Andes mints are a popular after-dinner mint that can often be found at restaurants like Olive Garden. They have a cool, refreshing peppermint flavor and are coated in a thin layer of dark chocolate. Many Olive Garden customers look forward to getting an Andes mint after their meal. But some may wonder – are the Andes mints you get at Olive Garden actually the same as what you would buy in the store? Let’s take a closer look at these post-dinner treats and see if there are any differences between the restaurant and retail versions.
An Overview of Andes Mints
Andes mints have been around since the 1950s when they were created by the Andes Chocolate Company. The brand has changed hands over the years but the mints themselves have remained largely unchanged. Traditional Andes mints have a soft peppermint fondant center that is enrobed in dark chocolate. They are small, rectangular mints that are individually wrapped in paper or foil. Some fun facts about Andes mints:
- They were named after the Andes mountain range in South America because they contain ingredients from that region like peppermint oil.
- Over 20 million mints are produced each day by Tootsie Roll Industries which currently owns the brand.
- The mints have a melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture thanks to the fondant center.
- Cooling peppermint oil and cocoa butter are key ingredients that give Andes mints their distinctive flavor.
In addition to the original peppermint version, Andes also produces spearmint, wintergreen, and chocolate-mint flavored mints. The mints are widely available at grocery stores, mass retailers, convenience stores, and wholesale clubs. Many restaurants also serve Andes mints with the check or as an after-dinner treat.
Andes Mints at Olive Garden
Olive Garden is one of the most popular casual dining Italian restaurant chains in America. The restaurant is known for its unlimited breadsticks, salads, pastas, and Italian entrees. At the end of every meal, Olive Garden servers deliver a small bowl or plate of Andes mints to each table. Customers appreciate this tasty way to finish their dining experience.
According to Olive Garden, they purchase their Andes mints directly from Tootsie Roll Industries just like retailers do. However, there are a few key differences between the mints you receive at Olive Garden versus the store-bought ones:
- Quantity – Olive Garden provides two mints per guest. The mints are not individually wrapped, just placed in a small bowl for easy access.
- Customization – While Olive Garden uses the original peppermint Andes mint, they may request custom packaging or mint sizes from Tootsie Roll Industries.
- Pairing – Olive Garden serves their Andes mints alongside the check to enhance the overall dining experience.
So while they originate from the same manufacturer, the presentation and quantity provided sets apart the Olive Garden version from its retail counterpart. But the mints themselves have the exact same ingredients, pepperminty taste and chocolate coating that Andes fans love.
Nutritional Profile
Now let’s compare the nutritional profiles of the restaurant and retail Andes mints.
Here are the nutrition facts for the standard retail Andes mints according to Tootsie Roll Industries:
Andes Mints Nutrition Facts (1 mint)
| Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 2 g | 8 g | 0 g |
And here are the nutrition facts for Olive Garden’s Andes mints according to their website:
Olive Garden Andes Mints Nutrition Facts (1 mint)
| Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1.5 g | 6 g | 0 g |
Comparing the numbers shows some small differences between the two versions:
- Olive Garden mints are slightly lower in calories, fat and carbs. This is likely because they are a bit smaller in size than the original.
- The mint ingredients and cacao percentages should be identical but Olive Garden’s tailored sizing accounts for the nutrition variance.
- Both provide carbohydrates from sugar and fat from chocolate coating.
- Negligible protein in both versions.
So while the Olive Garden Andes mints may differ somewhat in size and exact nutrition numbers, the basic ingredients and great taste aligns with what you would find in the store.
Taste Test Comparisons
Subjectively, many customers report that Olive Garden’s Andes mints taste very similar or identical to the store-bought ones. The creamy peppermint filling and chocolate coating make for the quintessential Andes mint experience that patrons know and love.
Some key observations from taste tests:
- Cool and refreshing peppermint flavor is consistent across both versions.
- The dark chocolate coating provides richness and slight bitterness that balances with the sweetness of the mint.
- Olive Garden mints tend to be smaller and thinner than retail ones.
- Serving temperature differs with Olive Garden mints often being cooler and fresher.
- Textures of filling and chocolate shell are smooth and consistent in both.
While an exact side-by-side comparison may detect subtle differences, most tasters agree you can’t go wrong with Andes mints from either source. Olive Garden succeeds in providing the core look, taste and appeal people expect from this popular breath-freshening treat.
Pricing Differences
In addition to slight variations in size and nutritional data, there are also some pricing differences between Olive Garden’s Andes mints and the retail version:
- Olive Garden provides 2 complimentary mints per guest. No additional purchase is required.
