How many calories does a soft mint have? A nutritional breakdown

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

Most soft mint brands contain 15-20 calories per piece, a small number that can add up quickly with multiple servings. If you're wondering how many calories does a soft mint have, the specific nutritional information depends heavily on the brand and serving size.

Quick Summary

Soft mints typically contain 15 to 20 calories per piece, primarily from sugar, with most brands being fat-free. The exact count varies by manufacturer.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a soft mint can range from 12 to 40 kcal per piece, depending on the brand.
High Sugar Content: A significant portion of a soft mint's weight and calories comes from sugar, which is a key ingredient.
Fat-Free Status: Most major soft mint brands are fat-free or contain only trace amounts, making them a carbohydrate-based candy.
Ingredient Awareness: Brands like Trebor sometimes use gelatin, an important consideration for vegans and vegetarians.
Moderation is Key: Despite being small, the calories and sugar in soft mints can add up quickly when consuming multiple pieces.
Brand Comparison: Different brands have very different serving sizes and caloric values, so checking the label is crucial for nutritional information.

The Core of the Soft Mint: What's Inside?

Soft mints, known for their smooth texture and refreshing flavor, are a popular confection. While often seen as a harmless, low-calorie treat, the nutritional value can vary by brand. The primary ingredients typically include sugar, glucose syrup, natural flavorings, and sometimes gelatin. The vast majority of the calories come from carbohydrates, specifically sugar.

Brand-by-Brand Calorie Analysis

The calorie count for a soft mint is not a universal constant. Let's look at some popular brands to see how they stack up.

Trebor Softmints

Trebor is a well-known brand, particularly in the UK. According to Tesco, a half-roll (23g) of Trebor Softmints provides 89 kcal. A single piece of Trebor soft mint is estimated to have around 12-13 calories. The calorie content per 100g is approximately 375 kcal, indicating a relatively high calorie density.

Brach's Soft Peppermint Candy

Brach's is a common brand in the US. A serving size of 3 pieces of their Soft Peppermint Candy contains 60 calories, meaning each piece has about 20 calories. This makes it slightly more calorically dense per piece than the Trebor mints, though serving sizes differ.

Red Band Soft Mints

Based on nutrition data from Eat This Much, 2 pieces of Red Band soft mints contain 80 calories, putting each mint at about 40 calories. This is significantly higher than other brands and highlights the importance of checking labels.

Nutritional Comparison Table

To provide a clear overview, here is a comparison of soft mint brands based on publicly available nutritional information. Serving sizes and calorie counts per piece are approximations.


Brand	Serving Size	Calories (per serving)	Estimated Calories (per piece)	Main Macronutrient	Fat-Free?
Trebor Softmints	~1/2 roll (23g)	89 kcal	~12-13 kcal	Carbohydrates	Yes (trace)
Brach's Soft Peppermint	3 pieces	60 kcal	~20 kcal	Carbohydrates	Yes
Red Band Soft Mints	2 pieces	80 kcal	~40 kcal	Carbohydrates	Yes
Generic Soft Mint	Varies	Varies	~15-20 kcal	Carbohydrates	Varies

Beyond Calories: A Look at Sugar Content

While calories are important, the source of those calories in soft mints is primarily sugar. For instance, Trebor soft mints contain about 17g of sugar in a 24g serving, a substantial proportion. The high sugar content means that while individual mints are small, they contribute to your daily sugar intake. This is particularly relevant for those monitoring their sugar for dental health or blood sugar management.

Hard Mints vs. Soft Mints: A Calorie Showdown

How do soft mints compare to their hard candy counterparts? Hard mints are generally smaller and less dense, often resulting in a lower calorie count per piece. However, their nutritional composition is very similar—mostly pure sugar. The primary difference is consumption speed; hard mints dissolve slowly, while soft mints are often chewed and consumed faster, potentially leading to eating more in a shorter time frame.

The Role of Ingredients

Let's delve into the typical ingredients that define a soft mint and contribute to its calorie count. A typical list might include:

Sugar: The main bulk ingredient, providing both sweetness and structure.
Glucose Syrup: A sugar-based syrup that adds chewiness and prevents crystallization.
Flavorings: Natural or artificial mint flavorings.
Gelatin: Used in some brands to give the mints their signature soft, chewy texture. This is a crucial ingredient for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Emulsifiers: Such as soya lecithin, to help combine ingredients smoothly.
Glazing Agents: Like carnauba wax, to give the mints a shiny finish.

Moderation and Dietary Considerations

Because of their high sugar content, soft mints should be enjoyed in moderation. A few mints to freshen your breath won't derail a diet, but consuming an entire roll can add a significant amount of sugar and calories. For individuals monitoring their intake for health reasons such as diabetes or weight management, understanding the calorie and sugar content is vital. Some brands, like Bob's, explicitly state they are gluten-free, which is helpful for those with sensitivities.

For more detailed nutritional guidelines and dietary advice, you can consult resources like Schema.org's nutrition information, which standardizes how such data is presented online.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a soft mint varies considerably between brands, with typical estimates ranging from 12 to 20 calories per piece for many common options. However, brands like Red Band can contain significantly more, around 40 calories per piece. While soft mints are generally low in fat, their calorie content is almost entirely derived from sugar. As with any confection, moderation is key to enjoying them without impacting your overall dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single soft mint is low in calories (typically 15-20 kcal). However, consuming multiple mints can cause the calories and sugar to accumulate, so moderation is advised.

The calories in a soft mint come almost exclusively from sugar and glucose syrup, which are types of carbohydrates.

It depends on the brand. Some soft mints, like those from Trebor, may contain gelatin, which is derived from animal products and is not suitable for vegans. Always check the ingredient list.

Most soft mints are virtually fat-free. For example, Brach's and Trebor brands report 0g or trace amounts of fat per serving.

Any food consumed in excess can contribute to weight gain. While individually low in calories, the high sugar content and potential for overconsumption mean they can contribute to exceeding your daily calorie needs.

For brands like Trebor, a 44g roll contains approximately 165-179 kcal. A smaller half-roll serving contains about 89 kcal.

Yes, some brands explicitly label their products as gluten-free. For instance, Bob's Sweet Stripes are made with all-natural peppermint and are labeled as both gluten and fat-free.