Are there sugar free Andes mints? Separating Fact from Fiction for a Healthier Diet

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the nutrition label, classic Andes mints contain 5 grams of sugar per serving. For those on a low-sugar or diabetic diet, this fact leads to a common question: Are there sugar free Andes mints? The answer involves some market history and a look at potential, though often hard-to-find, alternatives.

Quick Summary

The classic Andes Creme de Menthe mints are not sugar-free, though a specific variant sweetened with maltitol was once produced and may still be sold by some third-party retailers. Many other readily available and reliable sugar-free mint-chocolate products exist for managing sugar intake. Several factors like ingredient differences and potential side effects of sugar alcohols are important to consider when evaluating these alternatives.

Key Points

No Standard Sugar-Free Andes: The traditional Andes Creme de Menthe mints, widely available in stores, contain sugar and are not sugar-free.
Possible Discontinued Product: A sugar-free variant, sweetened with maltitol, may have existed and is sometimes found via specific third-party retailers, but it is not listed on the official manufacturer's website.
Consider Sugar Alcohols: The sugar-free version of Andes and many alternatives use sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can cause digestive issues if consumed in excess.
Look for Other Alternatives: Plenty of alternatives exist, including Russell Stover Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mint Patties and York Zero Sugar Peppermint Patties, which are readily available.
Opt for Homemade Options: For a completely sugar-free treat, consider homemade recipes like frozen banana 'ice cream' or peppermint tea to satisfy your cravings.

The Truth About Traditional Andes Mints

For decades, Andes Creme de Menthe Thins have been a beloved after-dinner treat, but their classic formulation is made with sugar. The primary ingredients listed for standard Andes mints include sugar, palm oils, nonfat milk, cocoa, and natural and artificial flavors. Their iconic rectangular shape and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture are due in part to this precise combination of ingredients, which cannot be perfectly replicated without sugar.

The Elusive Sugar-Free Andes

The confusion about a sugar-free version of Andes mints likely stems from a product that once existed. Searches reveal some smaller online retailers selling "Andes Creme De Menthe Sugarfree Thin Bags". This particular version was sweetened with maltitol, a sugar alcohol. However, a scan of the current and seasonal products on the official Tootsie Roll Industries website, the maker of Andes, does not list a sugar-free option. This suggests that any remaining stock of a sugar-free version is either discontinued or only available through limited third-party sellers.

Understanding Sugar Alcohols

Many sugar-free candies, including the older Andes variant, use sugar alcohols to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar. While generally recognized as safe, they are not without potential drawbacks, especially when consumed in large quantities.

Maltitol: A common sugar alcohol, maltitol is used in many sugar-free products. It is not fully absorbed by the body, so it provides fewer calories. However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive distress, including bloating and a laxative effect.
Other sweeteners: Modern sugar-free candies also utilize erythritol, xylitol, and stevia. Xylitol is known for its oral health benefits, while stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener.

Are all sugar-free claims the same?

It's important to read labels carefully. "Sugar-free" does not mean "calorie-free," especially when sugar alcohols are involved. Always check the total carbohydrate count and the ingredients list to understand what you're consuming. The Verywell Health website offers a great resource for navigating the pros and cons of sugar substitutes in candy, emphasizing that considering the entire product, not just the sweetener, is crucial for your health.

Comparison of Mint-Chocolate Options


Feature	Classic Andes Mint	Russell Stover SF Mint Patties	York Zero Sugar Peppermint Patties
Availability	Widespread	Common	Common
Sweetener	Sugar	Maltitol	Sugar alcohols
Sugar per Serving	5g (approx. 2 pieces)	0g (check label for exact serving)	0g (check label for exact serving)
Potential Side Effects	High sugar intake	Laxative effect from maltitol	Possible digestive issues from sugar alcohols
Taste Profile	Classic creamy mint-chocolate	Dark chocolate with soft mint center	Dark chocolate with solid peppermint center

Reliable Alternatives to Satisfy Cravings

While a true sugar-free Andes mint remains hard to find, plenty of other products and recipes can curb a mint-chocolate craving without the sugar crash.

Market-bought sugar-free mints and chocolates

Russell Stover Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mint Patties: These offer a similar dark chocolate and mint combination and are widely available.
York Zero Sugar Peppermint Patties: A classic alternative with a distinct peppermint flavor and zero sugar.
Xylitol-sweetened mints: Brands like XyloBurst and PUR offer various aspartame-free mints, perfect for freshening breath while providing a touch of sweetness.
Sugar-free dark chocolate: High-quality, sugar-free dark chocolate can be a great substitute. Look for brands that use stevia or monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols.

Homemade and whole-food options

Frozen banana "ice cream" with peppermint extract: A few frozen bananas blended with a drop of peppermint extract and some cocoa powder can create a delicious, naturally sweetened dessert.
Peppermint tea: A simple and calorie-free way to enjoy a cool, minty flavor. You can enhance it with a few drops of liquid stevia.
DIY mint chocolate truffles: Combine avocado, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract for a rich, healthy fat-based treat with no added sugar.

Conclusion

So, are there sugar free Andes mints? The definitive answer is that the classic, readily available Andes mints are not sugar-free. While a specific sugar-free variant may have been produced and is still sold by some specialty retailers, it is not a standard part of the current Andes product line from Tootsie Roll Industries. For those seeking to manage their sugar intake, there are numerous other alternatives on the market, from well-known brands like Russell Stover and York to a variety of xylitol-based mints. Additionally, homemade options offer a wholesome and sugar-free way to enjoy the refreshing combination of mint and chocolate, providing the satisfying treat you crave without the sugar content of the original.

Sources

Verywell Health: Is Sugar-Free Candy Good or Bad for You?
CalorieKing: Andes Creme De Menthe Sugar Free Thins Chocolate
CandyFavorites.com: Andes Creme De Menthe Sugarfree Thin Bags
Tootsie Roll Shop: Andes Crème De Menthe Thins (40 oz. / 240 ct. Jar)
Walmart.com: RUSSELL STOVER Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mint Patties Candy, 10 oz. bag

Frequently Asked Questions

No, classic Andes mints are made with sugar and are not a suitable option for people with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar. However, sugar-free alternatives are available.

The sugar-free variant of Andes mints that was previously available was sweetened with maltitol, a sugar alcohol. Some smaller retailers may still carry stock.

You can try homemade options like frozen banana 'ice cream' with cocoa powder and peppermint extract, or opt for a simple peppermint tea.

Yes, consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols like maltitol can lead to digestive distress, including gas, bloating, and a laxative effect.

Modern sugar-free alternatives include Russell Stover Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mint Patties and York Zero Sugar Peppermint Patties, both widely available.

When used in food-grade quantities for flavoring, peppermint oil is generally safe. For larger doses or concentrated forms, it should be used with caution and after consulting a health professional.

Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully. Look for 0 grams of sugar and check the type of sweetener used, such as stevia, erythritol, or sugar alcohols.