Choose a larger mint pack if the group wants sweets to share, or separate rolls if runners want to carry their own mints. Keep the running-fuel decision separate: University College London Hospitals says activity lasting more than 60 minutes may call for a carbohydrate snack suited to the activity, rather than relying on a pack of mints.
If the mints are for sharing before or after training, choose the pack for that purpose and plan any carbohydrate needed during the run separately. University College London Hospitals says snacks for activity lasting more than 60 minutes should suit the activity.
A multipack can be divided between people without passing around one opened pack. Check the number of rolls as well as the total pack weight.
If the mints are for freshness rather than carbohydrate, check the sweeteners on the pack. The NHS says polyols, including sorbitol, xylitol and erythritol, can have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts.
Decide whether the purchase is for sharing or for fuelling a run, then compare pack format, portion information and the current ingredients label.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Running fuel | Check the carbohydrate in a stated serving, not just per 100g. For activity lasting more than 60 minutes, University College London Hospitals says a carbohydrate snack may be needed and should suit the activity. | I want to plan what to take on a long run without treating a shared sweet pack as the whole fuel plan. |
| Pack format | Compare net weight with the number of separate rolls or portions. Check wrapping and how the pack should be stored after opening if people will take mints away. | For a group treat, one larger pack works for me; if everyone needs mints to carry, I would choose portions that can be divided between runners. |
| Sweeteners | Read the carbohydrate and sweetener information for the exact product. The NHS says large amounts of polyols such as sorbitol, xylitol and erythritol can have a laxative effect. | Freshness matters more to me than getting carbohydrate from the mint, so I want to check what a sugar-free version contains. |
| Ingredients | Read the current pack for allergens and dietary ingredients. Sainsbury's lists gelatine in Trebor Extra Strong Peppermint Mints 145.6g; Tesco and M&S describe their respective mint-imperial packs as suitable for vegetarians. | Someone in the group has an ingredient or dietary requirement, so the label on the pack we buy matters more than a general description of mints. |
A mint provides a small portion of carbohydrate at a time: Tesco lists 5g for two Tesco Mint Imperials, while Sainsbury's lists 2.4g for one Trebor Extra Strong Peppermint Mint. University College London Hospitals says carbohydrate snacks for activity lasting more than 60 minutes should be suitable for the activity.
Choose what you will use for a long session separately; buy the mints as an additional sweet or for freshness.
The NHS says polyols such as sorbitol, xylitol and erythritol can have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts.
Check the sweetener list, particularly if you plan to have mints before or during a run, and avoid trying an unfamiliar quantity during an important session.
Pack weight tells you how much you are buying, but not whether the mints are in one loose pack, separate rolls or individually wrapped.
Check the exact format against how the group will divide and carry the mints.
Retailer product information can change, which matters when ingredients, allergens or vegetarian suitability affect the purchase.
Read the label on the exact pack before eating or handing the mints to someone with a dietary requirement.
These examples show the difference between larger mint packs and multipacks; check the exact product rather than assuming every format is a loose sharing bag.
Sainsbury's lists Polo Original Mints as a four-roll multipack, while Joybuy lists a Polo Original Mints 4 Pack.
Trebor Extra Strong Peppermint is listed in a 145.6g four-roll format.
Tesco lists its Mint Imperials in a 200g pack.
Its mints category lists a 200g own-label Mint Imperials pack alongside Polo and Trebor multipacks.
M&S lists Mint Imperials in a 225g pack.
Waitrose has a sweets-sharing-pouches category.
These mint packs include bulk sweets, a 200g pack and a four-roll multipack for different ways of sharing. Choose any food intended for use during a long run as a separate decision.
No image available
A 120-count spearmint sweet option for a group. If people will carry their own mints, check the pack for individual wrapping; for storage after opening, check whether the outer bag reseals.
No image available
A bulk hard-mint pack for sharing in one place. Check the packaging and storage instructions if the group will use the mints over several occasions.
No image available
The 16 x 120s format is worth considering if separate rolls would make group distribution easier. Check the exact bundle weight and whether individual mints are wrapped if either detail affects your plans.
No image available
A 200g mint-imperial pack for a shared sweet. If the mints need to travel in separate portions or stay in the pack after opening, check the wrapping and closure.
No image available
Four rolls can be divided between runners instead of sharing one opened pack. Sainsbury's lists gelatine in its 145.6g Trebor Extra Strong Peppermint product; check the current pack if this affects your choice.
Do not rely on a sharing pack of mints as the entire fuel plan. University College London Hospitals says activity lasting more than 60 minutes may require a carbohydrate snack for energy, and that the snack should suit the activity; choose what to use during the run separately from a group sweet.
No: choose sugar-free mints for the mint itself, not as a substitute for planned carbohydrate during a long run. Check the sweeteners too; the NHS says polyols can have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts.
Choose a larger pack if the group will share mints in one place; choose separate rolls if people need their own mints to carry. Tesco lists Mint Imperials in a 200g pack and M&S lists a 225g pack, while Polo and Trebor appear in multipack formats.
Read the ingredient and allergen information on the exact pack, because product information can change. Sainsbury's lists gelatine in Trebor Extra Strong Peppermint Mints 145.6g, whereas Tesco and M&S describe their respective mint-imperial products as suitable for vegetarians.