Which Mints Are Vegetarian? A Complete Guide to Breath Fresheners

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While mints seem like a harmless, plant-based treat, surprisingly, many popular brands contain animal-derived ingredients. Knowing which mints are vegetarian requires careful label reading and knowledge of common non-vegetarian additives like gelatin and stearic acid. This guide will help you navigate the world of breath fresheners to make informed choices.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals surprising non-vegetarian ingredients hiding in mints, identifies which brands are vegetarian-friendly, and provides a list of ingredients to watch out for.

Key Points

Gelatin isn't just for desserts: Many mints, including classic Altoids, use gelatin from animal parts for texture.
Stearic acid can be animal-derived: This ingredient, used in some Life Savers, can come from beef or pork fat.
Look for vegan certification: Brands like PUR and Simply Mints explicitly label their products as vegan, confirming they are vegetarian.
Colorings can be non-vegetarian: Carmine, a red dye from crushed insects, is used in some fruit-flavored varieties.
Don't forget glazes: Shellac and beeswax, derived from insects, are common culprits for a non-vegetarian coating.
Not all brand variations are equal: While Altoids Smalls are reportedly vegetarian, the standard Altoids are not.
Online resources are your friend: Organizations like the Vegetarian Resource Group track and publish information about product ingredients.

Unexpected Ingredients That Make Mints Non-Vegetarian

Many consumers are surprised to learn that seemingly simple mints can contain animal products. These ingredients are often used for texture, color, or as a processing agent. The primary culprits are not plant-based and come from sources like animal bones, skin, and insects.

Common Animal-Derived Ingredients in Mints

Gelatin: A gelling agent derived from the collagen of animal bones, cartilage, ligaments, and skin. It's used for texture and as a binding agent and is a common non-vegetarian ingredient, famously found in certain Altoids and Life Savers varieties.
Stearic Acid: This fatty acid can come from both plant and animal sources, but in large-scale candy manufacturing, it is often animal-derived (sourced from beef and pork). It acts as a lubricant and anti-caking agent. The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) found that some Life Savers varieties contain animal-based stearic acid.
Carmine: Also known as cochineal extract, this vibrant red food coloring is made from crushed female cochineal insects. It is used to color certain fruit-flavored mints and candies. It is important to note that this is different from artificial red dyes, such as Red #40, which are typically synthetic.
Beeswax and Shellac: Beeswax, made by bees, is sometimes used as a glazing agent to give mints a shiny coating. Shellac, also called confectioner's glaze, is a resinous secretion from the female lac beetle and serves a similar purpose. Both are non-vegetarian and non-vegan.

Label-Checking for Vegetarian-Friendly Mints

To ensure a mint is vegetarian, always read the ingredient list carefully. Watch out for the specific names listed above. Many modern mint brands recognize the demand for plant-based products and make it clear on their packaging. Look for certifications such as "Vegan" or "Kosher Parve," as these typically indicate the absence of animal products.

Popular Mint Brands and Their Vegetarian Status

Navigating the candy aisle can be confusing, as brand portfolios and ingredients change. Here is a breakdown of the vegetarian status of some common mints based on recent available information.

Are Altoids Mints Vegetarian?

Original Altoids: The classic "Curiously Strong Mints" contain gelatin and are not vegetarian.
Altoids Smalls: These tiny, sugar-free versions of Altoids are reportedly gelatin-free and a vegetarian-friendly option.

Are Life Savers Mints Vegetarian?

Life Savers Hard Mints: Varieties like Pep-O-Mint, Spear-O-Mint, and Wint-O-Green often contain animal-based stearic acid and are therefore not vegetarian. Always check the latest label, as formulations can change.
Life Savers Gummies: These are not vegetarian, as they contain gelatin.

Are Mentos Mints Vegetarian?

Mentos Chewy Mints: Most flavors are not vegan due to beeswax, but some are vegetarian-friendly depending on the specific ingredients. For example, Green Apple flavor is often cited as vegan, but fruit varieties may contain carmine. Always verify the ingredients. Some countries' versions may use different coatings.
Mentos NOWmints and CleanBreath: These products are typically vegan and a safe choice for vegetarians.

