Smint
Smint is a type of breath mint. All mint candies have a triangular shape and many are engraved with an "S". They are known for their packaging that dispenses one mint at a time. The origin of the name is often listed as small mint. However, the iconic name actually derives from Sugarfree Mint.
History
Smint began to be developed by Chupa Chups in 1990.[1] In the 1990s Chupa Chups targeted adult customers wanting a sugar free product.[1] After four years of development, Smint was introduced to the market in 1994 as a subsidiary brand.[1] It was launched in the UK in 1995,[1] and in 1996 Smint started their "No Smint, no kiss" campaign.[1] By 2001, Smint was the top-selling mint in its class in 90% of the markets where it was available.[2] Also in 2001, Smint started a partnership with Breast Cancer Care, which continues to this day.[1] In 2003, Smint started advertising the health benefits of Xylitol in their product,[1] and in 2006, Smint and Chupa Chups were taken over by Perfetti Van Melle.[1] In 2009, Smint launched Smint-XXL tins in the UK, which are three times larger than regular Smint dispensers.[1]
Main ingredients
Aspartame, Xylitol, flavoring, and anticaking agent are used to make Smint in the UK.[3] Xylitol has been demonstrated to have a plaque-reducing effect by attracting and starving the sucrose-seeking micro-organisms that cause tooth decay.[4]
Smint is endorsed by Toothfriendly, an international dental ratings organization.[5]
References
- "Smint Journey". Smint. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
- Tim Jones (2012). Innovating at the Edge. Routledge. pp. 164–165. ISBN 9781136395352. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
- "Smint Mint". Smint. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
- Tanzer JM (1995). "Xylitol chewing gum and dental caries". International Dental Journal. 45 (1 Suppl 1) (1 Suppl 1): 65–71. PMID 7607747.
- "Toothfriendly at the ISM 2016". Toothfriendly. Retrieved 22 January 2019.