The Best Mint Candy Brands: Ultimate Buying Guide

How about sweet treats with a cool, refreshing taste of mint? These are mint candies for you. They get their trademark flavor from natural oils derived from peppermint, spearmint, and other mint plants. From classic peppermints to some unique, exotic blends, there is a mint candy for every taste, thanks to the best mint candy brands in India and beyond. So, let’s explore the top 10 brands and their most popular products. But first, what is mint candy all about?

What is Mint Candy?

Image Courtesy: Wikimedia

Any hard candy or boiled sweet candy with minty goodness, whether from mint extract or mint oil, is a mint candy. You usually pop them before meetings or after meals to freshen your breath and settle a queasy stomach. However, not all mint candies list plant sources in their ingredients. 

Mint Candy Ingredients:

What exactly goes into those mint candies besides mint and sugar? In two words, a lot.  

• Sugar: 

Whether it’s granulated sugar, corn syrup, or other sweeteners, it gives the candy its sweetness and a satisfying crunch.

• Mint Oil or Extracts: 

The refreshing minty flavor comes from mint oil or extract. They get it by steaming or using solvents on mint leaves to extract that pure mint essence.

• Binders: 

The mint candy brands throw in some binders like corn syrup, gelatin, or gum Arabic to ensure that your candy holds its shape and feels just right in your mouth.

• Colors: 

Mint candies usually rock a pale green or white hue, thanks to colorants like chlorophyll or artificial dyes. It’s all about that minty fresh look!

• Optional Flavorings: 

Other flavors like chocolate, fruit, menthol, or eucalyptus might also go into the mix for that extra kick. 

Mint Candy Types:

These candies come in all shapes and sizes to suit all needs and tastes. 

• Hard Candies: 

Solid and sugary, the classic hard candies give your jaw a workout. Think peppermint sticks you find at restaurants or those nostalgic mint humbugs.

• Soft Candies: 

If you’re more into something soft and chewy, mint candy brands have you covered. Soft candies like mint patties, nougats, or taffy offer a satisfyingly chewy texture with that burst of minty freshness.

• Chocolate Coated: 

Here things get exciting. Imagine a smooth, creamy chocolate with a hint of refreshing mint. You’ve got your peppermint patties, those addictive thin mints, and those irresistible mint-filled chocolates. 

• Mints: 

These tiny, hard candies are perfect for popping in your mouth after a meal or whenever you need a quick breath freshener. They come in multiple flavors, from classic peppermint rounds to the iconic Life Savers.

Top 9 Best Mint Candy Brands:  

Discover the best brands, carefully selected for quality, taste, value, and heritage. Your ultimate buying guide awaits!

1. Altoids: 

Hands down the most recognizable mint candy brand, Altoids comes in cool metal tins with a strong flavor. The brand first hit the scene in the 1780s, thanks to the London-based Smith & Company. Originally, they were meant to soothe tummy troubles, but soon folks couldn’t get enough of their intense mintiness. By the 19th century, they became part of Callard & Bowser. If you are ready to pay $30.69 for a 12-count box, Altoids is your go-to mint candy. 

• Taste and Texture:

The iconic bold peppermint punch makes Altoids stand out, making it look like a mint explosion in your mouth. Its creamy and slow-dissolving texture leaves you with that refreshing minty goodness.

• Variants:

Altoids spoil you for choice with a diverse range.

• Peppermint: The classic flavor with a cool and intense minty kick.
• Wintergreen: Offers a nuanced taste combining mintiness with herbal undertones.
• Spearmint: A milder mint flavor.
• Cinnamon: Spicy and warm.
• Strawberry: A fruity twist.
• Sugar-Free Smalls: Tiny square mints sweetened with sorbitol and sucralose.

2. Tic Tac

Introduced in 1969 by Ferrero U.S.A., Inc., these tiny mints have been tickling taste buds for over fifty years. Originally called “Refreshing Mints,” they got their catchy Tic Tac name a year later, which comes from the sound they make when you give them a shake or pop them open. We love Tic Tac for its refreshing taste, diverse range, and affordable pricing. 

