Can you still get Certs candy?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Certs mints were officially discontinued by Mondelez International in 2018, largely due to an FDA ban on partially hydrogenated oils. However, as of May 2025, the brand has been relaunched under a new partnership with Nature's Stance, meaning you can now get Certs candy again, with an updated, clean-label formula.

Quick Summary

Once a fixture in American stores, Certs mints were discontinued in 2018 but are making a significant return in 2025 under new ownership and a revised, modern formula.

Key Points

Discontinued in 2018: Certs mints were originally discontinued due to an FDA ban on partially hydrogenated oils in 2018.
Iconic Retsyn Ingredient: The mints were known for their special ingredient Retsyn, which contained the now-banned cottonseed oil.
Relaunch in 2025: The Certs brand was officially relaunched in May 2025 under the ownership of Nature's Stance.
New, Clean-Label Formula: The revived Certs products will feature a modernized, clean-label formula without the controversial trans fats.
New Products and Distribution: The relaunch includes both mints and gum, with distribution planned for supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms.
Fulfilling Nostalgia: The comeback aims to appeal to both long-time fans who missed the product and new consumers.

A Legendary Breath Mint's History and Sudden Disappearance

First introduced to the American market in 1956 by American Chicle, Certs quickly became a staple in convenience stores and drug stores nationwide. The mints were instantly recognizable by their signature disc shape and iconic green speckles. Their famous advertising slogan, "Two, two, two mints in one," highlighted the mint's dual nature: a breath mint and a candy mint. This marketing campaign became a cultural touchstone and was even parodied on shows like Saturday Night Live.

The unique selling point of Certs was the proprietary ingredient called Retsyn. This blend contained artificial flavorings, copper gluconate (which created the greenish flecks), and partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. Retsyn was marketed as the key to Certs' breath-freshening power, but it was also the key ingredient that led to its downfall.

The FDA Ban that Ended Certs' First Life

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a landmark ruling that partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary source of artificial trans fats in processed foods, were no longer "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Studies had overwhelmingly linked the regular consumption of trans fats to an increased risk of heart disease. The FDA gave food manufacturers a deadline to remove PHOs from their products. Because partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil was a fundamental component of Retsyn, and therefore Certs, the brand's formula was no longer compliant with federal regulations. The brand was officially discontinued in 2018, leaving a gap in the market and a pang of nostalgia for many consumers.

The Revival: Certs Returns in 2025

For years following its discontinuation, Certs remained a beloved memory for many, with some turning to online marketplaces like eBay to buy vintage, likely expired, rolls at collector's prices. However, in a surprising turn of events in May 2025, an Idaho-based company called Nature's Stance announced its partnership with the Certs brand owners to relaunch the product line. The official announcement marked the end of the brand's hiatus, promising a revival aimed at re-energizing the product for a new generation while also appealing to nostalgic fans.

The most significant change with the Certs relaunch is the reformulation of the product to meet current health and safety standards. The new mints and gum will feature a "clean-label innovation" approach, meaning the controversial partially hydrogenated oils have been removed and replaced with a compliant, modern formula. This move not only addresses the reason for the original discontinuation but also aligns the brand with today's health-conscious consumer trends.

Where to Find the New Certs

Following the announcement, Nature's Stance began rolling out the new Certs products in 2025. They are utilizing strategic retail expansion and digital marketing to bring the brand back into the public eye. While exact locations and availability may vary, you can expect to see the updated Certs products returning to:

Supermarket checkout lanes
Convenience stores
Drug stores
Online retailers

The relaunch includes both the classic mints and a new line of Certs gum, aiming to rebuild the product's presence and loyal following. You can find additional details on the relaunch from publications covering the sweets and snacks industry, such as Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.

A Look at Certs vs. Top Breath Mint Alternatives

For years, fans sought alternatives to fill the Certs-sized hole in their pockets. Here is a comparison of the key features of Certs (new) and some of the most popular alternatives on the market today.


Feature	New Certs (2025)	Altoids	Life Savers Mints	Tic Tacs
Key Ingredient	New, clean-label formula (no PHOs)	Natural mint oils	Artificial flavors, sweeteners	Sugar, rice starch, natural/artificial flavors
Flavor Experience	Updated formula, aiming for classic flavor	Curiously strong, intense mint flavor	Classic, recognizable hard candy mint flavors	Light, crisp, and fresh taste
Packaging	Expected to resemble classic rolls/packs	Iconic metal tins	Signature roll or bags	Small, transparent plastic container
Availability	Returning to shelves in 2025	Widely available	Widely available	Widely available

Conclusion: Can You Still Get Certs Candy?

So, can you still get Certs candy? The answer is a definitive yes, though it's important to remember these are the new, relaunched versions. After a seven-year absence, the iconic brand is making a strategic comeback in 2025 with a modern formula that leaves the problematic ingredients of the past behind. For those who missed the "Two, two, two mints in one" experience, or for a new generation curious about a nostalgic favorite, the return of Certs is a sweet development indeed. Keep an eye out for the new products hitting shelves and be prepared to once again enjoy the distinct flavor of this long-missed mint. For more information, check out coverage of the relaunch at Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Certs were discontinued because their special ingredient, Retsyn, contained partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. The FDA banned partially hydrogenated oils (a source of artificial trans fats) in 2018 due to health concerns, making the original Certs formula non-compliant.

The Certs brand was officially relaunched in May 2025 through a partnership between its owners and a company called Nature's Stance. New products began rolling out to stores in 2025.

The new Certs will have a revised, clean-label formula that does not include the problematic partially hydrogenated oil from the original Retsyn ingredient. While the company is working to capture the classic flavor, the taste may be slightly different.

The relaunched Certs products are planned to be available in various retail locations, including supermarkets, drug stores, and convenience stores. They are also expected to be sold by online retailers.

Retsyn was the trademarked ingredient in Certs that gave it its distinctive flavor and green flecks. It was a combination of artificial flavoring, copper gluconate, and partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil.

Before the relaunch, popular alternatives included Altoids for a strong mint flavor, Life Savers for a classic candy mint, and Tic Tacs for a lighter, crisp mint. Some fans of the Assorted Fruit flavor found Life Savers orange mints to be a similar match.

You may find vintage or expired rolls of the original Certs on collector sites like eBay, but these products are no longer in production and should be purchased with caution, as they are well past their expiration date.