Red)
The Original red Skittle delivers that familiar crunch before releasing its sweet, artificial strawberry flavor. There’s a brightness to it that hits immediately, with the shell adding a distinct sugar-forward introduction before the fruity interior takes over.
The Chewie version, interestingly, offers a more immediate strawberry flavor without the sugar shell barrier. The flavor seems slightly more intense and accessible right away, though perhaps less complex without the textural journey. The strawberry note is identical between both versions, but the Chewie delivers it more directly.
Orange (Orange)
Original orange Skittles have always had that distinctive citrus tang that cuts through the sweetness. The shell creates a momentary delay before the orange flavor fully develops, creating an evolving taste experience.
Skittles Chewies in orange flavor provide a more immediate citrus hit. Without the shell, the slight tartness of the orange flavor is more pronounced from the first chew. The flavor seems slightly more authentic without the initial sugar rush from the shell, though some tasters might miss that sweet-to-tangy progression.
Texture Experience
The most obvious difference between these two Skittles varieties lies in their texture, and this fundamentally changes the eating experience. Original Skittles offer that satisfying initial crunch as teeth break through the shell, followed by the resistance of the chewy center. This creates a multi-stage experience that many fans consider essential to the Skittles identity.
Chewies skip that first stage entirely, offering only the chewy resistance. However, it would be inaccurate to say they’re identical to the interior of Original Skittles. The Chewies have a slightly softer, more yielding texture that requires less jaw work. Without the shell to protect them, they seem to absorb more moisture from the air, resulting in a less firm chew.
The Mouthfeel Factor
When eating multiple pieces at once—as many Skittles enthusiasts do—the differences become even more pronounced. A handful of Original Skittles creates a symphony of crunches before transforming into a chewy mass of mixed flavors. The shells provide separation between pieces initially, allowing you to experience distinct flavor pops even when consuming several pieces.
A handful of Chewies, however, tends to form a unified mass more quickly. Without shells to keep them separate, they merge into a single chewy experience almost immediately. This can be either an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preference—those who enjoy the flavor mixing might prefer this, while those who enjoy the distinct crunch of individual pieces might find it lacking.
Sweetness Levels and Flavor Intensity
One surprising discovery in this comparison is how the shell affects perceived sweetness. Original Skittles hit with an immediate sugar rush from the shell before the fruit flavors fully develop. This creates a high-low-high sweetness curve as you eat them—initial shell sweetness, followed by the less sweet interior, then a return of sweetness as the fruit flavors bloom.
Chewies present a more consistent sweetness level throughout the chewing experience. Without the sugar-heavy shell, they actually taste less sweet overall, allowing the fruit flavors to take center stage more quickly. For those sensitive to excessive sweetness, this might make Chewies a more appealing option.
Flavor Longevity
Another interesting difference emerges in how long the flavors last. Original Skittles tend to have a longer flavor arc, with the shell dissolution extending the experience. The shell also seems to help seal in flavors, releasing them gradually as you chew.
Chewies deliver their full flavor payload more quickly but tend to fade faster. The entire flavor experience is compressed into a shorter timeframe, which means you might find yourself reaching for the next piece sooner.
The Verdict: Which Deserves Your Candy Dollar?
After extensive testing of both varieties, it’s clear that neither version is objectively superior—they offer different experiences that will appeal to different preferences. Original Skittles remain the textural champion, offering that nostalgic crunch-then-chew experience that has defined the brand for decades. The shell also creates a more complex eating experience with its staged flavor release.
Skittles Chewies excel in delivering more immediate flavor access and a softer chewing experience that some might find more pleasant, especially during extended snacking sessions. They’re also slightly less messy, as they don’t have colored shells that can stain fingers or clothing.
Who Should Choose Original Skittles
Stick with the classics if you value the full textural experience of candy and enjoy the distinctive crunch. Original Skittles are also better for sharing in movies or on road trips, as they’re less likely to become sticky or melt together in the package. Traditionalists who believe a Skittle without its shell is simply not a Skittle will obviously want to stay loyal to the original.
Who Should Try Skittles Chewies
Consider giving Chewies a chance if you’ve ever found yourself wishing for a softer Skittle or if you primarily value the fruit flavors over the textural experience. They’re also worth trying if you find regular Skittles too sweet or if you’ve experienced dental concerns with crunchy candies. Parents of younger children might appreciate the reduced choking hazard of the all-chewy version.
Ultimately, both versions deliver the rainbow of fruit flavors that have made Skittles a confectionery icon. Whether you prefer your rainbow with a crunch or purely chewy is a matter of personal preference—and perhaps the best solution is to keep both varieties on hand for different snacking moods. After all, with candy this enjoyable, why limit yourself to just one way to taste the rainbow?