• Taste and Texture: 

So, what’s the deal with Tic Tacs? Well, they’re hard, pill-shaped mints, packing a strong flavor punch. The candy is crisp enough to offer resistance initially and then dissolve slowly. 

• Variants:

Tic Tac started with the classic Fresh Mint before launching the orange flavor, which might sound odd for a mint. As of now, it has Strawberry & Cream, Wintergreen, Tropical Adventure, Fruit Adventure, Sprite, and other flavors.

3. Lifesavers

True to their name, these mint candies are a lifesaver for anyone in need of a quick pick-me-up. First to be wrapped in tin foils, these ring-shaped candies have been around since 1912 with their iconic taste and hole in the center. Owned by Mars, Lifesavers debuted with Pep-O-Mint candy that would endure the summer heat. The iconic slogan “Still only 5 cents” also helped make Lifesavers one of the best mint candy brands. As for the name, it came from life preservers.

• Taste and Texture:

Lifesavers come in both hard and soft varieties. And the texture? It is as good as a mint candy can get, crisp and slow-melting.

• Variants:

Lifesavers’ peppermint flavor is a classic favorite, but it also has other fruity options like orange. 

• Pep-O-Mint: The original peppermint flavor
• Wint O Green: Burst of icy freshness
• Orange: Mint candies with a strong orange flavor
• Life Saver Minis: Bite-sized versions

4. Mentos

Back in 1932, these chewy mints hit the scene in the Netherlands. With just two flavors at the start – mint and fruit – their distinct texture and exotic flavors won hearts. Owned by Perfetti Van Melle, one of the top toffee brands, Mentos now offers an array of veggie-friendly, halal, and all-natural candies and gummies in refreshing flavors. Plus, they are easy on the pocket with a 15-roll pack of Mentos Chewy Mint Candy (Mint Flavor) costing around $20.69.

• Taste and Texture: 

Pop a Mentos mint candy, and you’ll notice a slightly hard shell with a chewy center. Their strong flavors work wonders as a breath freshener.

• Variants:

You’ve got the classic trio of Mint, Strawberry, and Orange to choose from. But wait, have you tried our Rainbow Stick? It’s a flavor explosion with Watermelon, Pineapple, Strawberry, and Orange all in one stick!

5. Ice Breakers

With an interesting backstory and cool flavors, Ice Breakers walks into our list of India’s top 10 mint candy brands. In 1995, Nabisco rolled out Ice Breakers, and people loved them immediately. Later on, The Hershey Company snagged the brand, adding their touch to the lineup. They come in handy plastic containers that fit in your pocket – perfect for on-the-go freshness. Speaking of price, a 42g box of Ice Breakers Coolmint Sugar-Free Mints costs ₹169.

• Taste and Texture:

Imagine a crispy shell giving way to a chewy mint center bursting with intense refreshment.

• Variants:

Ice Breakers are available in a stunning variety of flavors 

• Coolmint: The classic peppermint flavor
• Arctic Grape Sugar-free Ice Cubes: Long-lasting frosty grape flavor
• Duo: A killer combination of strawberry and mint 
• Sours: Tangy watermelon, green apple, and tangerine 
• Cherry Limeade Mints: Juicy, tangy cherry limeade flavor for intense freshness
• Cinnamon Sugar-Free Breath Mints: For guilt-free freshness with a spicy and invigorating taste
• Raspberry Lemon Seltzer Sugar-Free Mints: First of their kind with the tingling seltzer sensation

6. Breath Savers

A huge fan base relies on Breath Savers for a quick refresh, anytime, anywhere. Introduced in 1973 by Life Savers Company, which is currently owned by Hershey, these trusty mints started with sugary versions but quickly switched to sugar-free using saccharin by 1978. Available in several delicious flavors, it is strong enough to withstand garlic breath.

• Taste and Texture: 

Breath Savers resemble Life Savers with their signature beveled edge and the familiar shallow center on both sides. Get ready to enjoy that satisfying crunch outside followed by a chewy inside.

• Variants:

Breath Savers come in four acclaimed flavors.

