Mentos – Sweet Story of a Popular “Explosive” Candy

Mentos are little chewy morsels that have been a favorite candy of many for decades, and for good reason. Mentos is more than just a candy that makes for a good party trick. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking, road trips, or just as a little treat to brighten up your day. And let’s not forget their breath-freshening powers. These little guys are a lifesaver after a garlicky lunch or a morning coffee.

So whether you’re a die-hard Mentos fan or a newcomer to the game, there’s no denying the irresistible charm of these chewy little candies. Let’s explore the explosive history of Mentos. 

What Are Mentos?

Mentos are a type of chewy candy that has been popular for decades. They come in a wide variety of flavors, from classic mint to fruity varieties like strawberry, orange, and grape. Some newer flavors even include chocolate and caramel, making Mentos a candy that truly has something for everyone.

But Mentos is more than just a candy – they have become a cultural icon in their own right. Who could forget the classic Mentos commercials from the 90s, featuring people using Mentos to get out of sticky situations? These ads are so iconic that they have even been parodied in movies and TV shows.

Aside from their cultural significance, Mentos are also known for their unique texture. They are chewy, but not too sticky or gummy, and they have a satisfying crunch when you first bite into them. This texture, combined with their explosive flavors, makes Mentos a candy that is both delicious and fun to eat. Mentos have been marketed as a breath mint for years, and it’s easy to see why. Their strong flavors and chewy texture help to freshen breath and combat bad odors, making them a great option for after meals or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

And of course, we can’t talk about Mentos without mentioning the classic Mentos and Diet Coke experiment. 

History

Mentos was first invented in 1932 by a Dutch confectionery company called Van Melle. The company was founded in 1900 by brothers Izaak and Gerard Van Melle and started off making caramel sweets. However, in the 1930s, they decided to shift their focus to creating a new type of candy. And thus, Mentos was born.

Initially, Mentos came in just two flavors – mint and fruit. The candy had a hard shell with a chewy center and was marketed as a breath freshener. The unique texture and flavor of Mentos quickly caught on, and it became a hit in the Netherlands.

Over the years, Mentos has expanded its range of flavors, introducing new and exciting options like green apple, strawberry, and grape. They’ve also experimented with different textures, like the Mentos Chewy & Fresh range, which has a liquid center that bursts in your mouth.

In the 1970s, Mentos was introduced to the United States, and it quickly gained popularity. 

Today, Mentos is sold in over 130 countries, and it continues to be manufactured by Van Melle, which is now known as Perfetti Van Melle after merging with another Italian candy company. The company produces over 70 billion Mentos candies every year, which is quite an impressive feat.

In addition to the classic Mentos candies, the brand has expanded to include other products like Mentos Gum and Mentos Chewing Mints. They even have sugar-free options for those who are watching their sugar intake.

Why Do Mentos Make Coke Explode?

If you’ve ever dropped a Mentos into a bottle of Diet Coke, then you know that the resulting explosion is both impressive and a little bit mysterious. But why do Mentos make Coke (or any carbonated beverage, for that matter) explode?

The answer lies in the chemistry of carbonation. Carbonated beverages, like soda or sparkling water, contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas. When the bottle is sealed, the carbon dioxide is trapped in the liquid, creating pressure inside the bottle.

When you open the bottle, the pressure is released, and the carbon dioxide gas rushes to escape. But if you drop a Mentos into the bottle, something interesting happens. The Mentos are covered in tiny pits or craters on their surface, which provide a lot of surface area for the carbon dioxide gas to escape from. This means that the gas is released very quickly, creating a massive foam explosion.

But why does this happen with Mentos specifically and not other candies or objects? It turns out that the surface of a Mentos candy is covered in thousands of tiny nucleation sites, which are essentially tiny spots where gas can escape. This makes Mentos a particularly effective catalyst for the release of carbon dioxide gas in carbonated beverages.

There are a few other factors that contribute to the Mentos and Coke reactions as well. For example, the rough texture of the Mentos candy helps to create more bubbles and foam. Additionally, Diet Coke is a particularly good soda to use for this experiment because it contains more carbon dioxide than other types of soda.

So there you have it — the science behind why Mentos make Coke (or any carbonated beverage) explode. It’s a fascinating example of the power of chemistry and how even the smallest details can make a big difference. And if you’re looking for a fun and impressive science experiment to try at home, the Mentos and Coke reaction is definitely one to add to your list.

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Varieties

Mentos candy has come a long way since its introduction in 1932. Today, the brand offers a wide variety of flavors and textures that cater to every taste and preference.

Mentos Original

The original Mentos flavor is a classic for a reason. With its hard outer shell and chewy center, it’s the perfect candy for freshening your breath or satisfying a sweet tooth. The mint flavor is refreshing and leaves your mouth feeling cool and tingly, while the fruit flavors are sweet and tangy.

Mentos Chewy & Fresh

The Chewy & Fresh range features a liquid center that bursts in your mouth, creating a sensation that’s both refreshing and satisfying. These candies come in flavors like spearmint, fresh mint, and watermelon.

Mentos Rainbow

Mentos Rainbow was introduced in the 1990s. The Rainbow Pack features a mix of fruit flavors like Orange, Lemon, and Strawberry. 

Mentos Licorice

This variety of Mentos has a chewy texture and a rich, distinctive licorice flavor that sets it apart from other varieties. Mentos Licorice has since become a popular choice among licorice lovers and candy enthusiasts.

Mentos Mint & Lime

This flavor features a refreshing combination of mint and lime, creating a unique and delicious taste experience. Mentos Mint & Lime quickly gained popularity among candy lovers for its bold and tangy flavor profile. 

Mentos Gum

If you’re a fan of Mentos candies, then you might be interested to know that the company also makes Mentos gum. But what exactly is Mentos gum, and how does it compare to other chewing gums on the market?

Mentos gum was first introduced in the early 2000s as an extension of the popular Mentos candy brand. Like the candies, Mentos gum is known for its fruity flavors and refreshing taste. But unlike traditional Mentos candies, the gum is designed to be chewed and then discarded, rather than swallowed.

One of the unique features of Mentos gum is its “micro granule” technology, which gives the gum a crunchy texture and helps to keep your breath fresh for longer. The micro granules are small particles of xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to have dental health benefits. When you chew Mentos gum, the micro granules burst, releasing a burst of flavor and a burst of freshness.

Mentos gum comes in a variety of flavors, including fruity options like strawberry, green apple, and watermelon, as well as more traditional mint flavors like peppermint and spearmint. The gum is sugar-free, making it a good option for those who are watching their sugar intake or who have dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

• Sugar
• Glucose syrup
• Coconut oil, s
• Starch, n
• Natural mint flavorings
• Maltodextrin
• Cocoa butter, t
• Thickeners (Gellan gum, Cellulose gum, Gum Arabic)
• Emulsifier (Sucrose esters of fatty acids)
• Glazing agent (carnauba wax)

Nutrition

Serving Size:	1 piece (2.5g)	% Daily Value*
Amount Per Serving
Calories	9.9
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat	0g
Monounsaturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrates	2.5g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	1.6g
Protein	0g
Potassium	0.1mg	0%

• The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Mentos in Pop Culture

One of the most memorable Mentos candy advertising campaigns is the “The Freshmaker” series of commercials that first aired in the 1990s. These commercials featured people using Mentos candy to solve all kinds of problems, from removing stains to fixing a flat tire. The commercials became an instant hit and spawned countless parodies and imitations.

Mentos candy has also been featured in several popular movies and TV shows over the years. In the 1995 comedy film “French Kiss,” the main character Kate uses Mentos candy to freshen her breath before a kiss, and in the TV show “Friends,” the character Chandler references Mentos candy in a memorable episode.

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Commercials

Bottom Line

Mentos has become a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people all around the world. Today, there’s no denying the appeal of these little chewy wonders.

But what truly sets Mentos apart is their ability to bring people together.

So the next time you pop a Mentos in your mouth, take a moment to appreciate all that this tiny candy has to offer.

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