Navigating the candy aisle can be surprisingly complex for those following a plant-based lifestyle. Mints, a seemingly simple and pure product, often contain hidden animal-derived ingredients that can go unnoticed without a close look at the label. These additives serve various purposes, from providing a glossy coating to thickening the product's consistency. For anyone concerned with which mints are vegan, understanding what to look for and what brands to trust is key to making informed dietary choices.
Key Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For
Making sure a mint is vegan involves more than just seeing if it's mint-flavored. Several animal-derived components are commonly used in the confectionery industry. Knowing these helps you quickly identify a non-vegan product.
- Gelatin: This is one of the most common non-vegan ingredients in mints, especially chewy or soft varieties. Gelatin is a gelling agent made from the collagen found in animal bones, hides, and connective tissues. If you see gelatin on the label, the product is not vegan.
- Beeswax: Used as a glazing agent to give mints a shiny, protective coating, beeswax is an animal product collected from beehives. Some Mentos products, for instance, contain beeswax, making certain flavors non-vegan.
- Shellac: Also known as confectioner's glaze, shellac is a resinous secretion from the female lac bug. It provides a smooth, shiny finish to candies. Some Tic Tac special editions with printing may contain shellac.
- Carmine: This vibrant red pigment is derived from crushed cochineal insects. If a mint is colored red, it's worth checking for carmine or carminic acid, which are not vegan.
- Bone-Char Processed Sugar: While the finished sugar product contains no animal matter, some refined white sugar in the US is whitened using bone char, a carbon made from animal bones. For some strict ethical vegans, this processing method is enough to avoid the product.
Popular Mints: Are They Vegan?
Many of the most well-known mint brands have complex vegan statuses, with different product lines or even regional variations having different ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of some common brands.
Tic Tacs
- Status: Complicated and depends on location.
- Details: In the U.S., many standard Tic Tac flavors, including Freshmints and orange, are vegan. However, Tic Tac's international formulations and limited editions with printed images on the mints can contain non-vegan ingredients like carmine or shellac. Always read the label and check for these specific additives.
Mentos
- Status: Flavor-dependent.
- Details: Mentos Chewy Mints are often not vegan, with most containing beeswax. The Green Apple Chewy Mint is an exception. However, many Mentos roll varieties, such as CleanBreath and NOWmints, are confirmed vegan. Check the specific product's ingredient list.
Altoids
- Status: Varies by product line.
- Details: Original Altoids mints in the standard tins are not vegan due to the inclusion of gelatin. On the other hand, the Altoids Arctic sugar-free mints and sugar-free smalls are suitable for a vegan diet as they do not contain gelatin. Ethical vegans may still choose to avoid them due to the inclusion of artificial colorings tested on animals.
Life Savers
- Status: Varies by type.
- Details: While Life Savers hard candies are often vegan, the Life Savers mints can contain animal-based stearic acid, making them non-vegan. It is essential to double-check the specific product you are buying.
Your Guide to Confirmed Vegan Mints
Fortunately, numerous brands are reliably vegan, often clearly advertised as such. These brands offer a range of flavors and styles for every preference.
- Pür Mints: These mints are specifically formulated to be vegan, sugar-free, aspartame-free, and non-GMO. They use xylitol as a sweetener and are available in various flavors like peppermint and spearmint.
- Simply Mints: Known for their short and simple ingredient lists, Simply Mints offer certified vegan options in flavors like peppermint and cinnamon. They focus on natural ingredients and avoid many common allergens.
- VerMints: This brand produces USDA organic, vegan, and gluten-free mints. They come in flavors like peppermint, wintergreen, and chai, and are packaged in reusable metal tins.
- Newman's Own Organic Mints: A long-standing brand, Newman's Own offers organic, vegan mints in reusable tins. All profits go to the Newman's Own Foundation, a major plus for ethical consumers.
- Compass Mints: Explicitly marketed as 100% vegan, sugar-free, and aspartame-free, Compass Mints prioritize natural, plant-based ingredients.
- True Mints: These plant-based and sugar-free mint pastilles use xylitol and natural flavorings. They come in various fruity and mint flavors.
Vegan Mint Comparison Table
| Brand | Vegan Status | Common Non-Vegan Ingredients | Best Practice | Reliable Vegan Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pür Mints | Fully Vegan | None | Check for vegan certification | All products are vegan |
| Simply Mints | Fully Vegan | None | Check for vegan certification | All mints are certified vegan |
| VerMints | Fully Vegan | None | Look for vegan labeling | All products are vegan |
| Altoids | Varies by line | Gelatin (Original); Artificial Colors (Arctic) | Only consume sugar-free varieties | Arctic Mints, Sugar-Free Smalls |
| Tic Tac | Varies by flavor/region | Carmine, Shellac | Check labels, especially outside the US | US Freshmints and Orange, specific regional flavors |
| Mentos | Varies by line | Beeswax (Chewy Mints) | Check for "Vegan" labeling on UK site | CleanBreath, NOWmints, some Chewy flavors |
| Life Savers | Varies by type | Stearic Acid (Mints), Gelatin (Gummies) | Avoid specific mint products, check ingredients | Hard candies are often vegan |
The Verdict on Breath Fresheners
The process of finding vegan-friendly mints is not a one-and-done task. Because manufacturers can and do change their formulations based on cost, availability, and other factors, a product that was once vegan may not always be. Therefore, the most reliable approach is to make a habit of checking the ingredient label with every purchase. For peace of mind, opt for brands like Pür, Simply Mints, or VerMints, which explicitly market and certify their products as vegan. For other brands, a quick scan for gelatin, beeswax, carmine, and shellac is a good practice. With a little vigilance, you can enjoy a fresh, minty breath without compromising your vegan values.
For more information on navigating other plant-based candy options, resources like the Vegan Society offer helpful guides.
