For over 240 years, Altoids have been a staple in American households for freshening breath with their strong peppermint flavor. However, for those who adhere to the dietary restrictions of Halal, the consumption of Altoids may not be as straightforward. What may surprise some is that the answer to whether Altoids are Halal or not is not as clear-cut as one may think.
It all depends on the specific ingredients used in each type of Altoids. Through extensive research, we can determine which types of Altoids contain Halal ingredients and which do not. So, for those who are curious about which varieties of Altoids are permissible to consume, read on to discover the answer.
What are Altoids?
The Altoids brand was first created by Smith & Company, a London-based company, in the 1780s. These small, tablet-shaped mints were marketed as a digestive aid, and were made with a high concentration of peppermint oil. The name “Altoids” is said to be a combination of the words “altitude” and “seltzer,” which refers to the original method of creation that used carbon dioxide to press the mint into its tablet form.
In the 19th century, Altoids became part of the Callard & Bowser company, and their popularity grew beyond the realm of digestive aids. The distinctive metal tins that Altoids are now known for were first introduced in the 1920s, and were marketed as a way to keep mints fresh and portable. The design of the tins has since remained largely the same, with the recognizable “Altoids” logo and bold colors.
Aside from their refreshing taste, Altoids have been used for medicinal purposes throughout their history. Due to their high concentration of peppermint oil, Altoids have been said to help alleviate stomach aches, bad breath, and even intestinal discomfort. However, it is important to note that Altoids should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment.
Altoids Ingredients
- Sugar
- Gum Arabic
- Natural Flavors (Including Oil Of Peppermint)
- Artificial Flavors
- Gelatin
- Corn Starch
- Sorbitol
- Magnesium Stearate
- Acesulfame K
- Sucralose
- Colors (Titanium Dioxide, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40)
- Malic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Aspartame
- Maltitol
Altoids Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided on the packaging states that the serving size of Altoids mints is one mint (0.7g), and there are approximately 71 servings per container.
Each serving of Altoids mints contains 5 calories and 1 gram of total carbohydrates, which is 0% of the daily value. Furthermore, the mints do not contain any fat or sodium, making them a low-calorie and low-sodium snack option.
One notable aspect of Altoids mints’ nutritional information is that each serving contains 1 gram of total sugars, including 1 gram of added sugars, which amounts to 2% of the daily value.
The % Daily Value (DV) listed on the Altoids mints packaging indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. It is based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet, which is a general advice guideline for most adults.
Altoids Flavors
Altoids mints are available in a variety of flavors that cater to different preferences. There’s peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, cinnamon, and even strawberry. For those who prefer sugar-free options, there are tiny square mints called Sugar-Free Smalls, sweetened with sorbitol and sucralose.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. In 2007, dark chocolate-dipped mints were introduced in three flavors, and though they were eventually discontinued in 2010, their uniqueness made them unforgettable. Altoids has also tried their hand at sour hard candies, with flavors like raspberry, tangerine, and mango, but unfortunately, these didn’t make the cut and were discontinued in 2010.
The gum version of Altoids was introduced in 2003 and was available in different flavors like peppermint, cinnamon, spearmint, wintergreen, and even cherry and apple. However, this too was discontinued in 2010.
In 2014, Eclipse Mints were rebranded as Altoids Arctic, featuring the same iconic tin with new peppermint, wintergreen, and strawberry flavors. With such a wide variety of flavors and forms, there’s an Altoids mint for everyone.
- ALTOIDS Classic Peppermint Breath Mints
- ALTOIDS Classic Wintergreen Breath Mints
- ALTOIDS Wintergreen Mints
- ALTOIDS Cinnamon Mints
- ALTOIDS Peppermint Mints
- ALTOIDS Spearmint Mints
- ALTOIDS Arctic Peppermint Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Arctic Strawberry Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Arctic Wintergreen Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Smalls Peppermint Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Smalls Wintergreen Sugar Free Mints
Are Altoids Halal
At first glance, it may seem that Altoids are not halal due to the presence of gelatin, which is usually derived from pig skins, bovine hides, and beef and porcine bones. Gelatin is a common ingredient in many types of candies, and it serves as a gelling agent, thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. However, not all Altoids products contain gelatin.
Aside from gelatin, Altoids contain a variety of other ingredients that are generally considered halal. It is important to note that the halal status of these ingredients can vary depending on their source and production process. It is best to consult with a reliable halal certification agency or knowledgeable Islamic scholar for more specific information.
Halal Altoids Flavor
The following Altoids products are considered halal-friendly and suitable for Muslims:
- ALTOIDS Arctic Peppermint Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Arctic Strawberry Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Arctic Wintergreen Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Smalls Peppermint Sugar Free Mints
- ALTOIDS Smalls Wintergreen Sugar Free Mints
Haram Altoids Flavor
And these are the haram Altoids flavor that contain gelatin:
- ALTOIDS Classic Peppermint Breath Mints
- ALTOIDS Classic Wintergreen Breath Mints
- ALTOIDS Wintergreen Mints
- ALTOIDS Cinnamon Mints
- ALTOIDS Spearmint Mints
- ALTOIDS Peppermint Mints
According to TheHalalLife.co.uk, the following Altoid varieties have been certified as halal and haram in UK. It is essential to keep in mind that recipes are subject to change, so it is advisable to verify the ingredients listed on the packaging.
| Flavour | Status |
| Altoids Arctic Peppermint Mint | Halal |
| Altoids Arctic Strawberry Mint | Halal |
| Altoids Arctic Wintergreen Mint | Halal |
| Altoids Cinnamon Smalls Mint | Halal |
| Altoids Peppermint Smalls Mint | Halal |
| Altoids Wintergreen Smalls Mint | Halal |
| Altoids Peppermint Mint | Haram |
| Altoids Wintergreen Mint | Haram |
| Altoids Spearmint Mint | Haram |
| Altoids Cinnamon Mint | Haram |
Halal Alternatives to Altoids
For individuals looking for Halal alternatives to Altoids, there are a few options available.
One option is to look for Altoids that do not contain gelatin. Altoids Smalls are one such variety that does not contain gelatin. Other varieties of Altoids, such as Altoids Arctic Peppermint, Altoids Arctic Strawberry, and Altoids Arctic Wintergreen, are also considered Halal.
Another option is to look for Halal-certified mints that are similar to Altoids. Airheads and Laffy Taffy are two brands that offer Halal chewy-sweet alternatives to Altoids. Additionally, some individuals may find that other types of mints or candies, such as Tic Tacs or hard candies, may be suitable Halal alternatives to Altoids.
It is important to note that gelatin is not the only ingredient that may make a product non-Halal. Other ingredients, such as flavors and colors, may also be derived from non-Halal sources. It is recommended to always check the ingredients list and look for Halal-certified products when in doubt.
Conclusion
Not all Altoids products are halal, but some are halal-friendly and permissible for Muslims to consume. The key is to pay attention to the ingredients list, specifically the presence of gelatin.
If you’re looking for halal Altoids, it’s best to stick to the sugar-free varieties that do not contain gelatin. The Arctic Peppermint, Arctic Strawberry, Arctic Wintergreen, Smalls Peppermint, and Smalls Wintergreen Altoids products are halal-friendly and suitable for consumption by Muslims.
It’s important to always check the ingredients list of any food product you consume, especially if you follow a halal or other special diet. With this guide, you can enjoy your favorite Altoids products without compromising your beliefs or dietary restrictions.
