How many calories are in mint lollies?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single standard peppermint hard candy typically contains around 20 calories, but this can vary significantly based on brand and size. Understanding how many calories are in mint lollies requires examining different varieties, from soft mints to hard candies and sugar-free options.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed overview of the calorie content in various types of mint lollies. It explores the difference between hard and soft mints, explains how ingredient variations affect the final calorie count, and offers a comparative analysis with other popular confectioneries to help you make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Variety Matters: The calorie count for mint lollies varies significantly depending on whether they are hard, soft, chewy, or chocolate-coated.
Hard Mints are Low Calorie: A single, standard hard peppermint candy generally contains between 15 and 20 calories, derived entirely from sugar and corn syrup.
Sugar-Free Options Exist: Sugar-free mint lollies use alternative sweeteners and contain significantly fewer calories, often just 5-10 kcal per piece.
Chocolate Increases Calories: Mint lollies covered in chocolate, like mini mint patties, have a much higher calorie and fat content, typically 60-80 calories per small piece.
Check the Label: To get precise nutritional information, always check the specific product's label, as serving sizes and ingredients can vary by brand.
All Calories from Carbs: The majority of calories in a standard, non-chocolate mint lolly come from carbohydrates, specifically sugar.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Mint Lollies

Mint lollies, a popular confectionery, are not all created equal when it comes to their calorie content. The number of calories can differ widely based on the type of mint, its size, and specific ingredients. For instance, a small, hard peppermint candy will have a very different nutritional profile compared to a larger, chewier mint or a chocolate-covered mint patty. The primary source of calories in most mint lollies is sugar, with some variations also containing corn syrup and other sweeteners.

Factors Influencing Mint Lolly Calories

Several key factors determine the final calorie count. These can include:

Type of Sweetener: Traditional mint lollies use sugar and corn syrup, which are high in calories. Sugar-free varieties, conversely, use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, significantly reducing the calorie count.
Size and Weight: A larger lolly will naturally contain more calories than a smaller one. For example, a single, small Starlight Peppermint Candy might be around 20 calories, while a larger, branded mint could easily contain 25-30 calories or more.
Additional Ingredients: Some mint lollies, such as mint crisp lollies or mint patties, include additional ingredients like chocolate, which drastically increases the calorie and fat content.
Brand Variation: Different brands use different recipes. A Mentos Chewy Mint contains about 10 calories per piece, whereas a standard hard peppermint candy might contain closer to 20 calories per piece.

Calorie Breakdown by Mint Lolly Type

Hard Peppermint Candies

Hard peppermint candies are one of the most common types of mint lolly. Their calorie count is generally consistent across brands, assuming similar sizes.

Serving Size: Typically 1 piece (~5 grams)
Approximate Calories: 15-20 kcal per piece
Key Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, peppermint oil, and sometimes coloring.

Soft Mints and Chewy Mints

Soft or chewy mints have a different texture and composition, which can affect their calorie count. Brands like Mentos are a prime example.

Serving Size: 1 piece (~2.5-3.5 grams)
Approximate Calories: 10-15 kcal per piece
Key Ingredients: Sugar, glucose syrup, hydrogenated vegetable fat, mint flavoring.

Chocolate-Coated Mint Patties

For those who enjoy a chocolate-mint combination, the calorie count will be significantly higher due to the dark or milk chocolate coating.

Serving Size: 1 mini patty
Approximate Calories: 60-80 kcal per mini patty
Key Ingredients: Sugar, corn syrup, chocolate, peppermint oil, fondant.

Sugar-Free Mint Candies

Sugar-free mints provide the minty flavor without the caloric load of sugar. They are a popular choice for those watching their sugar intake.

Serving Size: Varies by brand (e.g., 4 pieces)
Approximate Calories: 5-10 kcal per piece or 35-40 calories per serving of 4 pieces
Key Ingredients: Sugar alcohols (like xylitol, sorbitol), artificial sweeteners, and mint flavorings.

Comparison of Mint Lolly Calories


Type of Mint Lolly	Approximate Calories (per piece)	Key Ingredients	Note
Hard Peppermint Candy	15-20 kcal	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Standard hard candy, all calories from carbs.
Chewy Mint (e.g., Mentos)	~10 kcal	Sugar, Glucose Syrup	Smaller and chewier, slightly lower calories per piece.
Mini Mint Patty (Chocolate-coated)	60-80 kcal	Sugar, Chocolate, Fondant	Significantly higher calories due to fat and sugar.
Sugar-Free Mint	5-10 kcal	Sugar Alcohols, Sweeteners	Very low calorie, but excessive consumption can cause digestive issues.

The Role of Ingredients and Manufacturing

The preparation method of mint lollies plays a crucial role in their final nutritional profile. Hard candies are made by boiling sugar and corn syrup to a 'hard crack' stage, which concentrates the simple sugars. The more advanced techniques for making creamy soft mints, such as the addition of fondant and whipping agents, also add to the complexity of the ingredients and calorie count. The flavorings themselves, typically peppermint oil, are not a significant source of calories.

Conclusion

When considering how many calories are in mint lollies, the answer depends on the specific product. A standard hard mint or chewy mint is a low-calorie treat, typically under 25 calories per piece. However, choices like chocolate-covered mint patties contain significantly more calories due to added fat and sugar. For a truly low-calorie alternative, sugar-free versions are available, although they come with their own considerations regarding sugar alcohols. Ultimately, for those managing their calorie intake, mint lollies can be an acceptable occasional treat, but it's important to be mindful of the type and quantity consumed.

Sources

This information has been compiled based on widely available nutritional data. For specific products, always check the packaging for the most accurate information. The calorie content can vary by region and brand.

For more in-depth nutritional information on various foods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a comprehensive food data central database that can be a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical small hard peppermint candy contains approximately 15 to 20 calories, with most of these coming from sugar and corn syrup.

No, sugar-free mint lollies are not completely calorie-free. They contain a small number of calories, usually from sugar alcohols, and are often around 5-10 calories per piece.

Mint lollies generally have fewer calories per piece compared to richer candies like chocolate bars or chewable sweets. For example, a single mint is much lower in calories than a mini chocolate patty or other sugary treats.

The primary source of calories in traditional mint lollies is sugar and corn syrup. These ingredients provide carbohydrates that the body converts into energy.

No, the calorie content varies widely. Factors like the lolly's size, whether it's hard or chewy, and if it contains other ingredients like chocolate, all affect the final calorie count.

Yes, when consumed in moderation. As with all sweets, excessive consumption can lead to high sugar intake. Small, low-calorie mints can be a satisfying treat without a major caloric impact.

Not necessarily. Chewy mints like Mentos are often smaller and contain around 10 calories per piece, which can be less than a larger hard mint. However, their ingredients differ slightly.