Is Peppermint Candy Healthy? Separating Fact from Sugar-Coated Fiction

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

Globally, humans consume an estimated 1.76 billion candy canes each December, most of which are peppermint-flavored. Despite its popularity, the question remains: is peppermint candy healthy? This article explores the core ingredients of peppermint candy, the proven benefits of peppermint oil, and the significant drawbacks that place most conventional candies firmly in the "unhealthy" category.

Quick Summary

Peppermint candy's health profile is a mixed bag, offering potential benefits from its peppermint oil content while containing a high concentration of sugar and other additives. Traditional candies pose risks to dental health and overall wellness, but sugar-free or natural alternatives can offer some upsides without the major downsides.

Key Points

Limited Health Benefits: Any potential health benefits in peppermint candy come from the small amount of peppermint oil, not the candy itself.
High in Sugar: Conventional peppermint candy is predominantly sugar, which offers no nutritional value and poses significant risks to dental health.
Digestive Relief: Peppermint oil is known to aid digestion by relaxing stomach muscles and easing bloating, but this effect is minimal in candy form.
Dental Risk: The hard, sugary nature of peppermint candy makes it a major contributor to tooth decay, especially as it sticks to teeth.
Better Alternatives Exist: For true health benefits, opt for peppermint tea, peppermint oil capsules, or sugar-free mints instead of high-sugar candy.
Artificial Dyes: Many peppermint candies contain artificial food dyes like Red 40, which have been linked to potential health issues in children.

What's Really Inside That Peppermint Candy?

Most conventional peppermint candies are a simple combination of a few ingredients, typically including sugar, corn syrup, peppermint oil, and artificial colors like Red 40. While the refreshing mint flavor comes from the natural oil, the bulk of the candy is pure sugar, offering no nutritional value. Sugar-free versions replace traditional sweeteners with alternatives like xylitol or sorbitol, which can alter the health implications.

The Proven Benefits of Peppermint Oil

The positive health associations with peppermint candy almost exclusively stem from the concentrated peppermint oil used for flavoring. This powerful essential oil, extracted from the Mentha × piperita plant, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Digestive Aid: Peppermint oil is well-documented for its ability to soothe digestive issues. It can help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which may ease symptoms of indigestion, gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Headache Relief: The menthol in peppermint oil has been shown to reduce pain from tension headaches. Applying diluted peppermint oil to the temples can create a cooling sensation that relaxes muscles and eases discomfort.
Nasal Congestion: The menthol component can also help clear nasal passages, making it easier to breathe when you have a cold or sinus issues.
Antimicrobial Properties: Peppermint contains antibacterial compounds that may help fight germs in the mouth, contributing to fresher breath.

The Health Hazards of Conventional Peppermint Candy

Unfortunately, the small amount of beneficial peppermint oil is often overshadowed by the high sugar content and other additives found in traditional candy. The high concentration of sugar, which adheres to teeth, creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities.

Potential Negative Health Impacts:

Dental Decay: The primary risk of regular peppermint candy consumption is the high sugar content, which contributes significantly to tooth decay. Hard candies, which linger in the mouth, are particularly problematic.
Weight Gain and Blood Sugar Spikes: Like other sugary treats, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and rapid spikes in blood sugar, posing a risk for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Artificial Additives: Many candies contain artificial dyes, such as Red 40, which have been linked to behavioral and hyperactivity issues in children.
Gastrointestinal Issues for Some: While peppermint can aid digestion, it may relax the lower esophageal sphincter, potentially worsening symptoms for individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Peppermint Candy vs. Peppermint Oil: A Comparison

To understand the true health implications, it's crucial to distinguish between consuming a candy and using concentrated peppermint oil for therapeutic purposes.


Feature	Peppermint Candy (Conventional)	Peppermint Oil (Therapeutic)
Primary Ingredient	Refined sugar and corn syrup.	Concentrated extract from the peppermint plant.
Health Benefits	Minimal; mild temporary digestive relief.	Significant, including digestive aid, headache relief, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Health Drawbacks	High sugar content, artificial dyes, dental damage, potential weight gain.	Can be toxic in large, concentrated doses; must be diluted for safe use.
Form	Solid confection, often hard and sticky.	Liquid concentrate, available in capsules, tinctures, or for topical use.
Best For	Occasional treat or breath freshener.	Targeted relief of specific ailments under proper guidance.

The Verdict: How to Enjoy Peppermint Safely

If you enjoy the taste of peppermint, there are healthier ways to incorporate its flavor than reaching for a sugary candy. Peppermint tea offers the digestive benefits of the oil without any added sugars. Sugar-free mints, sweetened with xylitol, can also satisfy a craving and help oral health by reducing bacteria.

For those who still choose traditional peppermint candy, moderation is key. Consuming it occasionally and brushing your teeth shortly afterward can help mitigate the dental risks. Ultimately, the health benefits associated with the peppermint plant are best unlocked through less processed methods, leaving candy for a rare and intentional indulgence.

Conclusion

While the refreshing flavor of peppermint candy offers a pleasant experience, the high sugar content and minimal presence of therapeutic peppermint oil prevent it from being considered a healthy food. The proven benefits of peppermint, such as aiding digestion and relieving headaches, are most effectively obtained through peppermint tea, oil capsules, or proper topical application. By understanding the distinction between the whole herb and its sugary confection counterpart, consumers can make more informed choices for their wellness.

Optional Outbound Link: Learn more about the uses and benefits of peppermint oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Peppermint oil has been used to soothe upset stomachs by relaxing the gastrointestinal tract muscles. However, the high sugar content in peppermint candy can sometimes counteract this effect. For targeted relief, peppermint tea or oil capsules are more effective options.

Yes, conventional peppermint candy is bad for your teeth. Its high sugar content feeds bacteria that cause cavities, and its hard, sticky nature can prolong exposure to sugar, increasing the risk of dental decay.

Sugar-free peppermint candies are a better alternative than their sugary counterparts, especially for dental health. However, many still contain artificial sweeteners and lack significant nutritional value. They should be consumed in moderation.

While some studies suggest peppermint oil can help with nausea, especially when inhaled, pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before relying on peppermint candy. The high sugar content and minimal therapeutic effect may not be beneficial.

Peppermint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. For individuals prone to acid reflux or GERD, this can worsen heartburn symptoms.

No, the concentration of peppermint oil in commercial candy is typically very low, just enough for flavoring. The amount is not sufficient to provide the same therapeutic benefits found in concentrated peppermint oil or tea.

Yes, many traditional striped peppermint candies use artificial food dyes like Red 40 to achieve their color. These dyes are often made from petroleum and have been linked to health issues, particularly in children.