Is there aspartame in Mentos?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

Aspartame is an ingredient found in some sugar-free Mentos gum products, while the original chewy mint candies do not contain this artificial sweetener, according to ingredient lists from multiple sources. This differentiation is crucial for consumers monitoring their intake of artificial sweeteners.

Quick Summary

Certain varieties of Mentos chewing gum contain aspartame, particularly the sugar-free options. In contrast, the classic chewy Mentos candies are made with sugar and do not include this artificial sweetener, so ingredient lists must be checked carefully.

Key Points

Aspartame is in some Mentos products: It is found in certain sugar-free Mentos chewing gums, but not in the original chewy mint candies.
Check the product type: If it is a sugar-free chewing gum, it likely contains aspartame. If it is a chewy candy roll, it uses sugar and glucose syrup.
Labels provide the answer: The most reliable way to confirm is to read the ingredient label on the packaging, which will explicitly list aspartame if present.
Important for PKU: Products containing aspartame must carry a warning for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Multiple sweeteners are used: Sugar-free Mentos gum often uses a mix of sweeteners, including xylitol, sorbitol, and aspartame.
Chewy mints are sugar-based: The traditional Mentos chewy candies are sweetened with sugar and glucose syrup.

Mentos Chewy Mints (Candies)

For those who prefer the classic, sugar-based Mentos, there's good news: these chewy mint and fruit candies do not contain aspartame. A typical Mentos chewy mint is primarily made of sugar, glucose syrup, and other natural ingredients. The ingredient list for a standard Mentos Mint chewy candy includes sugar, glucose syrup, coconut oil, starch, natural mint flavourings, and thickeners. Similarly, the fruit-flavoured varieties replace the mint flavouring with fruit juices and citric acid, but maintain the sugar base. This distinction is important for consumers who wish to avoid artificial sweeteners or follow specific dietary plans.

Ingredients in Mentos Chewy Mint Candies

Sugar
Glucose Syrup
Coconut Oil
Starch
Natural Mint Flavourings
Thickeners (Gellan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Gum Arabic)
Emulsifier (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids)
Glazing Agents (Carnauba Wax)

Mentos Sugar-Free Chewing Gum

The composition changes significantly when looking at Mentos' sugar-free chewing gum products. Aspartame is regularly included in these varieties to provide sweetness without sugar. Manufacturers must list all sweeteners on the packaging, and for sugar-free Mentos gum, you can expect to see aspartame along with other polyols like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol. These alternative sweeteners are used to achieve a low-calorie, sugar-free profile that appeals to a different consumer base. Because aspartame contains phenylalanine, all products containing it must carry a warning for individuals with the rare genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU).

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners in Mentos Gum

Mentos uses a combination of sweeteners in its sugar-free gum to achieve a balanced taste and texture. Xylitol is often the primary ingredient and has proven dental benefits, helping to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Aspartame and Acesulfame-Potassium (Ace-K) work in tandem to create a more robust and complete sweetness profile. This blend of sweeteners ensures the gum remains flavorful for an extended period without relying on sugar. The inclusion of green tea extract in some varieties further differentiates the gum from the classic chewy mints.

Mentos Chewy Mints vs. Sugar-Free Gum: A Comparison

To clarify the ingredient differences, here is a comparison table outlining the key components of the two product types.


Feature	Mentos Chewy Mints (Candies)	Mentos Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
Contains Aspartame?	No	Yes
Sweeteners Used	Sugar, glucose syrup	Aspartame, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Sucralose, Acesulfame K
Primary Purpose	Chewy candy	Chewing gum
Calorie Count	Contains sugar, higher calorie	Sugar-free, lower calorie
Phenylketonuria Warning	No	Yes, due to aspartame

Aspartame Safety and Consumer Considerations

For most people, aspartame is considered safe for consumption within the established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels. Health Canada and other regulatory bodies have affirmed that current levels of use pose no safety concerns. However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must strictly avoid aspartame, and products containing it are clearly labelled for this purpose. While regulatory agencies like the WHO's Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) reaffirm its safety, it is always recommended for consumers to check labels and understand what they are ingesting. More information on aspartame safety can be found from authoritative health organizations like the American Cancer Society.

Conclusion

In summary, the presence of aspartame in Mentos products is determined by the specific item. The iconic, chewy Mentos candies are aspartame-free and sweetened with sugar. Conversely, Mentos sugar-free chewing gum products do contain aspartame as part of their artificial sweetener blend. This clear distinction is key for informed consumption. By simply checking the ingredient list on the packaging, consumers can easily determine whether a particular Mentos product is suitable for their dietary needs and preferences. Ultimately, knowing the difference between the chewy mints and the sugar-free gum is the easiest way to answer the question, "Is there aspartame in Mentos?".

Frequently Asked Questions

Aspartame is found in Mentos sugar-free chewing gums, such as Mentos Pure Fresh, not in the traditional chewy Mentos mint or fruit candies.

Yes, the classic Mentos chewy candy rolls are aspartame-free. They are sweetened with sugar and glucose syrup.

Mentos' sugar-free gums contain aspartame as one of their sweeteners, but other artificial sweeteners and polyols like xylitol are also included.

The primary sweeteners in traditional Mentos chewy mint and fruit candies are sugar and glucose syrup.

Aspartame is used in sugar-free Mentos gum to provide sweetness without adding calories from sugar, offering a low-calorie alternative.

Yes, it is crucial to check the ingredient label if you want to avoid aspartame, as it is only present in certain products like the sugar-free gums.

Yes, products containing aspartame must list it in the ingredients and also include a warning for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU), as it contains phenylalanine.

According to major health organizations like the WHO's JECFA and Health Canada, aspartame is considered safe for the general population within acceptable daily intake levels. However, people with PKU must avoid it.