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Uncle Joe's Mint Balls facts for kids

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Uncle Joe's Mint Balls
Uncle Joe's Mint Balls Logo.png
Type Mint
Owner William Santus & Co
Country United Kingdom
Introduced 1898; 127 years ago (1898)
Markets Worldwide
Tagline Keep You All Aglow
Uncle Joe's Mint Balls, Dorning Street-Wigan - geograph.org.uk - 3578355
The factory in Wigan where Uncle Joe's Mint Balls are made

Uncle Joe's Mint Balls are a famous type of mint candy. They have been made by William Santus & Co in Wigan, England, since 1898. These mints are known for their fresh peppermint taste. Even though they are called "balls," they are not perfectly round. They are actually shaped more like a squashed sphere.

What Are Uncle Joe's Mint Balls Made Of?

The ingredients for Uncle Joe's Mint Balls are very simple. They use pure cane sugar, which gives them their sweetness. They also contain oil of peppermint for that classic minty flavor. Another ingredient is cream of tartar. The company states that these mints are suitable for vegans. This means they do not contain any animal products.

How Many Mint Balls Are Made?

A lot of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls are made every day! As of 2011, the factory produced about 160,000 mint balls each day. This adds up to around 35 million mints made in a single year. That's a huge number of refreshing treats!

A Sweet History

The story of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls began a long time ago. William Santus's wife, Ellen, first started making these mints. She made them by hand in the early days. Later, as the mints became more popular, production moved. In 1919, a special factory was opened. This factory was located near the Wigan Wallgate railway station. It helped the company make many more mints for everyone to enjoy.

The Famous Packaging

Uncle Joe's tin
A tin of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls

Uncle Joe's Mint Balls usually come in a sealed metal can. This special packaging helps keep the mints fresh. The tin also features a well-known mascot. This mascot is a smiling man wearing a top hat. He has become a symbol of the brand over the years.

Actual Mint Balls 2025
Close-up of Uncle Joe's Mint Balls

See also

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