Joybuy Insights

Buying mints: how to choose peppermint, menthol sweets or sugar-free chewing gum

Are you looking to buy mints for on the go, at work or at home? With so many packets on the shelf, it’s easy to lose sight of which option suits you best. A roll of peppermints, a pot of sugar-free mints and a pack of chewing gum each have their own moment to shine. So don’t just look for words like “extra fresh” or “strong” – pay attention to ingredients, packaging, quantity and any warnings.

Common pitfalls when buying mints

1. “Sugar-free” doesn’t mean you can use them without limit

Sugar-free mints and sugar-free chewing gum often contain polyols such as sorbitol, maltitol or xylitol. The packaging usually states that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. Also check whether aspartame is present. Products containing aspartame are a source of phenylalanine and are not suitable for people with phenylketonuria.

2. A strong flavour isn’t for everyone

A product with strong mint or menthol can be pleasant if you’re after an intensely fresh taste. For others, that flavour can be too sharp. Menthol sweets and certain throat lozenges sometimes also contain liquorice, eucalyptus or menthol. So read the ingredients list if you’re sensitive to a particular flavouring.

3. Know the difference between sweets, gum and lozenges

Chewing gum stays active for longer because you chew it. A peppermint or hard sweet dissolves slowly and is often more convenient during a meeting or car journey. Throat lozenges are designed to be sucked; don’t take descriptions like “soothing” as a medical claim. According to the product description for Anta, for example, the lozenges are described as traditional throat sweets, but they are not a medicine.

Which features should you check?

Sugar, sweeteners and ingredients

If you want to avoid sugar, you can choose sugar-free mints or chewing gum. Check the nutritional information: “sugar-free” doesn’t mean the product contains no carbohydrates or calories. For example, Sportlife ExtraMint contains 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams, but 69 grams of polyols.

If you prefer a classic peppermint sweet with sugar, options include Mentos Mint, King Peppermint Drops and Wilhelmina Fresh Sweet Peppermint. According to the product information provided, these products do contain sugar.

Flavour strength and composition

Look out for terms like peppermint, spearmint, menthol, eucalyptus or strong mint. These give an indication of the flavour direction, but the exact experience remains personal. Fisherman’s Friend Extra Strong contains, according to the ingredients list, liquorice and menthol among other things. With excessive use, the warning about liquorice should be taken into account.

For a milder choice, you could look at spearmint or a classic mint variety. If you’re specifically after a strong flavour, Smint Fresh Effect Strong Menthol, Mentos Strong Mint and Fisherman’s Friend Extra Strong are better suited to that profile.

Packaging, quantity and when to use

A roll fits easily into a coat pocket, while a pot or duo pack can be more practical for a longer-lasting supply. Don’t just compare the price – also compare the total quantity and the number of pieces.

  • For on the go: rolls and small tins are quick to take with you.
  • For the office or car: a sturdy pot or resealable pack helps keep the contents in better condition for longer.
  • For stocking up: duo packs and large bags offer more quantity, but check the best-before date.
  • For sharing: individually wrapped lozenges are practical in a bag or at the office.

Recommended choices by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sportlife ExtraMint - 4 x 12 pcs

Sportlife ExtraMint - 4 x 12 pcs

Why this fits the profile: Four separate packs of 12 pieces each are practical for daily use, without having to buy a large pot straight away. The gum is sugar-free and suitable for those who prefer chewing to sucking.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the portion packaging and the use of sweeteners. This means you can check the quantity and ingredients in advance.

Key benefit & highlights

Sugar-free chewing gum, 4 x 12 pieces and individual packs for your bag or coat pocket.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
Smint XL Peppermint Duopack - 2 x 50 pcs

Smint XL Peppermint Duopack - 2 x 50 pcs

Why this fits the profile: Two pots of 50 sugar-free mints each provide a tidy supply for home, the office or the car.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The duo pack makes the number of pots and pieces clear. Do check the warning about polyols and aspartame on the label.

Key benefit & highlights

100 sugar-free mints in total, strong peppermint flavour and a handy pot packaging.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Fisherman's Friend Extra Strong Mints - 75 g

Fisherman's Friend Extra Strong Mints - 75 g

Why this fits the profile: These lozenges are aimed at people looking for a pronounced menthol flavour. The pack contains 75 grams and is suitable for taking as a supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly mentions the extra strong menthol flavour, liquorice and the warning about excessive use. This helps you match your choice to your taste and situation.

Key benefit & highlights

Intense menthol flavour, 75 grams content and a recipe with sugar.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Extra options for different preferences

  • Classic peppermint: King Peppermint Drops contains, according to the product information, sugar, peppermint oil and menthol.
  • Large supply: Anta Dropmint Menthol and Anta Flu Eucalyptus Menthol come in a 275-gram pack with individually wrapped lozenges.
  • Sugar-free hard mints: Fisherman’s Friend Mint Sugar-Free and Wilhelmina Sugar-Free Peppermint contain sweeteners.
  • Fresh chewing gum with xylitol: Xylifresh Xylifris Peppermint is sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol. Always check the current ingredients list and warnings on the packaging.
  • Without chewing: Smint Cleanbreath Peppermint and Smint Clean Breath Peppermint are available in pots or tins with sugar-free mints. Claims about fresh breath come from the brand’s product description; see the label for the current wording.

Frequently asked questions about buying mints

Which mints are suitable for fresh breath?

That depends on whether you prefer chewing gum or hard mints. Sugar-free gum, such as Sportlife ExtraMint, stays active while you chew. Smint Clean Breath and other peppermint products are more convenient when you want something to dissolve. Any brand claim about a specific duration or effect should be checked on the current packaging.

Are sugar-free mints always a sensible choice?

Sugar-free mints contain no sugar, but often do contain polyols and sometimes aspartame. Use them according to the instructions on the packaging. If you are sensitive to phenylalanine or certain sweeteners, it’s a good idea to read the ingredients list carefully.

How should I store peppermints and menthol sweets?

Store mints and lozenges in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Close a pot or bag properly after use. Check the best-before date before consuming and do not use the product if the packaging is damaged.