The Skittles brand is expanding beyond its chewy foundation with a new candy that blends soft gummy with crunchy crystal. This limited early access release, known as Gummy Crystals, brings together two textures in a single bite ahead of its wider rollout across stores in the US.
The New Texture
Each Gummy Crystal has a soft gummy core surrounded by crunchy, edible candy pieces that add a tangy bite to every piece. Two kinds come in the box: Original and Tropical Splash.
Flavor Varieties
The standard lineup of flavors includes Strawberry, Lemon, Grape, Orange, and Green Apple. Tropical Splash expands beyond those five by adding Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Mango Melon, Pineapple, and Watermelon to its roster.
What Mars Says
“Mars Snacking North America Marketing Vice President Ro Cheng said, “Consumer-led innovation is at the heart of Mars Snacking, and the true magic of SKITTLES lies in delivering the unexpected.”
“SKITTLES Gummy Crystals answers the growing demand for dynamic, multi-textured treats by pairing a soft gummy center with a crystal crunch – giving fans an entirely new way to experience the rainbow.”
The Early Access Rollout
Beginning November 2, fans can purchase Gummy Crystals for the first time via a Skittles-exclusive bundle sold through TikTok Shop, provided stock lasts. The product then becomes available at select retailers later in 2026, though Skittles has not revealed which stores will be stocking it during the initial rollout.
The National Plan
Gummy Crystals will be rolled out more widely starting in 2027, at which point it becomes a permanent part of Skittles’ line of candy formats.
A Bigger Trend
Skittles is not alone in testing new textures. Reese’s recently introduced its first new Reese’s Pieces flavor innovation in a decade with Reese’s Pieces Cookie Dough, which pairs a cookie dough-flavored center with crunchy cookie bits.
Comparing the Two
The two brands take well-known candies and add a crunchy layer to their usual formulas. Reese’s went beyond its familiar peanut butter filling, while Skittles built crunch into its gummy base.
Why This Matters
A candy that blends soft gummy texture with crunchy crystal texture delivers a distinct sensory contrast. The range of colors and flavors keeps each taste sensation fresh and engaging.
Key Facts Box
- Launch date: November 2, exclusive bundle through TikTok Shop
- Initial rollout: Select retailers later in 2026
- National rollout: 2027
- Varieties: Original (Strawberry, Lemon, Grape, Orange, Green Apple); Tropical Splash (Fruit Punch, Pink Lemonade, Mango Melon, Pineapple, Watermelon)
The sweets come with a plain route from early release to stores across the nation. At the moment, it is the pairing of textures that sets them apart.
Source material: “Skittles unveils new Gummy Crystals that combine crunchy and chewy candy,” Dexerto.
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