Skittles facts for kids

Skittles is a fun word that can mean a few different things! Most people think of the colorful, chewy candy. But did you know it's also the name of an old sport that led to bowling? Let's explore the different meanings of "Skittles."

Skittles: The Colorful Candy

Skittles are small, fruit-flavored candies with a hard shell and a chewy inside. They come in many bright colors, each with a different fruit flavor. The slogan "Taste the Rainbow" perfectly describes these popular treats!

A Taste of the Rainbow

The original Skittles candies were first sold in Europe in 1974. They came to North America in 1979. Today, they are made by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, which is part of Mars, Incorporated. There are many different flavor mixes, like Original, Wild Berry, Sour, and Tropical. Each pack offers a mix of flavors, making every bite a surprise!

How Skittles Are Made

Making Skittles involves several steps. First, the chewy center is created with sugar, corn syrup, and fruit flavors. Then, each small piece gets a hard, colorful candy shell. This shell is what gives Skittles their shiny look and satisfying crunch before you get to the chewy part. The bright colors come from food colorings, making them look just like a rainbow.

Skittles: The Ancient Sport

Before bowling became popular, there was a game called Skittles. This traditional game has been played for hundreds of years, especially in Europe. It involves knocking down pins with a ball or a disc.

From Skittles to Bowling

The game of Skittles is actually one of the oldest forms of bowling. It was played long before modern bowling alleys existed. People would set up wooden pins, often nine of them, and try to knock them over. Over time, different versions of the game developed, eventually leading to the sport of bowling that many people enjoy today. The basic idea of rolling a ball to knock down pins comes directly from Skittles.

How the Game is Played

In a typical game of Skittles, players take turns rolling a ball or throwing a disc to knock down a set of pins. The pins are usually arranged in a diamond shape. The goal is to knock down as many pins as possible, or sometimes to knock down specific pins, depending on the rules of the particular Skittles game being played. It's a game of skill and aim!

Other Uses of the Name Skittles

The word "Skittles" also appears in other interesting places.

Skittles in Chess

In the world of chess, "Skittles" refers to a casual, friendly game. It's not a serious match with strict rules or a timer. Instead, it's a relaxed way for players to enjoy chess without the pressure of competition. It's like playing for fun, just to practice or hang out with friends.

Skittles in Carrom

Carrom is a popular board game, especially in South Asia. There's a version of Carrom that uses the name Skittles. In this version, players use a spinning top to try and knock over small pins set up on the carrom board. It adds a fun, active twist to the traditional game.

Skittles on Stage

There was even a special event called Skittles Commercial: The Broadway Musical. This was a unique, one-night-only musical show that happened on Broadway in New York City. It was based on the famous candy and its commercials, bringing the colorful world of Skittles to the stage in a very creative way. This musical took place on February 3, 2019.