If there were ever a battle between the old favourite and the new sensation, this is it. On one side, we have Skittles, the chewy, fruity sweets that have been brightening up lunchboxes and cinema nights for decades. On the other, Igloo’s freeze dried sweets, which have transformed the texture of traditional treats into something crunchy, airy and wonderfully addictive. But when it comes to crunch, which one really comes out on top?
What Are They?
Igloo’s freeze dried sweets are inspired by traditional pick n mix favourites. Through a freeze drying process that removes moisture from the sweets while preserving their flavour and shape, they turn soft chews and gummies into crisp, crunchy bites. The result is a sweet that shatters gently before melting in the mouth, offering an entirely different sensory experience.
Skittles, meanwhile, need no introduction. Their colourful shells, chewy centres and rainbow of fruity flavours have made them a global icon. Each sweet offers a familiar burst of flavour followed by the slow satisfaction of the chew. They are classics for a reason, loved for their texture as much as their bright taste.
Texture Showdown
The biggest difference between Igloo’s freeze dried sweets and Skittles is texture. Igloo’s sweets are all about crunch. Once freeze dried, the water content is gone, leaving behind an airy, honeycomb-like structure that cracks easily between your teeth. The crunch is clean and satisfying, followed by a light melt that releases the flavour quickly and completely.
Skittles, in contrast, are chewy to the core. You first break through the crisp shell and then sink into the chewy interior. It is the kind of texture that draws you in, keeping you chewing as the flavour gradually unfolds. While satisfying, it offers resistance rather than release, making it the complete opposite experience to Igloo’s effortless snap.
When it comes to crunch alone, Igloo wins hands down. The freeze drying process was made for this. Each bite is crisp, light and perfectly balanced between crunch and melt. Skittles may have a light shell crack, but they are still a chew at heart.
Flavour Intensity
Freeze drying does not just change texture; it intensifies flavour too. Without water to dilute the taste, Igloo’s sweets pack a powerful punch. A strawberry or cola piece bursts with more concentrated flavour than its soft original. The taste hits quickly and cleanly, coating the tongue before dissolving almost instantly.
Skittles take a slower approach. Their flavour arrives gradually as you chew, moving from sugary shell to fruity core. It’s less intense but more prolonged, giving a sense of rhythm to each sweet. The fruity mix is bright and lively, though it can feel milder next to the pure flavour power of a freeze dried sweet.
If you prefer bold, fast and flavour-packed, Igloo delivers. If you enjoy slow, steady sweetness, Skittles still hold their own.
The Experience
Eating Igloo’s freeze dried sweets feels like a novelty every time. The sound, the crunch, and the way the sweet seems to melt away after shattering all combine into something playful and exciting. It is an experience that appeals to anyone who loves texture as much as taste.
Skittles, on the other hand, bring comfort. Their chewiness is nostalgic and reassuring. You know exactly what to expect, and it always delivers. The joy of Skittles lies in their familiarity, while Igloo’s magic lies in discovery.
Variety and Flavour Range
Igloo’s range draws heavily on classic pick n mix sweets. Think bonbons, fizzy chews and cola bottles, all given a modern twist through freeze drying. Each type of sweet reacts slightly differently to the process, creating subtle variations in crunch and flavour intensity.
Skittles are famous for their consistent line-up of flavours: strawberry, orange, lemon, lime and blackcurrant. While the mix rarely changes, it is this predictability that fans love. The balance of sweet and tangy has been perfected over years, and there is comfort in that rainbow blend.
Presentation and Appeal
Visually, both brands have a strong identity. Igloo’s freeze dried sweets look lighter and puffier than their original versions, with bright pastel shades and a glossy finish. Their packaging is modern and fun, designed to stand out on shelves and social media alike.
Skittles have their iconic red bag and instantly recognisable slogan. Their design is bold and timeless, a testament to decades of success. While Igloo’s look is new and playful, Skittles’ presentation has nostalgic power that no newcomer can easily replicate.
Price and Accessibility
Igloo’s freeze dried sweets sit at the premium end of the market, priced at around five pounds for a small pouch. This reflects both the cost of freeze drying and their novelty status. They are still accessible and increasingly available in UK sweet shops and online.
Skittles, by contrast, remain one of the most affordable sweets around. A single pack can be found in nearly every supermarket or convenience store for about one pound. They are a sweet you can find anywhere, anytime, without thinking twice.
The Science of the Crunch
The reason Igloo’s sweets achieve such a perfect crunch lies in the freeze drying process itself. The sweets are frozen to an extremely low temperature and then placed in a vacuum chamber, where the ice turns straight into vapour. This removes almost all moisture without affecting shape or taste. The result is a sweet that feels feather-light but bursts with flavour when bitten.
Skittles are built for chewiness instead. Their gelatine and sugar structure is designed to stay elastic, giving that satisfying resistance that makes them so moreish. Both textures serve their purpose, but in a test of pure crunch, Igloo’s technology wins every time.
The Social Media Factor
It is impossible to ignore the role of TikTok and Instagram in the rise of freeze dried sweets. The crunching sound and dramatic reactions have made Igloo’s sweets viral sensations. Videos of people trying them for the first time often capture that moment of surprise followed by delight.
Skittles, while iconic, rarely generate the same reaction online unless transformed into their own freeze dried form. They are a staple rather than a spectacle, beloved but not necessarily buzzworthy. In the age of short, sensory content, Igloo’s sweets have found their moment to shine.
Final Verdict
When the contest is purely about crunch, there is no competition. Igloo’s freeze dried sweets are engineered for crisp perfection. Every bite delivers a clean, satisfying snap followed by a rush of flavour that leaves you wanting more. Skittles are chewy, familiar and endlessly enjoyable, but crunch is not their strength.
That said, both have their place in the world of sweets. Igloo brings innovation and excitement, transforming familiar flavours into something futuristic. Skittles provide comfort and nostalgia, the kind of sweet that never lets you down. It all depends on your craving: if you want a modern thrill, reach for Igloo. If you want to taste the rainbow the way you always have, Skittles are still unbeatable in their own right.
In the end, the crunch test goes to Igloo, but the love for Skittles remains untouchable. Each brings its own joy to the world of sweets, and together they show just how diverse and delicious confectionery can be.
