Mint sweets come in many varieties, including hard peppermint, soft mints, liquorice mints, menthol sweets and sugar-free mints. With so much choice, picking the right ones isn’t always easy. And packaging with phrases such as “extra fresh” or “strong mint” doesn’t tell you everything about the flavour, ingredients or suitability for everyday use.
Keep an eye out for these three common pitfalls:
Not every “mint” tastes the same. Peppermint often has a classic, cooling flavour. Menthol sweets can taste more intense, while spearmint is usually milder and more herbal. If you also enjoy liquorice, try liquorice mints or a combination of liquorice and mint.
Texture varies too:
Check the nutrition information per 100 grams. Regular peppermint often contains a lot of sugar. For example, Fortuin English Peppermint lists 99 grams of sugar per 100 grams. G’woon Peppermint lists 99.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams.
In sugar-free mints, sugar is usually replaced with sweeteners or polyols. Smint XL Peppermint Duopack lists ingredients including sorbitol, aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame-K. Wilhelmina Sugar-Free Peppermint contains sorbitol, xylitol and aspartame. If a product contains aspartame, look for the statement “contains a source of phenylalanine”. As for polyols, excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
So “sugar-free” is a product specification, not a reason to eat as many as you like. If you have an allergy or intolerance, or follow a specific diet, always check the current packaging.
The products in this selection are listed as not containing any of the 14 major EU allergens, but their ingredients do vary. Some varieties contain gelatine, while others contain liquorice, milk ingredients or ingredients that may be relevant to vegan shoppers.
If you’re looking for vegan or gluten-free options, check each product individually. Fisherman’s Friend Mint Sugar-Free is described in the product information as suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and for a gluten-free diet. Wilhelmina Sugar-Free Peppermint is also described as vegan and gluten-free. Check the current ingredients list with every order, as recipes can change.
Why it suits this shopper: A generous pack for home, work or sharing, with a combination of liquorice and mint.
The product information clearly states that these sweets have a hard shell and soft centre. The nutrition information and ingredients are also listed, so the large pack isn’t the only reason to buy.
245 grams, liquorice mints with a soft centre and, according to the product information, none of the 14 major EU allergens.
Why it suits this shopper: Two sturdy tubs containing a total of 100 sugar-free mints for enjoying at work, on the go or at home.
The pack, net weight of 70 grams and sweeteners used are all clearly stated. That makes it clear that “sugar-free” doesn’t mean calorie-free or sweetener-free.
100 mints in two tubs, 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams according to the product information, and a sturdy pack to take with you.
Why it suits this shopper: Aimed at anyone looking for a pronounced menthol flavour in a sugar-free option they can take with them.
The product information specifically mentions extra-strong menthol, sorbitol and the warning against excessive consumption. This makes the flavour clearer than a generic “fresh” claim.
75 grams, described as sugar-free, and suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets according to the stated product specifications.
A strong flavour is a matter of personal preference. According to the product information, Fisherman’s Friend Extra Strong contains menthol and liquorice; the packaging also advises against excessive consumption. Smint Clean Breath Peppermint contains zinc. According to Smint’s own product information, its formula helps reduce one cause of unpleasant breath for up to two hours. Treat this as a brand claim, not a general medical guarantee.
If you’re mainly looking to buy mints for on the go, choose a tin or roll. For a shared sweet jar, Mentos Dropmint Balls at 220 grams or Venco Tikkels Drop & Mint at 245 grams are more practical. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you could consider Smint, Wilhelmina Sugar-Free or a sugar-free variety from Fisherman’s Friend.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Not necessarily. Sugar-free mints often contain polyols or high-intensity sweeteners. So check the ingredients, nutritional information and warning about excessive consumption. Some shoppers prioritise less sugar; others prefer the taste and texture of regular peppermint.
It varies by product and packaging. Store mint sweets as directed: in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, and sealed tightly after opening. The best-before date is on the packaging. In practice, a roll or small tin is often easier to keep track of than a large bag that’s opened regularly.
A roll such as Mentos Strong Mint or Wilhelmina Fresh Sweet Peppermint fits easily into a bag or coat pocket. A sturdy tin, such as Smint Clean Breath Peppermint, is handy if you want to carry mints with you throughout the day. When buying, check the number of pieces, the closure and the stated flavour strength.