Skittles vs Starburst: Battle of the Fruit Flavored Candies

The favorite fruit-flavored candies of many people are Skittles and Starburst. Below, we compare the two to help you understand how they are different.

At the end of this article, there is a poll where you can vote for your favorite. Please consider voting if you have a preference between Skillets versus Starburst.

Skillets vs Starburst

What Are They?

Skittles are sort of disk-shaped with a white “S” printed on each piece. The colors and flavors of Original Skittles are red (strawberry), green (green apple), purple (grape), yellow (lemon), and orange (orange). A mouthful of Skittles provides a chewy, fruity, flavor.

Starburst are square-shaped chewy fruit-flavored candies. Each piece is individually wrapped. The colors and flavors of Original Starburst are red (cherry), yellow (lemon), pink (strawberry), and orange (orange).

Nutrition

These are candies so most people recognize they are bad for you nutritionally. This is especially true when consumed in excess. However, Original Starburst has fewer calories, sodium, carbs, total sugars, and added sugars. Original Skittles win in total fat and saturated fat.

Original SkittlesOriginal Starburst
Serving Size1 Package – 61.5 g (2.17 oz.)1 Package – 58.7 g (2.07 oz.)
Calories250240
Total Fat2.5 g5 g
Saturated Fat2.5 g4.5 g
Sodium10 mg0 mg
Total Carbohydrate56 g49 g
Total Sugars45 g33 g
Includes Added Sugars45 g33 g
Protein0g0g

Ingredients

Skittles – Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil; Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Modified Corn Starch, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), Sodium Citrate, Carnauba Wax.

Starburst – Sugar, Corn Syrup, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil; Less Than 2% Of: Citric Acid, Tapioca Dextrin, Gelatin, Apple Juice From Concentrate, Modified Corn Starch, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Colors (Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1).

Introduction Dates

Skittles – This candy was introduced to Britain first in 1974. Skittles landed on store shelves in America in 1979.

Starburst – Starburst candies were also first released in the United Kingdom. They were first sold in the U.K. in 1960 and they came to America in 1967.

Who Makes Them?

Skittles – Skittles is a brand of Mars Wrigley.

Starburst – Mars Wrigley also makes Starburst.

Naming

Skittles – Skittles is named after a traditional European lawn game. The game is similar to bowling in that it uses a heavy object to knock down pins. The game, Skittles, was what influenced bowling to be invented.

The video below shows a group playing Skittles. Take notice of the wooden “cheese” that they throw and how it resembles the shape of the candy.

Starburst – Starburst candies were originally called Opal Fruits in the U.K. when they were first released. When they came to America in 1967, Mars opted to release them as M&M’s Fruit Chews. According to Forward, they were renamed to Starburst a few years later in the U.S. and eventually in the U.K.

SEE ALSO>>>Skittles vs M&Ms

Varieties

Skittles

  • Original
  • Wild Berry
  • Sours
  • Brightside
  • Wild Berry & Tropical
  • Smoothies
  • Original Gummies
  • Wild Berry Gummies

Starburst

  • Original
  • Original Minis
  • Fave Reds
  • Fave Reds Minis
  • All Pink
  • Sours
  • Sours Minis
  • Airs – Original Gummies
  • Airs – Sour Tropical Gummies
  • Sours Gummies
  • Original Gummies
  • Original Easter Jellybeans
  • Original Gum
  • Duos
  • Swirlers Chewy Stick Candies
  • Strawberry Sorbet Bar

Poll: Skittles vs Starburst

Do you have a favorite between Skittles and Starburst? Please consider voting for it below.


Sources:
skittles.com
starburst.com
https://forward.com/culture/392213/trump-tossed-starburst-at-angela-merkel-in-a-fit-of-pique/
Opened Starburst Picture Credit – Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons