Are Mentos Halal?

Have you ever found yourself in a convenience store, eyeing a pack of Mentos at the counter, only to suddenly wonder if they’re halal or not?

If so, you’re not alone. As the demand for halal products continues to grow, it’s natural to have questions about the halal status of various items.

And when it comes to Mentos, the answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think.

In this article, we’ll explore the halal status of Mentos and delve into some of the factors that can affect whether or not they’re considered permissible for consumption.

So, let’s get to the bottom of this sweet conundrum and find out once and for all: are Mentos halal?

What are Mentos?

Mentos is a popular brand of candy that is known for its mint and fruit flavors. They are available in different varieties such as the original hard mint with a chewy center, fruit flavors, sour flavors, and sugar-free options. Mentos also offers chewing gum options such as the Mentos Pure Fresh Gum, which is available in refreshing mint flavors.

The company that produces Mentos is Perfetti Van Melle, an Italian-Dutch corporation. Mentos was first produced in 1932 and has since become popular worldwide, sold in more than 130 countries.

Mentos are small, oblate spheroids, with a slightly hard exterior and a soft, chewy interior. The candy shell has a rough surface that increases the surface area that comes in contact with liquids. This causes the candy shell to dissolve faster, distributing more surfactants into the liquid, which can cause a reaction, such as the well-known Diet Coke and Mentos experiment.

These mints are available in a variety of flavors depending on the country, and some examples include peppermint, cinnamon, and fruit flavors. In recent years, Mentos has also introduced eco-friendly packaging. The Mentos Pure Fresh Gum is sold in a paper bottle that is 90% paperboard and FSC certified, making it recyclable with paper. Overall, Mentos continues to be a popular candy brand, enjoyed by people worldwide.

Mentos Flavours and Varieties

In the United States, Mentos offers four different gum flavors in pocket and curvy bottles: Pure White Gum Sweet Mint, Pure Fresh Gum Spearmint, Pure Fresh Gum Fresh Mint, and Pure Fresh Gum Spearmint. Mentos has also introduced a new resealable bottle for their Pure Fresh Gum, made with 90% paperboard and FSC certified, which can now be recycled with paper.

In the United Kingdom, Mentos candies come in five current flavors of rolls: Fruit (Orange, lemon, and strawberry), Mint, and Spearmint.

Mentos also offers flavors such as Rainbow (with 2 dragees each of: Strawberry, Apple, Raspberry, Orange, Watermelon, Blueberry, and Pink Grapefruit), Tutti-Frutti – bubblegum flavored, and Chocolate in some regions.

Overall, Mentos candies are available in a wide range of flavors and varieties, with different options available in different regions.

USA

In the United States, Mentos offers various flavors and varieties of gum, hard mints, and chewy candies. Consumers can enjoy classic mint flavors like Fresh Mint, Spearmint, and Always White Peppermint and Bubble Fresh, or explore the brand’s other offerings such as fruit flavors like green apple and strawberry or the liquid-filled Chewy & Fresh range.

UK

In the UK, Mentos comes in different flavors and varieties that cater to different tastes and preferences. According to Mentos UK’s official website, they offer five current flavors of rolls, which are Fruit (Orange, lemon, and strawberry), Mint, and Spearmint, available in packs of 40pcs and 85pcs. Moreover, Mentos UK also offers Pure Fresh Gum Bubble Fresh Bottle with xylitol.

Mentos Ingredients USA

Mentos flavours in the US contain the following ingredients.

Mentos Ingredients UK

Mentos flavours in UK contain the following ingredients.

Halal / Haram Status of Ingredients

Here’s a brief explanation of each ingredient and whether they are permissible or not:

• Carnauba Wax: Carnauba wax is a plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree. Although it is not of animal origin, some Muslims may consider it not halal since it is not explicitly mentioned as halal in Islamic dietary laws. However, this ingredient is generally considered vegan-friendly and is widely used in food products, cosmetics, and other applications.
• Beta-Carotene: Beta-Carotene is a plant-derived pigment that provides a yellow to orange color to foods. It is generally considered halal and is commonly used in food products.
• E160A (also known as Carotenes): E160A is a food colorant made from natural sources such as carrots and other fruits and vegetables. It is generally considered halal and is widely used in food products.
• Paprika oleoresin: Paprika oleoresin is a natural food colorant made from paprika peppers. It is generally considered halal and is commonly used in food products.
• E473 – Sucrose esters of fatty acids: Sucrose esters of fatty acids are emulsifiers made from sucrose (table sugar) and fatty acids. While this ingredient is generally considered vegan-friendly, some Muslims may consider it not halal since it is not explicitly mentioned as halal in Islamic dietary laws.
• Gelatin: Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically from bones, skin, and connective tissues. Gelatin is not considered halal by Muslims since it is derived from non-halal sources.
• Carmine (also known as Carminic Acid): Carmine is a red food colorant made from the dried and crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. Carmine is not considered halal by Muslims since it is derived from non-halal sources.

Are Mentos Halal in USA and UK?

While most Mentos products are considered halal, some types that contain animal-based ingredients such as gelatin, carmine, or beeswax may not be deemed halal by Muslims.

On the other hand, several ingredients such as Carnauba wax, beta-Carotene, E160A, Paprika oleoresin, SUCROSE esters of fatty acids, and E473 are typically regarded as halal, although some Muslims might hold different opinions on their halal status.

To confirm the halal status of a product, it’s always best to read the ingredient list and seek advice from a trusted authority.

On the basis of the above mentioned ingredients, the following Mentos are Haram since they contain carmine and beeswax.

Frequently Asked Questions