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How many calories are in ICE BREAKERS?

2 min read

Most Ice Breakers mints contain only 5 calories per piece, a fact that makes them a popular low-calorie breath freshener. This minimal energy content is a result of their sugar-free formulation, which raises the question of precisely how many calories are in ICE BREAKERS across their various product lines.

Quick Summary

Ice Breakers mints and gum are sugar-free and contain a minimal number of calories, typically 3 to 5 per piece, due to the use of sugar alcohols. These low-calorie snacks are a popular choice for fresh breath and oral hygiene benefits.

Key Points

  • Mints Calories: A standard Ice Breakers mint contains 5 calories, with some sour versions having 3 calories per piece.

  • Gum Calories: Each piece of Ice Breakers Ice Cubes gum contains 5 calories, and is certified as sugar-free.

  • Sugar-Free: All ICE BREAKERS gum and mints are sugar-free, relying on sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners for flavor.

  • Source of Calories: The minimal calories come from sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol, which provide sweetness with reduced caloric impact.

  • Digestive Effects: Consuming large quantities of sugar alcohols can lead to mild digestive issues such as gas and bloating.

  • Dental Benefits: The use of xylitol and the action of chewing gum can help stimulate saliva flow and reduce cavity-causing bacteria.

In This Article

A Detailed Look at Ice Breakers Caloric Content

When evaluating the calories in Ice Breakers, it is important to distinguish between their different products, primarily mints and gum. The overall message is consistent: due to their sugar-free nature, the calorie count is extremely low, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers or those simply looking for a guilt-free way to freshen their breath.

Calorie Count for Ice Breakers Mints

Ice Breakers mints generally contain a very low number of calories per piece. Standard varieties like Coolmint, Spearmint, and Wintergreen typically have 5 calories per mint. The Duo line also contains 5 calories per piece. Some sour mints, such as Mixed Berry Sours, may contain slightly fewer calories, around 3 per mint.

Calorie Count for Ice Breakers Chewing Gum

Ice Breakers gum, including the popular Ice Cubes, also maintains a low-calorie profile. A single piece of Ice Cubes gum has 5 calories. The Cool Blasts soft chews line similarly contains 5 calories per piece.

The Role of Sugar Alcohols in Ice Breakers

The low calorie count in sugar-free ICE BREAKERS products is attributed to the use of sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol. These ingredients provide sweetness but are not fully absorbed by the body, resulting in fewer calories than regular sugar. While generally safe, excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can cause digestive discomfort.

Comparing Ice Breakers to Sugared Alternatives

Product Type Sugar Content Primary Calorie Source Typical Calories per Piece Additional Benefits/Notes
Ice Breakers Mints Sugar-Free Sugar Alcohols 3-5 Provides fresh breath, minimal calorie impact
Sugared Mints Contains Sugar Sugar 8-15+ Can contribute to tooth decay
Ice Breakers Gum Sugar-Free Sugar Alcohols 5 ADA Accepted, promotes saliva flow, helps prevent cavities
Sugared Gum Contains Sugar Sugar 7+ Can contribute to tooth decay

Beyond Calories: Dental Health Aspects

In addition to being low in calories, Ice Breakers mints and gum offer dental health advantages due to their sugar-free nature. The absence of sugar is beneficial for preventing cavities. Many products also contain xylitol, which may help reduce cavity-causing bacteria. Chewing sugar-free gum also promotes saliva production, which helps clean the mouth and neutralize acids. More detailed information on ingredients and benefits can be found on {Link: SmartLabel™ https://smartlabel.hersheys.com/068000001151-0010-en-US/index.html}.

Conclusion

Ice Breakers mints and gum generally contain between 3 to 5 calories per piece. Their low caloric content is primarily due to being sugar-free and utilizing sugar alcohols. Beyond calories, their sugar-free composition and inclusion of ingredients like xylitol offer dental health benefits. Enjoying Ice Breakers can be a low-calorie option for fresh breath and supporting oral hygiene when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Ice Breakers mint, such as Coolmint or Spearmint, contains 5 calories per piece. Some sour varieties may have a slightly lower calorie count, around 3 calories per mint.

Yes, all mints and gum products in the ICE BREAKERS line are sugar-free. They use sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.

Yes, sugar alcohols contain calories, but they are significantly lower than table sugar because they are not completely absorbed by the body during digestion. This is why sugar-free products like ICE BREAKERS still have a small calorie count.

The low calorie count of Ice Breakers gum is due to its sugar-free formula, which replaces caloric sugar with non-caloric or very-low-caloric sweeteners and sugar alcohols.

While the calorie count per piece is very low, excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea in some individuals.

The calorie count is generally consistent across most product types (5 calories for gum, 5 for standard mints) but can vary slightly. For example, some sour mints have 3 calories per piece, while most others are 5.

The xylitol in sugar-free mints, combined with the act of chewing, can help combat bacteria that cause plaque and increase saliva flow, which neutralizes plaque acids.

No, Ice Breakers Duo mints, like other standard mints in the lineup, contain 5 calories per piece.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.