The Calorie Count of a Modern Frango Mint
For those curious about the specifics of the classic mint chocolate, the most accurate current data comes from the official retailer, Garrett Popcorn Shops, which now distributes Frango mints. A product listing for their 15-piece milk chocolate mint box shows a 30-gram serving size containing 160 calories. By dividing the total calories by the number of pieces in the serving, we can determine the approximate calorie count for a single mint.
- 160 calories / 15 pieces = 10.67 calories per Frango mint piece.
This calculation provides a reliable metric for modern Frango mints, which are typically smaller than the original versions.
The History Behind the Calorie Discrepancy
If you've heard different calorie counts for Frango mints in the past, it's not due to misinformation. The calorie value has changed over the years primarily because the products themselves have evolved. Originally created by Frederick & Nelson, and later famously sold by Marshall Field's, the mints had a different formulation and size.
A notable historical article from the Chicago Tribune in 1999 mentions a Frango mint with 53 calories. This significant difference—from 53 calories to the modern ~10.67 calories per mint—reflects changes in manufacturing, size, and perhaps even ingredients over more than two decades. This variation highlights the importance of always checking the nutritional information on the packaging of the specific product you are consuming.
Detailed Nutritional Breakdown of a Modern Frango Mint
To fully understand the caloric impact, it's helpful to look at the macronutrient breakdown. Using the Garrett Popcorn Shops data for a 30g serving (15 mints) with 160 calories, the nutritional profile is as follows:
- Total Fat: 11g (0.73g per mint)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (0.47g per mint)
- Cholesterol: 5mg (0.33mg per mint)
- Sodium: 25mg (1.67mg per mint)
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g (1.13g per mint)
- Total Sugars: 16g (1.07g per mint)
- Protein: 2g (0.13g per mint)
This shows that while a single mint is a minor indulgence, the fat and sugar content quickly add up in a full serving, as is typical with most rich chocolates.
The Ingredients Behind the Flavor
Frango mints achieve their signature taste from a blend of high-quality ingredients. The ingredient list for the milk chocolate mints reveals the key components:
- Milk chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, milk, chocolate, soy lecithin, vanillin, vanilla, salt)
- Semisweet chocolate (sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milkfat, soy lecithin, vanillin, milk)
- Hydrogenated coconut oil
- Oil of peppermint
- Salt lecithin
These ingredients contribute to the creamy, melting texture and classic peppermint flavor that defines the mint.
Comparing Frango Mints to Other Mint Chocolates
When it comes to other popular mint-flavored chocolates, Frango mints stack up quite differently in terms of size and calories. Here is a brief comparison table:
| Candy | Approx. Calories per piece | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frango Mint (Garrett) | ~10.67 calories | Based on a 15-piece box |
| Andes Crème de Menthe | ~25 calories | A larger, layered piece |
| Junior Mints | ~12 calories | Typically smaller, circular mints |
This comparison demonstrates that the modern Frango mint is on the lower end of the calorie spectrum for popular mint chocolates, though its smaller size accounts for this.
Conclusion: Savoring a Bit of History
The question of how many calories are in one Frango mint has a nuanced answer, changing as the product's ownership and formulation have evolved. The most current and specific data from the distributing company, Garrett Popcorn Shops, indicates that a single mint contains approximately 10.67 calories. For those with fond memories of the larger, original mints from Marshall Field's, it is important to remember that those candies had a different calorie count. Whether you are enjoying a single, smaller mint as a quick treat or reminiscing about Chicago's iconic confectionery, knowing the nutritional details helps you make informed choices about your indulgence.
For more information on the current Frango product line, you can visit the Garrett Popcorn Shops website.