Are Polos Vegetarian?

Polo Mints: The classic Polo mints are vegetarian-friendly and do not contain gelatin.

Are Trebor Mints Vegetarian?

Trebor Softmints: Like Polos, these are typically vegetarian and gelatin-free.

Comparison of Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Mints


Mint Brand	Product Type	Vegetarian Status	Key Non-Vegetarian Ingredient
Altoids	Classic Mints	No	Gelatin
Altoids	Smalls (Sugar-Free)	Yes	None (reportedly)
Life Savers	Hard Mints (some flavors)	No	Stearic Acid (animal-based)
Life Savers	Gummies	No	Gelatin
Mentos	Chewy Mints (most flavors)	No	Beeswax, Carmine
Mentos	NOWmints, CleanBreath	Yes	None
Polo	Classic Mints	Yes	None
Trebor	Softmints	Yes	None
Simply Mints	All Mints	Yes	None
PUR Mints	All Mints	Yes	None

Brands That Are Known to be Vegetarian-Friendly

Several companies have built their brand around producing naturally-sourced, often plant-based products, which makes finding a vegetarian option much simpler.

Simply Mints: A popular choice that is certified vegan by Vegan Action, with simple, natural ingredients.
PUR Mints: These are sugar-free and made with xylitol. They are explicitly marketed as vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Newman's Own Organics: Some of their mints are labeled organic and vegan, using organic cane sugar instead of conventionally processed sugar that might use bone char.
Vermints: These mints are USDA organic, vegan, and gluten-free, and come in reusable tins.

Conclusion

While the breath-freshening power of mints seems universal, their ingredient list is not. The presence of hidden animal derivatives like gelatin, stearic acid, carmine, and beeswax means that not all mints are vegetarian. Consumers must remain vigilant by checking labels, researching specific brand claims, and being aware of ingredients. Luckily, a growing number of brands cater explicitly to the vegetarian market, making it easier than ever to find a cruelty-free and delicious option.

For more detailed information on vegetarian ingredients and food ethics, consult the resources provided by the Vegetarian Resource Group, a respected authority on the subject.

A Quick Checklist for Finding Vegetarian Mints

To simplify your shopping, here is a quick checklist of things to remember:

Read the label thoroughly: Don't assume a mint is vegetarian based on the brand or flavor alone.
Look for certifications: Vegan and Kosher Parve labels are often a clear indication of a vegetarian product.
Check the brand's website: Many companies maintain lists of their vegan and vegetarian products.
Be aware of processing aids: Animal fats or bone char might be used in processing, so seeking out certified vegan or organic products can reduce this risk.
Stick to known vegetarian brands: Companies like PUR, Simply, and Vermints have a strong reputation for being plant-based.

Frequently Asked Questions

Animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, beeswax, and stearic acid are used in some mints as binding agents, texturizers, and glazes to achieve specific consistencies, shapes, or shiny coatings.

Gelatin is a protein derived from boiling animal parts, including bones and skin. Because it comes from animals, it is never vegetarian. Some companies use plant-based alternatives like agar-agar or pectin.

Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as a lubricant or release agent in food manufacturing. It can be derived from plant or animal sources. Without specific confirmation, it is safer for vegetarians to assume it could be animal-derived, as it is in some large-scale productions.

In the United States, some conventional sugar is processed using bone char, which is made from animal bones. To avoid this, vegetarians can opt for mints that use organic or certified vegan sugar, or choose sugar-free alternatives.

To check for carmine, look for 'carmine,' 'cochineal extract,' 'natural red #4,' or 'E120' on the ingredient list, especially in red or pink fruit-flavored mints.

No, many popular brands offer vegetarian and even vegan options. Brands like PUR Mints and Simply Mints are explicitly labeled as plant-based. Some flavors within larger brands, like certain Mentos or Altoids Smalls, can also be vegetarian.

Brands known for their vegetarian and vegan options include Simply Mints, PUR Mints, Vermints, Compass Mints, and sometimes Newman's Own Organics.