In summer 2025, Mars' Skittles brand debuted a spicy gummy into its portfolio: Skittles Gummies Fuego. The item combines five fruit flavors—mango, watermelon, strawberry, raspberry, and lemon—with a chili-infused coating, reflecting continued consumer interest in sweet and hot flavor combinations.

The new gummy made its debut in August through TikTok Shop, the e-commerce feature on the social media platform. Soon after, the candy rolled out in select retailers. Then, in January, the squishy/sweet/spicy treat hit shelves at retailers nationwide.

To learn more about how the idea for the gummy came about, we reached out to Ro Cheng, VP of marketing, Mars Snacking North America.

Liz Parker Kuhn: What made Skittles decide to create a spicy gummy?

Ro Cheng: We’re always keeping an eye on emerging trends and taking inspiration from our fans as we think up new innovations to help more people “Taste the Rainbow” with Skittles. In recent years, there’s been a rise in demand for spicy flavors, specifically with Gen Z consumers looking for more adventurous snacks and culturally influenced products. That’s why we expanded on our ever-growing innovation lineup with the introduction of Skittles Gummies Fuego in the fall of 2025, fusing sweet and spicy in one bold delicious bite to fulfill the “swicy” kick our fans have been wanting.

LPK: How long did it take to formulate the new gummy? What about taste-testing—did you have a consumer panel, or just taste-test in-house?

RC: We’re always looking to bring our latest and great innovations to fans as quickly as we can, and the journey from fiery inception to bringing Skittles Gummies Fuego to shelves was no different. We tested different spice blends with several hundred tasters to make sure the final product delivered the authentic and bold flavor experience we knew they would enjoy.

LPK: How was the chili-infused coating made?

RC: We developed several different spice blends and tested them to ensure we selected a coating that added the perfect spicy twist fans were craving to the already sweet gummies they love.

LPK: How did Skittles decide on the combo of five fruit flavors (mango, watermelon, strawberry, raspberry, lemon)?

RC: After testing different combinations of spice and fruity, we identified the top five flavors that deliver that familiar Skittles fruitiness fans know and love, while providing the best pairing with the tangy, chili coating, providing that perfect fusion of “swicy.”

LPK: What’s your personal favorite Skittles variation to enjoy?

RC: For me, I’ve always loved the original Skittles. The five bold, classic fruity flavors are what started it all, and they’re hard to beat! There’s something nostalgic yet timeless about opening a pack and being able to experience an unexpected delight in every bite. SF&WB

Origin: The lore, according to Mars, is that millions of years ago, out of the ocean arose a “colorful force with the strength of a thousand rainbows pierced the surface, cracked Pangea’s supercontinent, and altered the atmospheric levels of fruity juiciness on planet Earth forever.”

1974: Skittles were first produced and sold by The Wrigley Company in the U.K., getting their name from a British slang term

1982: After the candy’s popularity surged in the U.K., Mars began producing them for Americans

1989: Skittles introduced the first flavor variations beyond the Original five-flavor blend: Wild Berry and Tropical

2000: Sour Skittles officially hits shelves for the first time

2013: Skittles replaces the Lime flavor for Green Apple in Original packs

2021: Two Skittles milestones occur:

• After more than 130,000 consumers hit social media to express displeasure at the loss of Lime, Skittles adds the flavor back into its Original packs
• Skittles launches its first gummy product, in Original and Wild Berry flavors

2023: The brand introduces Skittles Littles, putting a smaller twist on the candy

2024: Skittles Pop'd, a freeze-dried take on the candy, hits the shelves in Original and Sour versions

2025: Skittles Gummies Fuego debuts on TikTok Shop