Brands of Mints That Don't Have Xylitol

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the ASPCA, xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs, causing a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar. For pet owners and others who wish to avoid this sugar substitute, it's essential to know what mints don't have xylitol.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive list of popular mint brands that do not contain xylitol, detailing their alternative sweeteners, including sugar, sorbitol, and maltitol. It also highlights why avoiding xylitol is important, particularly for pet safety.

Key Points

Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs: Even small amounts can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver failure in canines.
Check for xylitol on ingredient labels: Always read the product label, especially for sugar-free products, as xylitol can be listed under other names like "birch sugar".
BREATH SAVERS are xylitol-free: These mints use sugar as their main sweetener, as confirmed by the manufacturer.
Chomp Zero-X mints use maltitol: These are a sugar-free, xylitol-free option specifically marketed for pet owners' peace of mind.
Many classic mints are xylitol-free: Brands like Altoids, Tic Tac Freshmints, and Mentos generally use sugar instead of xylitol.
Other sweeteners exist: Some mints use non-xylitol sugar alcohols like sorbitol or maltitol, or natural, calorie-free options like stevia.
Prevent accidental ingestion: Store all mints and candies safely away from pets, especially dogs, to prevent accidental poisoning.

Why Avoiding Xylitol Is Important

While xylitol is a common and often beneficial sweetener for human dental health, its toxicity to dogs is a major concern for pet owners. Even a small amount of xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to severe hypoglycemia, liver failure, and potentially death. Awareness of ingredients in household products is critical for keeping pets safe. Additionally, some individuals may choose to avoid xylitol due to personal preferences or potential gastrointestinal discomfort, as excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect.

The Rise of Alternative Sweeteners

As awareness of xylitol's risks has grown, many manufacturers have turned to other sweeteners to create sugar-free and low-calorie mints. These alternatives include both natural and artificial options. For example, some brands use traditional sugar, which is safe for dogs in small, non-toxic amounts but should be consumed in moderation by humans. Other brands opt for different sugar alcohols or plant-based sweeteners. Identifying these alternatives is key to making an informed choice for both your family and your pets.

Popular Mints That Do Not Contain Xylitol

Here are some of the most well-known mint brands that are confirmed not to contain xylitol. Always remember to check the most current product packaging, as formulations can change over time.

BREATH SAVERS Mints: Hershey's has confirmed that BREATH SAVERS mints do not contain xylitol, using sugar as the primary sweetener. These mints come in various flavors and are widely available in most major retail stores.
Tic Tac Freshmints: Many varieties of Tic Tac mints use sugar and other non-xylitol sweeteners, with ingredient labels consistently showing no xylitol content. They are known for their small, distinct shape and come in a portable container.
Altoids: The classic Altoids mints are known for their strong flavor and are primarily sweetened with sugar, making them a xylitol-free option. They are a long-standing product in the breath mint market.
Mentos Mints: Most Mentos mint products are made with sugar, glucose syrup, and other non-xylitol sweeteners. They offer a range of flavors and are a popular choice for many consumers.
Chomp Zero-X Mints: Specifically designed to be xylitol-free, these mints are sweetened with maltitol and are also sugar-free, catering to those seeking an alternative for pet safety or other health reasons.
Life Savers Mints: Both the hard candy and mint varieties of Life Savers are sweetened with sugar and do not contain xylitol. They are a nostalgic and well-recognized candy mint.

Comparison of Xylitol-Free Mints


Mint Brand	Primary Sweetener(s)	Xylitol-Free?	Sugar-Free?	Notes
BREATH SAVERS	Sugar	Yes	No	A classic choice, widely available.
Chomp Zero-X	Maltitol	Yes	Yes	A specifically formulated alternative for pet safety.
Tic Tac	Sugar	Yes	No	Conveniently packaged and widely accessible.
Altoids	Sugar	Yes	No	Strong flavor, traditional recipe.
Mentos	Sugar, Glucose Syrup	Yes	No	Chewy texture option for those who prefer it.
Eclipse Gum	Sorbitol	Yes	Yes	A gum rather than a mint, but mentioned by users for its lack of xylitol.

Sweetener Alternatives Beyond Xylitol

Brands that avoid xylitol often utilize other sweeteners, which have their own pros and cons. Some brands use sorbitol, another sugar alcohol that is also poorly absorbed and can cause gastrointestinal issues in some people, but is not as toxic to dogs as xylitol. Others may use maltitol, which is another sugar alcohol that offers a cooling sensation and sweetness without the calories of sugar. For those seeking natural, calorie-free options, some brands may use stevia or monk fruit extract. These are derived from plants and do not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Understanding the different sweeteners allows consumers to choose a product that best fits their dietary needs and lifestyle. It is always wise to double-check the ingredients list, particularly for any sugar-free product, to ensure it doesn't contain xylitol or other unwanted components.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of sugar-free products can be tricky, especially with the added concern of pet safety. However, numerous mint brands on the market offer a fresh breath solution without the use of xylitol. Options range from traditional sugar-based mints like BREATH SAVERS, Altoids, and Tic Tac to sugar-free alternatives that use maltitol, such as Chomp Zero-X. By staying vigilant and checking product labels, you can confidently find mints that align with your health preferences and ensure the safety of your furry family members. This awareness is a simple but critical step in preventing accidental xylitol exposure. For more detailed information on ingredients and toxicity, consulting a reliable source like the ASPCA is highly recommended.

Resources

For additional information, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is an excellent resource for pet owners concerned about toxic ingredients.

Sources

ASPCA. (2019). Updated Safety Warning on Xylitol: How to Protect Your Pets. https://www.aspca.org/news/updated-safety-warning-xylitol-how-protect-your-pets

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands confirmed not to use xylitol include BREATH SAVERS, Altoids, Tic Tac Freshmints, and Mentos. For a sugar-free, xylitol-free option, Chomp Zero-X mints use maltitol instead.

In dogs, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a massive release of insulin that leads to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Humans process xylitol differently, and it does not have this effect.

Symptoms can appear within 10-60 minutes and include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures and collapse. Immediate veterinary care is crucial.

Always read the ingredient label, particularly for any product labeled "sugar-free" or "low-sugar." Xylitol will be listed explicitly, and may also be referred to as 'birch sugar'.

Yes, some manufacturers use other plant-derived sweeteners. For example, some brands use stevia or monk fruit extract, both of which are natural, calorie-free, and safe for dogs.

Common alternatives include traditional sugar, as well as other sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol. Plant-based sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit are also used.

While sugar itself is not toxic like xylitol, it is not recommended to give dogs human sweets. They offer no nutritional value and large amounts can cause an upset stomach or other health issues. It's best to stick with vet-approved treats.