• Peppermint Sugar-Free Mints: Cool, refreshing, and slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness
• Wintergreen Sugar-Free Mints: Sweet, minty, and slightly reminiscent of birch or root beer
• Spearmint Sugar-Free Mints: Milder, sweeter flavor compared to peppermint
• 3-Hour Spearmint Sugar-Free Mints: Sugar-free breath mint freshness that lasts for 3 hours

7. Bobs Sweet Stripes 

Infused with real peppermint oil, these individually wrapped mints are just 60 calories per serving, ideal for Weight Watchers. Bob’s has been crafting top-notch candy since the 1920s, and these refreshing mints are a tasty reminder of their candy-making legacy. In 1919, Robert E. McCormack founded the Famous Candy Company in Albany, Georgia, later becoming Bob’s Candy Company. Renowned as the largest maker of striped candy globally, they pioneered candy wrapping in cellophane and invented machines for shaping stick candy into canes. That’s some heritage, right?

• Taste and Texture: 

Bob’s Sweet Stripes Peppermint Soft Mint Candy offers a smoother, softer twist on the classic mint. Initially hard, these candies magically melt in your mouth, thanks to moisture absorption during production. Made with all-natural peppermint, they strike the perfect balance between minty freshness and sweetness.

• Variants:

Besides sugary treats, Bob’s Sweet Stripes also offers some sugar-free options. 

• Peppermint Soft Mint Candy: A smoother, softer way to enjoy a mint. Initially hard but melts upon sucking
• Starlight Sugar-free Mints: Star-shaped, sugar-free mint candies with refreshing peppermint flavor
• Soft Wintergreen Candy: Soft and melty texture with Wintergreen flavor, perfect for the colder months

8. Polo 

Polo, the iconic mint candy brand, hit the Indian market in 1993, as “The Mint with the Hole.” These mints aren’t your average candy. They’re shaped under serious pressure – think two elephants jumping on them! And that distinct minty flavor? It comes from top-notch mint oil carefully selected to give you a smooth, clean, and fresh taste.

• Taste and texture:

They’ve got this cool peppermint flavor that’s crisp and refreshing. And the texture? Smooth and hard, so they dissolve slowly as you savor them. Whether you’re freshening up or treating yourself, Polo mints are the way to go.

• Variants: 

Polo comes in several flavors, including, but not limited to:

• Butter Mint Polos: Refreshing Mint flavor with a hint of butterscotch
• Holes: A plastic tube containing small mints roughly the size of a Polo mint hole 
• Paan: Available in India since 2020, known for its unique mint flavor with a paan twist
• Sugar-Free: A version of the original Polo with sorbitol for those watching their sugar intake 
• Spearmint: Once turquoise but now white, they carry a strong spearmint flavor and aroma

9. Patanjali Mint Candy

You can count on Patanjali Mint Candy for a refreshing twist to your snack time with its natural ingredients and invigorating flavor. Made by Patanjali Ayurved Limited, these candies are infused with the goodness of mint and herbs. Whether you’re craving a breath freshener or a sweet treat, these candies have you covered. With their natural formula, you can enjoy them guilt-free. Plus, they are cheap, with a 650g jar of Patanjali Mint Candy setting you back by ₹150.

• Taste and Texture:

Patanjali Mint Candy packs a punch of refreshing mintiness that feels like a breath of fresh air for your taste buds. They are smooth and firm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the minty goodness as it melts away slowly.

• Variants:

While Patanjali offers an impressive range of candies, its mint candy selection is limited. 

• Menthol: Perhaps the strongest mint candy we came across

Mint Candy Brands	Unique Features
Altoids	Comes in iconic metal tins Intense, bold peppermint flavor Creamy, slow-dissolving texture
Tic Tac	Tiny, pill-shaped mints Crisp texture that dissolves slowly Unique flavors like orange, tropical, and Sprite
Lifesavers	Ring-shaped with a hole in the center Available in hard and soft varieties Crisp and slow-melting texture
Mentos	Chewy center with a slightly hard shell Strong flavors for effective breath freshening Unique Rainbow Stick with multiple flavors in one stick
Ice Breakers	Crispy shell with a chewy mint center Intense refreshment Unique flavors like cherry limeade, cinnamon, raspberry lemon seltzer
Breath Savers	Beveled edge and shallow center on both sides Crunchy outer shell with a chewy interior A 3-hour long-lasting freshness variant
Bob’s Sweet Stripes	Made with real peppermint oil  Smooth, soft texture that melts in the mouth Sugar-free options like Starlight Mints

How to Choose the Best Mint Candy Brands?

