Titanium Dioxide Price-Why Is There Titanium Dioxide In Skittles

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used in Skittles and many other foods as a food additive primarily for its whitening or brightening properties. It acts as a colorant, giving products a clean, white appearance or helping to enhance the opacity and color of the product.

Here are a few reasons why titanium dioxide might be included in Skittles:

1. **Color Enhancement**: Although Skittles are known for their bright, colored candies, titanium dioxide may be used to ensure that the white parts of the candy (if any) are a true, vibrant white.

2. **Opacity**: Titanium dioxide can make the candy coating more opaque, which might be desired for aesthetic reasons or to provide a consistent appearance.

3. **Coverage**: It can help provide an even coverage of colorants, ensuring that the Skittles have a uniform look.

4. **Safety**: Titanium dioxide is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) established based on its use as a food additive.

However, it’s worth noting that the use of titanium dioxide in food has come under scrutiny in recent years due to health concerns. Some studies suggest that the nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide might have adverse health effects if they can penetrate into the body’s cells. As a result, there is ongoing debate and research into the safety of using titanium dioxide, especially in its nanoscale form, in food products.

In response to these concerns, some manufacturers have been looking for alternatives to titanium dioxide or have removed it from their products. Consumers who are concerned about the use of titanium dioxide can look for products that do not list it as an ingredient.