Andes mints are a popular after-dinner mint produced by the Tootsie Roll Industries. They are small, rectangular candies that are enrobed in dark chocolate and feature a white minty center. The refreshing flavor of Andes mints makes them a staple at restaurants and a favorite breath-freshener. But what exactly gives Andes mints their cool, minty taste?
The Minty Flavor
The mint flavor in Andes mints comes primarily from peppermint oil. Peppermint is a hybrid mint that was created by crossing watermint and spearmint. It has a strong, cooling flavor that comes from menthol, an organic compound that occurs naturally in peppermint leaves.
When producing Andes mints, peppermint oil is added to give them their distinctive minty taste. The oil is extracted from peppermint leaves through a process called steam distillation. This process separates the aromatic peppermint oil from the plant material.
In addition to peppermint oil, Andes mints also contain other flavorings like vanilla and wintergreen oil. But peppermint is the primary flavor that gives Andes mints their pure, frosty mint taste.
A Sweet and Cool Combination
What makes the flavor of Andes mints unique is the combination of cooling peppermint oil and rich dark chocolate. The bittersweet chocolate provides a delicious contrast to the strong mint flavor. With each bite, you get a perfect balance of sweet chocolate and refreshing mint.
The smooth, creamy chocolate also mellows out the intensity of the peppermint. This makes Andes mints mild enough to enjoy after dinner, yet still leaves your mouth feeling cleansed and refreshed. The sweet vanilla undertones complement the chocolate and mint as well.
A Versatile Mint Candy
One reason Andes mints have remained popular for decades is their versatility. The combination of flavors makes them a perfect accompaniment to both coffee and cocktails like grasshoppers or mint juleps. The small candies can be served as breath fresheners at the end of any meal.
Andes mints are also used creatively in desserts. They can be chopped up to make mint chocolate chip ice cream or candy bar brownies even more indulgent. Their cool minty crunch enhances many sweet treats.
Conclusion
With their crisp chocolate coating and bold peppermint filling, Andes mints offer a uniquely satisfying flavor experience. The premium ingredients and careful blend of mint, chocolate and subtle vanilla make Andes a go-to mint candy for restaurants, homes and special occasions. So next time you enjoy the chilled flavor of an Andes mint, you’ll know it comes straight from the pure peppermint oil at the center of each refreshing bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Andes mints manufactured?
Andes mints are manufactured by Tootsie Roll Industries, which has its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The company produces over 64 million Andes mints each day across multiple factories in the United States.
When were Andes mints first produced?
Andes mints were first created in 1950 by a candy maker named Edward Andes. The brand was acquired by Tootsie Roll Industries in 1993, but the original recipe remains unchanged.
Do Andes mints contain real peppermint?
Yes, the minty flavor in Andes mints comes from real peppermint oil extracted from peppermint leaves. Peppermint oil gives Andes mints their pure, cooling mint taste.
What makes the flavor of Andes mints unique?
Andes mints have a unique flavor because they combine pure peppermint oil with rich dark chocolate and subtle vanilla undertones. This blend creates a refreshing but mellow mint taste with sweet chocolate overtones.
Can you use Andes mints in recipes?
Absolutely! Andes mints can be incorporated into dessert recipes like mint chocolate chip ice cream, candy bar brownies, mint chocolate cookies, and more. Their refreshing flavor complements both sweet and chocolatey treats.
Nutrition Facts of Andes Mints
| Nutrition Facts | Per Mint (8g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 40 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 0g |
Andes mints are low in sodium, cholesterol, and fat. They provide 40 calories per mint, mostly from sugar. The mints contain no fiber or protein. Overall, Andes mints can be enjoyed as an occasional treat without too much impact on nutrition. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the calories and sugar can add up if consuming mints in excess.
The History of Andes Mints
Here is a brief timeline of key events in the history of Andes mints:
- 1850s – Peppermint plants are first established in the United States, providing mint oil for candies.
- 1920s – After dinner mints gain popularity at upscale restaurants.
- 1950 – Candy maker Edward Andes creates Andes mints with his original peppermint cream recipe.
- 1957 – Andes mints are first sold packaged as individual candies in foil wrappers.
- 1966 – The mints become available in grocery stores nationwide in the US.
- 1980s – Dark chocolate enrobing is added to the outside of the mints.
- 1993 – Tootsie Roll Industries acquires the Andes brand.
- 2000s – Holiday themed Andes mints are introduced like wintergreen and crème de menthe.
- Today – Andes produces over 64 million mints daily across multiple US factories.
For over 70 years, Andes’ signature peppermint creams have remained a beloved icon of American candy shops, restaurants and homes.
How Andes Mints Are Made
Andes mints go through a complex, carefully controlled production process to achieve their signature flavor and appearance:
- Blending – The mint center filling is made by blending peppermint oil, sugar, corn syrup and other flavorings in large vats.
- Extrusion – The mint filling mixture is fed into extruders that shape it into a long rope.
- Cooling – The ropes of filling are cooled using chilled air to solidify them.
- Cutting – Cooled ropes are precision cut into small pillow shapes.
- Panning – The mint centers are coated by cascading dark chocolate over them in rotating pans.
- Polishing – After chocolate coating, the mints are polished and imprinted with the Andes name.
- Wrapping – Individual mints are wrapped tightly in foil to seal in freshness.
- Packing – Wrapped mints are packed into retail boxes and bags for distribution.
Strict quality control ensures each batch of Andes mints meets exact specifications for the perfect balance of cool mint and rich chocolate flavors.
Unique Flavors of Andes Mints
While the classic Andes mint features a bold peppermint filling, the brand has introduced new flavors over the years:
- Wintergreen – Made with wintergreen oil, these have a bright, crisp flavor.
- Cinnamon – Featuring cinnamon oil, these mints provide a spicy twist.
- Crème de Menthe – These green mint candies have a cool, creamy mint taste.
- Mocha – Combining coffee and chocolate flavors, these offer a rich, sophisticated taste.
- Assorted Flavors – Mixes with two or more mint varieties, like peppermint and wintergreen.
While the original peppermint remains the most popular, these additional flavors allow customers to enjoy new mint experiences from the classic Andes brand.
Buying and Storing Andes Mints
Where to Buy
Andes mints can be purchased:
- In grocery store candy aisles
- In convenience, drug and big box stores
- From online candy retailers like Amazon
- Directly from the Tootsie Roll Industries website
- In bulk for restaurants and events
How to Store
To maintain optimal freshness and flavor:
- Keep Andes mints in cool, dry place at room temperature.
- Store mints in original packaging or tightly sealed container.
- Avoid exposing mints to direct sunlight or high heat.
- Check expiration date and consume within date range.
Properly stored, Andes mints will stay fresh for several months past the printed best buy date. Always reseal packaging between uses.
Serving Suggestions for Andes Mints
Here are creative ways to serve Andes mints:
- Place one mint atop cappuccinos or coffees as a garnish.
- Add crushed mints to chocolate desserts like brownies or ice cream.
- Include mints on dessert trays for dinner parties or events.
- Pair mints with fresh fruit for a sweet, refreshing treat.
- Float mints in mixed drinks like grasshoppers, hot chocolate or milkshakes.
- Enclose Andes mints with wedding or party favors.
- Serve mints in small dishes at restaurant tables after meals.
- Top holiday desserts like peppermint bark or cheesecake with mints.
With their versatile minty taste, Andes mints complement both sweet and savory treats as well as hot and cold beverages.