Which Mint is Higher in Menthol?

According to research, peppermint contains a significantly higher concentration of menthol compared to spearmint, with some sources stating up to 40%. This potent compound, menthol, is responsible for the intense cooling and tingling sensation experienced when consuming or smelling certain mint varieties.

Quick Summary

This article explores the menthol levels across various mint types, including peppermint, spearmint, and cornmint. It details the chemical differences that influence their flavor profiles, uses, and intensity, providing a comprehensive guide for consumers and enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Peppermint has the most menthol (over spearmint): Peppermint essential oil typically contains up to 40% menthol, far exceeding spearmint's concentration of around 0.5%.

• Cornmint can be even higher: Unprocessed Cornmint essential oil can contain up to 80% menthol, but is often processed to remove some of the menthol for commercial products.

• Flavor depends on menthol level: High menthol in peppermint creates a strong, spicy, and pungent flavor, whereas spearmint's lower menthol level and higher carvone content result in a sweeter, milder taste.

• Menthol triggers cooling sensation: The cooling and tingling effect felt from mint is caused by menthol activating cold-sensitive receptors in the mouth and on the skin.

• Uses vary with potency: Peppermint's intensity makes it ideal for sweets and medicinal uses, while spearmint's subtle sweetness is better suited for savory dishes and mild teas.

• Cross-pollination affects genetics: Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint, and to prevent accidental cross-pollination in a garden, different varieties should be kept separate.

Peppermint vs. Spearmint: The Menthol Showdown

The fundamental difference in menthol concentration between peppermint and spearmint is significant. Peppermint ($Mentha imes piperita$) is a natural hybrid of spearmint and water mint ($Mentha imes aquatica$). This genetic lineage gives it a robust and potent flavor profile, largely attributed to its high menthol content. While spearmint's menthol content hovers around 0.5%, peppermint can contain up to 40% menthol in its essential oil. This disparity is why peppermint is prized for its strong, 'spicy' flavor, while spearmint is known for its milder, sweeter taste. The flavor difference is not just a matter of potency; spearmint's primary volatile compound is carvone, which contributes to its sweet character, while menthol dominates peppermint's aroma and taste.

The Role of Menthol in Mint

Menthol is a monoterpene that interacts with cold-sensitive receptors in the mouth and skin, known as TRPM8 receptors. When activated, these receptors create a cooling, tingling, or numbing sensation. This physiological effect is the basis for menthol's use in everything from toothpaste and chewing gum to medicinal balms and essential oils. The higher the menthol concentration, the more intense the cooling effect. This explains why a fresh peppermint leaf provides a much more powerful and invigorating sensation than a spearmint leaf.

Other Mint Varieties and Their Menthol Content

While peppermint is a clear winner over spearmint, other mint varieties also contain varying levels of menthol, or are valued for different flavor compounds.

• Cornmint ($Mentha arvensis$): Also known as Japanese mint, this variety is exceptionally high in menthol. Cornmint essential oil can contain up to 80% menthol before a process called 'dementholization,' where some of the menthol is removed to produce menthol crystals. This makes unrefined cornmint one of the most potent sources of natural menthol.
• English Mint ($Mentha imes piperita$ 'Mitcham'): As a cultivar of peppermint, English mint is also known for its intense and pungent flavor profile, with a high concentration of menthol.
• Chocolate Mint ($Mentha imes piperita$ var. $piperita$ 'Chocolate'): A variety of peppermint, chocolate mint also contains a significant amount of menthol, which provides the classic, cooling mint flavor alongside its chocolate-like aroma.

Comparison of Menthol Content in Mint Varieties

Mint Variety	Scientific Name	Key Flavor Compound	Menthol Percentage (Approx.)	Flavor Intensity
Cornmint	Mentha arvensis	Menthol	Up to 80% (pre-processing)	Very High
Peppermint	Mentha imes piperita	Menthol	7-48% (can be 40%+)	High
Spearmint	Mentha spicata	Carvone, Menthol	~0.5%	Mild

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

The different menthol levels dictate how each mint variety is best used. Spearmint's milder, sweeter flavor makes it ideal for savory dishes, cocktails like mojitos, and delicate teas. Peppermint's powerful, cooling effect is a perfect match for sweet applications, including desserts, candies, and strong herbal teas for digestive relief. The high menthol content of cornmint makes it primarily used for extracting menthol crystals for commercial products, though its dementholized oil is also used.

Conclusion: Peppermint Reigns in Potency

Ultimately, for those seeking the highest menthol content among common mints, peppermint is the clear choice over spearmint. For the absolute maximum menthol potency, particularly in its extracted essential oil form, cornmint is the leader. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone hoping to achieve a specific flavor profile or cooling effect, whether in the kitchen, a home remedy, or a personal care product. This knowledge allows for a more deliberate and satisfying use of these versatile herbs.

What are the key takeaways from the analysis of menthol in different mints?

