Mentos

Mentos is a brand of confectionery produced by Perfetti Van Melle. The original Mentos candies are small, round mints that feature a chewy center coated by a hard outer shell, designed to be enjoyed as a breath-freshening treat. Over time, the product line expanded to include a variety of fruit-flavored options and other candy formats, as well as Mentos gum in some markets. The candies are widely sold in cylindrical plastic or metal containers that display the brand’s colorful packaging.

The Mentos brand originated in the Netherlands during the mid-20th century and became part of a global portfolio after the merger of the Dutch Van Melle company with Italy-based Perfetti in 2001, forming Perfetti Van Melle, one of the world’s largest confectionery manufacturers. Today, Mentos products are produced and distributed in many countries, with regional flavor assortments and limited editions tailored to local tastes.

In its marketing, Mentos has emphasized themes of freshness and novelty, most famously through the long-running “The Freshmaker” advertising campaign. The brand has also become associated with a variety of internet and media phenomena, including playful experiments involving Mentos and other products. Nutritionally, Mentos candies are primarily sugar-based confections and are intended for casual consumption, with attention given to sugar content and individual dietary considerations.

Overall, Mentos combines a distinctive shell-and-chewy texture with a broad flavor range, maintaining a presence in global confectionery markets as part of Perfetti Van Melle’s product lineup.