Mint (candy) facts for kids

Polo mints are a popular type of mint candy.

Mint is a super popular flavor! You can find it in lots of yummy treats like candy, chewing gum, and even ice cream. It comes from a plant called Mentha. Some famous mint candies and gums you might know are Polos, Altoids, Cadbury's After Dinner Mints, and Mentos.

Different Kinds of Mint Candies

Mint candies come in different styles, from hard and crunchy to soft and chewy. Each kind offers a unique minty experience!

Hard Mint Candies

This package for mints is from the early 1900s in Mexico. It's now in a museum!

Hard mints are like boiled sweets that have a strong mint flavor. They are firm and last a while in your mouth. Think of starlight mints, which are white and round with red or green stripes. Other examples include candy canes, humbugs, and well-known brands like Altoids and Ice Breakers.

Did you know that mints with real peppermint oil can help your tummy feel better after you eat? Peppermint can help relax your stomach muscles, making digestion a bit easier. This is why many people like to have a mint after a meal!

Soft Mint Candies

Soft mints are much softer and melt quickly in your mouth. They often have more butter in them, which gives them a creamy texture. Examples include "dinner mints" and "butter mints," which are often served after meals.

Scotch Mints

A "scotch mint" is a special kind of candy that's popular in places like Great Britain and other countries in the Commonwealth. It's a round, white candy with a hard outer shell but a soft, chewy inside.

The name "scotch mint" comes from a specific type of mint plant called Mentha × gracilis. You might know scotch mints by their brand name, Mentos, which come in many different flavors!

Images for kids

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  Butter mints

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  Bêtise is a mint-flavored candy from France.

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  An opened package of Howard's Mint candies.

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  Tic Tac mints are small and popular.

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  Mints are sometimes given to guests at a funeral home.