Picking the perfect mint candy is all about what floats your boat. Here’s how to go about it.

Flavor:

You have multiple flavor choices to suit your taste. A few prominent ones include: 

• Peppermint: Classic, slightly zingy, and refreshing
• Spearmint: A milder, sweeter herbal taste
• Wintergreen: Sweet with a hint of birch or root beer

Texture:

The top mint candy brands usually offer two textures. 

• Hard Candies: Last longer, giving you a prolonged minty kick
• Soft Mints: Melts in your mouth for instant freshness

Sugar-Free:

Want the minty goodness without the sugar rush? Go for sugar-free.

Occasion:

• For everyday freshness, go with individually wrapped mints.
• Holiday time? Candy canes or special festive mint candies are the way to go.

Calories:

Are you keeping an eye on your calories? Check the count before indulging.

Related Reads: 

What is Toffee?	Lollipop Brands	What do Cricketers Chew?	Best Marshmallow Brands	Gummy Candy Brands
Jelly Candy Brands	Bubble Gum Brands	Chewing Gum Vs. Bubble Gum	Candy Vs. Toffee	Sweet Cigarette Brands
Phantom Sweet Cigarette	Fruit Candy Brands	Most Expensive Chewing Gum

Mint Candy Brands: Takeaways

So, there you have it – a tasty tour through some of the best mint candy brands. Whether you’re a fan of classic peppermint, enjoy spearmint’s sweetness, or prefer wintergreen’s unique flavor, there’s a mint candy to suit every taste bud. From iconic brands like Altoids and Mentos to timeless treats like Life Savers and Bob’s Sweet Stripes, each offers its delicious twist on minty freshness. So, pick your favorite, and let the refreshing sensation begin.

FAQs:

1. What are the world’s top mint candy brands?

Some of the world’s top mint candy brands include Altoids, Mentos, Lifesavers, Tic Tac, and more.

2. What are some healthier alternatives to mint candy?

A few healthier alternatives to mint candies include Fresh Fruits, Dried Fruit, Frozen Fruit, Fruit and Veggie Chips, and more.

3. What happens if you eat too much mint candy?

Mint candies, while tasty, pack a sugary punch with little nutritional value, potentially contributing to weight gain. They can also trigger side effects like heartburn and allergic reactions such as flushing, headaches, and mouth sores.

4. How much mint candy is too much?

Determining the right amount of mint candy depends on factors like menthol content, health conditions, and allergies. Consider the following:

1.       Menthol Levels: High menthol content can be overwhelming.
2.       Health Conditions: Watch out for sensitive stomachs, acid reflux, or IBS.
3.       Allergies: Some may be allergic to mint or menthol.
4.       Children: Avoid choking hazards with hard candies.

Specific Quantities:

1.       Peppermint Oil: EFSA recommends no more than 8.6 mg per kg of body weight.
2.       Individual Tolerance: Listen to your body for signs of discomfort.

Context Matters:

1.       Occasional enjoyment is generally safe.
2.       Stick to recommended servings for breath freshening.

Consult a Professional:

Seek advice from a healthcare professional or dietitian for personalized guidance.

5. How to make mint candy at home?

Ingredients:

1.       3½ cups (790 grams) sugar
2.       1 cup (240 milliliters) light corn syrup
3.       1 cup (240 milliliters) water
4.       ¼ to ½ teaspoon peppermint oil
5.       1 teaspoon food coloring (optional)

Process:

1.       Toss in the sugar, light corn syrup, and water into the saucepan and give it a gentle stir over low heat until the sugar disappears.
2.       Crank up the heat to medium-high and wait until the mixture hits the hard-crack stage (that’s around 300°F to 310°F or 150°C to 155°C).
3.       Take the pot off the stove and mix in the peppermint oil. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some food coloring too.
4.       Pour the whole shebang onto a greased baking sheet and let it chill.
5.       Once it’s cooled down, go ahead and break it into bite-sized pieces.

Feature Image by BalashMirzabey on Freepik