Candy, mint
Common food
Mint candy is a hard, crystalline confection flavored with peppermint or spearmint oil, delivering a sharp, cooling sensation that melts on the tongue. Nutritionally, it is nearly pure carbohydrate, with about 98 grams of carbs and 31 grams of sugar per 100 grams, offering a quick burst of energy but no protein, fat, or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love mint candy for its intense, refreshing flavor that cuts through sweetness and provides a satisfying cooling sensation. It's a versatile treat enjoyed after meals, during work, or as a simple, nostalgic pleasure.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can lead to rapid blood-sugar spikes and is a concern for dental health and those managing diabetes. To mitigate, enjoy a single piece with a meal containing protein or fat to slow sugar absorption, and always practice good oral hygiene.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from simple carbohydrates.
- The menthol in mint can offer a temporary feeling of increased alertness.
- Can help freshen breath and mask odors.
- Often used as a low-calorie treat in small, single-piece servings.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The cooling sensation from mint candy isn't a drop in temperature; it's a chemical trick where menthol molecules activate the same cold-sensitive receptors in your mouth that respond to actual cold.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 1.4 g |
| Energy | 394 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.10 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 98.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 31.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 2.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.15 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 2.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 19.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Oil, industrial, coconut, principal uses candy coatings, oil sprays, roasting nuts — USDA does not publish this profile for Candy.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Why does mint candy make my mouth feel cold?
The active compound, menthol, binds to TRPM8 receptors in your mouth, which are the same receptors that detect cold temperatures. This tricks your brain into perceiving a cooling sensation.
Is mint candy bad for my teeth?
Yes, the high sugar content can contribute to tooth decay. The sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth that produce enamel-eroding acids. Choosing sugar-free varieties and brushing afterward are better for dental health.
Can mint candy help with digestion?
While peppermint oil is sometimes used to soothe digestive issues, the amount in a piece of candy is typically very small and may not have a significant effect. The sugar content could potentially counteract any benefit.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.94 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 31.4 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 9.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.