How Many Calories Are in Altoids? A Comprehensive Guide

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

While a single Altoid mint may seem insignificant, their calorie count varies significantly depending on the variety, with some sugar-free versions containing less than one calorie per mint. Understanding exactly how many calories are in Altoids is essential for anyone tracking their daily intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Altoids varies by type, with Original mints having around 5 calories each, Curiously Strong mints containing about 3.3 calories each, and sugar-free options having significantly fewer.

Key Points

Classic vs. Sugar-Free: A single classic Altoid contains about 5 calories, while a sugar-free Arctic mint is closer to 1.7 calories.
Curiously Strong Calorie Count: The popular 'Curiously Strong' Altoids have approximately 3.3 calories per mint, based on a three-mint serving size.
Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Altoids' sugar-free varieties use sweeteners such as sorbitol, sucralose, and Acesulfame K instead of sugar.
Small but Mighty: The tiny Altoids Smalls are the lowest-calorie option, with around 0.5 to 1 calorie per mint.
Check the Label: For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, always refer to the specific product packaging.
Varies by Product: The ingredients and calorie content are distinct for each Altoids product line, meaning there is no single answer for all Altoids.
No Fat or Protein: All Altoids, both sugar and sugar-free, contain 0g of fat and 0g of protein.

Altoids: A Curiously Strong History and Variety

Altoids have a rich history dating back to 1780s London, where they were first created by Smith & Company as a lozenge to relieve intestinal discomfort. Today, they are a globally recognized brand, famous for their distinctive metal tins and "curiously strong" flavor. However, the modern Altoids lineup includes more than just the original sugar-based peppermints, with different varieties containing varying calorie counts and ingredients.

The Calorie Breakdown for Classic and Curiously Strong Mints

The calorie content of Altoids depends entirely on the product line. The traditional, sugar-based mints—known for their iconic strength—contain a moderate amount of sugar and, consequently, more calories than their sugar-free counterparts.

Altoids Classic and Curiously Strong Mints

Classic Peppermint/Spearmint Mints: A single Classic Altoid (0.7g) contains approximately 5 calories. This variety is a standard, sugar-based hard candy.
Curiously Strong Mints (Peppermint, Cinnamon, etc.): The Curiously Strong varieties, though often associated with a higher intensity, have a different calorie structure. A standard serving of three mints (0.1 oz) contains 10 calories, which works out to about 3.3 calories per mint.

Calorie-Free Options: Sugar-Free Altoids

For those watching their caloric intake, the sugar-free Altoids offer a compelling alternative. These varieties replace sugar with sugar alcohols like sorbitol and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and Acesulfame K.

Altoids Sugar-Free Varieties

Altoids Arctic Mints: The Arctic line of Altoids is specifically labeled as sugar-free. A serving of three Arctic mints contains approximately 5 calories, meaning each mint is around 1.7 calories.
Altoids Smalls Mints: The Smalls line are tiny, sugar-free mints in a compact tin. A serving of one mint (0.2g) has been reported to contain just 0.5 to 1 calorie. Some varieties, when averaged, can even be listed with 0 calories per serving.

Comparing Calories Across the Altoids Lineup

To provide a clearer picture of the nutritional differences, the following table compares the approximate calorie count and primary ingredients of various Altoids products.


Product Type	Serving Size	Calories per Serving (approx.)	Primary Sweetener	Contains Gelatin?	Notes
Classic Mints	1 mint	5 calories	Sugar	Yes	A traditional, sugar-based mint.
Curiously Strong	1 mint (based on 3-mint serving)	3.3 calories	Sugar	Yes	The classic "curiously strong" formula.
Arctic Mints (Sugar-Free)	1 mint (based on 3-mint serving)	1.7 calories	Sorbitol, Sucralose	No	Made with sugar alcohols and sweeteners.
Smalls Mints (Sugar-Free)	1 mint	0.5 - 1 calorie	Sorbitol, Sucralose	No	The smallest, most portable option.

How to Find the Right Information

When determining the exact calorie count for a specific Altoids product, the most reliable method is to check the packaging itself. Nutritional information is typically printed on the tin or on the paper liner inside. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information for the flavor and variety you're consuming. You can also visit the official Altoids website for the latest nutritional facts.

Conclusion: Choose Based on Your Needs

In summary, the number of calories in Altoids is not a fixed value but depends entirely on the product line. For those who prioritize flavor and don't mind a small amount of sugar, the Classic or Curiously Strong mints are suitable. However, for anyone adhering to a calorie-controlled diet or seeking a sugar-free alternative, the Arctic and Smalls varieties provide a much lower-calorie solution. By understanding the differences, you can confidently choose the Altoids product that best fits your dietary goals while still enjoying a fresh, minty burst of flavor.

Author's Note: For official product details and the latest nutritional information, always consult the manufacturer's website or check the product packaging. Altoids Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

A single Curiously Strong Peppermint mint contains approximately 3.3 calories. This is based on the serving size of three mints having 10 calories.

No, not all Altoids are sugar-free. The Classic and Curiously Strong varieties are made with sugar, while the Arctic and Smalls product lines are specifically marketed as sugar-free.

Altoids Smalls Peppermint Sugarfree Mints contain approximately 0.5 to 1 calorie per mint, making them the lowest-calorie option in the Altoids lineup.

A standard Altoids Classic mint, such as Peppermint or Spearmint, contains 5 calories per mint.

Sugar-free Altoids, like the Arctic and Smalls, use sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, along with artificial sweeteners like acesulfame K and sucralose, as alternatives to sugar.

No, Altoids mints contain zero grams of fat and zero grams of protein across all their different product varieties, both sugar and sugar-free.

Yes, Altoids Arctic mints are lower in calories because they are sugar-free. They contain approximately 5 calories per three mints, compared to 10 calories for a three-mint serving of the sugar-based 'Curiously Strong' mints.