- Retail Andes mints may cost around $1 per ounce when purchased in bulk or multi-pack quantities.
- Given that Olive Garden mints weight around .2-.25 ounces each, this equates to about 20-25 cents per mint at retail pricing.
- So Olive Garden guests enjoy getting 2 mints worth about 40-50 cents total for free!
Certainly you’ll save money getting your Andes mint fix at Olive Garden compared to buying a whole bag from the store. And the presentation of receiving them hand-delivered after your meal adds to the experience.
Availability Differences
Retail Andes mints are sold widely at supermarkets, mass retailers, dollar stores, convenience stores and more. You can find standard peppermint Andes year round along with seasonal flavors for holidays. Purchasing options include:
- Single rolls
- Bagged bulk candy
- Chocolate candy assortments
- Checkout lanes
- End cap displays
Meanwhile, Olive Garden locations offer Andes mints exclusively to their patrons after dining. They are not available for separate purchase or carry out. Availability is limited to:
- During regular restaurant hours
- Only after enjoying an Olive Garden meal
- Limited quantities of 2 per person
- While supplies last
So retail mints provide greater flexibility for when and how much someone can purchase. But the Olive Garden experience offers unique presentation and enjoyment after your meal.
Presentation Styles
Beyond just the mints themselves, there are some presentation differences between the Olive Garden and retail versions:
- Olive Garden – Served in a small white porcelain bowl, ramekin or plate. Mints are loose, not individually wrapped. Offered with check delivery after meal completion.
- Retail – Typically packaged in branded Andes sleeves or rolls with individual mints wrapped in foil or paper. Packaged in resealable bags or boxes for bulk candy purchases. Found in checkout lanes or candy sections.
Olive Garden opts for an elegant, gift-like presentation style befitting a restaurant experience. While retail focuses on portability, preservation and convenience. So the dining presentation enhances the specialty factor of receiving your Andes mints at Olive Garden.
Functionality Differences
There are also some slight differences in how Andes mints are typically enjoyed from each source:
- Olive Garden – Most guests will eat their 2 mints at end of their meal or take them to-go after paying check. The mints provide a refreshing sweet cap to the dining experience.
- Retail – Often used as breath mints post-meal or snacks. Bulk packages invite larger quantities for shareable treats. More versatility to enjoy them anytime craving strikes.
So Olive Garden positions their Andes mints specifically as a dessert-like finisher. While retail allows for greater snacking, portability and flexibility. But both provide that cool, sweet peppermint satisfaction whenever you indulge.
Quality Comparison
When it comes to quality and freshness, does source matter? Here’s how Olive Garden and retail Andes mints stack up:
- Made by same manufacturer – Tootsie Roll Industries – so base product is consistent.
- Olive Garden receives regular shipments so mints are freshly stocked vs. sitting for longer periods retail.
- Controlled restaurant environment preserves quality vs. retail shelves.
- However, retail mints individually wrapped to protect and contain freshness.
- Both sources subject to temperature fluctuations affecting texture.
- Minimal visual differences in appearance or consistency between sources.
Overall, quality depends more on storage conditions and turnover rate than source alone. Proper handling and rotation helps both venues deliver solid, fresh-tasting product. Andes fans can trust they’ll get a good experience either place.
Customer Satisfaction
When looking at customer satisfaction, patrons of both Olive Garden and retail stores report positive experiences with Andes mints:
- Olive Garden diners appreciate the complementary mints as a fun “extra” enhancing their meals.
- Retail buyers give high marks for reliable flavor, affordable cost and product consistency.
- Some Olive Garden guests wish mints were individually wrapped or served in greater quantities.
- Retail consumers satisfied with variety, bulk options and convenience factors.
- Both venues draw return buyers thanks to Andes’ popularity and nostalgic appeal.
Andes mints have built strong customer loyalty over decades due to their tasty flavor profile and versatility. Both restaurant and retail channels succeed in meeting patron expectations for quality and enjoyment.
Conclusion
While there are some distinctions between Olive Garden and retail Andes mints, they share more commonalities in terms of product origin, ingredients, taste and appeal. Beyond slight sizing and presentation differences, Andes fans can enjoy the same yummy chocolate-coated peppermint flavor regardless of where they obtain them. Olive Garden offers the charm of receiving them complimentary after your meal, while retail provides greater flexibility and quantity options. But for a satisfying minty sweet treat, you really can’t go wrong with Andes mints from either source.