• Peppermint has higher menthol: Peppermint ($Mentha imes piperita$) contains significantly more menthol than spearmint ($Mentha spicata$), leading to a more intense cooling sensation and flavor.
• Cornmint is the highest source: Cornmint ($Mentha arvensis$) oil can contain up to 80% menthol before processing, making it the most potent source.
• Different flavor profiles: Peppermint's flavor is sharp and spicy due to high menthol, while spearmint's flavor is milder and sweeter due to its primary compound, carvone.
• Distinct uses: Due to their differing menthol levels, peppermint is often used in sweet and medicinal applications, while spearmint is preferred for savory dishes and milder flavors.
• Genetic origin matters: Peppermint's high menthol content is a result of it being a hybrid of spearmint and water mint.

FAQs

Question: Why does peppermint feel colder than spearmint? Answer: Peppermint feels colder due to its much higher menthol content. Menthol activates the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the body, creating a potent cooling and tingling sensation that is far stronger in peppermint than in spearmint.

Question: Can I use peppermint instead of spearmint in a recipe? Answer: Yes, but with caution. Peppermint has a much stronger, more pungent flavor due to the menthol. You should use a smaller amount of peppermint when substituting for spearmint to avoid overpowering the dish with its intense flavor.

Question: Does all mint contain menthol? Answer: While many mint species in the $Mentha$ genus contain menthol, the concentration varies drastically. Spearmint has very little, while peppermint and cornmint are known for their high levels. Other species may contain different primary flavor compounds.

Question: Which mint is best for soothing an upset stomach? Answer: Peppermint is typically considered more effective for digestive issues, thanks to its high menthol content. Peppermint oil can help relax the muscles of the stomach and intestine, easing indigestion, bloating, and nausea.

Question: Is there a difference between peppermint oil and cornmint oil? Answer: Yes. While both contain high levels of menthol, cornmint oil ($Mentha arvensis$) can be even more concentrated before processing. Some commercial cornmint oil is 'dementholized' to extract menthol crystals, making it a different product than peppermint oil.

Question: Which mint is commonly found in most chewing gums? Answer: Both peppermint and spearmint are used in chewing gums, but spearmint's milder, sweeter flavor is common in many standard 'mint' gums, while peppermint is used for a more intense, cooling blast.

Question: How can you visually tell the difference between peppermint and spearmint? Answer: Peppermint leaves are typically darker green, smoother, and have stems with a purple or reddish tinge. Spearmint leaves are usually brighter green, more pointed, and have a crinkly texture and lighter green stems.

Question: Does menthol have any medicinal benefits besides cooling? Answer: Yes. Menthol is a component in many over-the-counter remedies for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, and it can also help to clear nasal passages when inhaled.

Question: Can you grow different types of mint next to each other? Answer: It is generally not recommended to grow different mint varieties right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate. If you want to keep them true to their variety, it is best to plant them in separate containers.

Citations

Wikipedia. Peppermint. en.wikipedia.org. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint MasterClass. Learn the Difference Between Spearmint and Peppermint - 2025. www.masterclass.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/spearmint-vs-peppermint-explained The Daily Meal. Peppermint Vs Spearmint: The Differences Everyone Should Know. www.thedailymeal.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.thedailymeal.com/1269069/peppermint-vs-spearmint-difference-guide/ AromaWeb. Cornmint Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses & Insights. www.aromaweb.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/cornmint-essential-oil.php Kush Aroma Exports. Cornmint Oil Supplier, Manufacturer & Wholesaler. www.kusharomaexports.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.kusharomaexports.com/essential-oils/cornmint-essentiali-oil America's Test Kitchen. When a Recipe Calls for Mint, Which Kind Should You Use? www.americastestkitchen.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/articles/7253-when-a-recipe-calls-for-mint-which-kind-should-you-use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does peppermint feel colder than spearmint?

Peppermint feels colder due to its much higher menthol content. Menthol activates the cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the body, creating a potent cooling and tingling sensation that is far stronger in peppermint than in spearmint.

Can I use peppermint instead of spearmint in a recipe?

Yes, but with caution. Peppermint has a much stronger, more pungent flavor due to the menthol. You should use a smaller amount of peppermint when substituting for spearmint to avoid overpowering the dish with its intense flavor.

Does all mint contain menthol?

While many mint species in the $Mentha$ genus contain menthol, the concentration varies drastically. Spearmint has very little, while peppermint and cornmint are known for their high levels. Other species may contain different primary flavor compounds.

Which mint is best for soothing an upset stomach?

Peppermint is typically considered more effective for digestive issues, thanks to its high menthol content. Peppermint oil can help relax the muscles of the stomach and intestine, easing indigestion, bloating, and nausea.

Is there a difference between peppermint oil and cornmint oil?

Yes. While both contain high levels of menthol, cornmint oil ($Mentha arvensis$) can be even more concentrated before processing. Some commercial cornmint oil is 'dementholized' to extract menthol crystals, making it a different product than peppermint oil.

Which mint is commonly found in most chewing gums?

Both peppermint and spearmint are used in chewing gums, but spearmint's milder, sweeter flavor is common in many standard 'mint' gums, while peppermint is used for a more intense, cooling blast.

Can you grow different types of mint next to each other?

It is generally not recommended to grow different mint varieties right next to each other, as they can cross-pollinate. If you want to keep them true to their variety, it is best to plant them in separate containers.