Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten free diet, it’s important to be aware of which foods and products contain gluten so you can make informed choices. One popular breath mint that many people enjoy is Ice Breakers mints, specifically the spearmint flavor. But an important question arises – are Ice Breakers Mints spearmint gluten free?
What is Gluten?
Before examining if Ice Breakers Mints are gluten free, it’s helpful to understand what exactly gluten is. Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape and texture. Gluten gives elasticity to dough, helping baked goods rise and keep their shape. It also gives a chewy texture to foods like bread and pasta.
For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, gluten can cause serious health issues. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. For those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and fatigue. The only treatment for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products containing gluten.
Reading Ingredient Lists
So how can you know if a product like Ice Breakers Mints contains gluten or not? The key is to read the ingredient list carefully. Any product labeled “gluten-free” should not contain any gluten. However, for products without a “gluten-free” label, it takes a bit more sleuthing to determine if gluten is present.
It’s important to look out for ingredients that commonly contain gluten like wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer’s yeast and oats. Any derivatives of these grains, like wheat starch or barley malt, would also contain gluten. Less obvious sources of gluten can include additives like natural flavors or hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Understanding Cross Contamination
In addition to checking the ingredients, it’s also crucial to consider the risk of cross contamination for people with celiac disease. Even tiny amounts of gluten from cross contact can cause issues. This risk depends on where and how the product was manufactured. Was it produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility? Does the company follow protocols to avoid cross contamination?
Some products may have a “manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat/gluten” disclaimer on the label. This means there is some potential for cross contact. The decision to consume such a product is a personal one that depends on individual sensitivity levels.
Ingredients in Ice Breakers Mints
Now that we understand what to look for, let’s examine the ingredients in Ice Breakers Mints. The full ingredient list for Ice Breakers Spearmint Mints is as follows:
- Sorbitol
- Gum Arabic
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Soy Lecithin
- Aspartame
- Acesulfame K
- BHT
- Blue 2 Lake
Reviewing this list, there are no overt gluten sources like wheat, barley or rye. The gum arabic and soy lecithin are derived from gluten-free sources. Natural and artificial flavors can sometimes contain hidden gluten, but Hershey’s (the manufacturer of Ice Breakers) states that all their flavors are gluten-free.
The aspartame, acesulfame K, BHT and Blue 2 Lake are all artificial sweeteners, preservatives and food colorings that do not contain gluten. So based on the ingredient list alone, Ice Breakers Mints appear to be gluten-free.
Manufacturing Process
In addition to the ingredients, we also need to consider how Ice Breakers Mints are manufactured. According to Hershey’s, their classic Ice Breaker mints (including spearmint) are produced in a facility that is completely gluten-free. They have procedures in place to prevent cross contamination with gluten. Hershey’s states that independent testing revealed gluten levels below the limit of quantification (10 ppm) for the Gluten Free Certification Program.
Therefore, the manufacturing process for Ice Breakers also indicates the mints are gluten-free and have a very low risk of cross contamination for those sensitive to gluten.
Why No “Gluten-Free” Label?
Despite being gluten-free, you may notice that Ice Breakers mints do not actually bear a “gluten-free” claim on the label. This is because Hershey’s has chosen not to pursue formal gluten-free certification for this product. Gluten-free certification involves intensive third-party testing and auditing which comes at a significant cost to companies. So Hershey’s relies on its reputation and direct consumer communication to confirm the gluten-free status of Ice Breakers instead of official certification.
Conclusion
After reviewing the ingredients list, manufacturing process and information direct from the manufacturer, the evidence indicates that Ice Breakers spearmint mints can be considered gluten-free. They do not contain any ingredients with gluten, and the risk of cross contamination is very low based on manufacturing in a dedicated gluten-free facility with diligent protocols in place. While not formally certified as gluten-free, existing documentation provides good assurance that Ice Breakers mints are an acceptable product for a gluten-free diet.
As with any product, it’s always smart for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to make their own informed decision based on their comfort level with the available information. But in general, Ice Breakers can be considered a gluten-free friendly choice of breath mint for those looking to avoid gluten.
Other Varieties of Ice Breakers Mints
While this article focused specifically on Ice Breakers Spearmint mints, it’s worth noting that other flavors and varieties in the Ice Breakers line are also gluten-free. This includes options like Ice Breakers Ice Cubes, Ice Breakers Sours, Ice Breakers Duo, Ice Breakers ICE+ and Ice Breakers Cool Blasts. As long as you check the ingredients and manufacturing details, you can feel confident that Ice Breakers mints provide a delicious gluten-free way to freshen breath on the go.
Finding Other Gluten-Free Mints and Gums
In addition to Ice Breakers mints, there are a variety of other gluten-free breath mint and chewing gum options on the market. Here are some other brands that offer gluten-free products:
Gluten-Free Breath Mints
- Tic Tac mints
- Smint mints
- Dentyne Ice mints
- TheraBreath mints
- CVS Health Advanced Refreshing mints
Gluten-Free Chewing Gum
- Trident
- Orbit
- Extra
- 5 gum
- Simply Gum
As with any product, be sure to double check the ingredients and manufacturing details when shopping for gluten-free mints and gums. Look for trusted brands that provide transparency about their procedures and quality standards. With the growing demand for gluten-free foods, the options continue to expand for easily finding tasty, gluten-free breath fresheners.
Other Dietary Restrictions
When shopping for gluten-free products, some people may also need to avoid other allergens or dietary restrictions beyond gluten. Here are some considerations if you need to avoid certain ingredients along with gluten in breath mints and chewing gum:
Dairy-Free
Most brands of mints and gum are naturally dairy-free. But some may contain milk derivatives like lactose or casein. Always check labels if you need to avoid dairy.
Egg-Free
Eggs are not commonly used in breath mints or gum, but check for any egg-derived ingredients if you have an allergy.
Nut-Free
Nuts are typically not used in these products, but those with allergies need to watch for compounds like nut oils or extracts.
Soy-Free
Soy lecithin is added to some mints and gums as an emulsifier. Look for soy-free brands if you cannot consume soy.
Vegan
Most major brands offer vegan gluten-free options for mints and gum without any animal-derived ingredients like gelatin or beeswax.
Carefully reading labels and understanding your own dietary needs is key to finding gluten-free breath fresheners that align with any additional restrictions you may have.
Homemade Gluten-Free Breath Mints
In addition to store-bought options, you can also easily make homemade gluten-free breath mints. This lets you control the ingredients while customizing them to suit your own dietary preferences.
Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1⁄2 cup coconut oil
- 1⁄2 cup xylitol or maple sugar
- 1 tbsp peppermint extract
- 1 drop stevia extract (optional)
- 1-2 drops food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan or double boiler.
- Remove from heat and stir in the xylitol/maple sugar and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Mix in stevia for more sweetness and food coloring if desired.
- Pour the mixture into silicone mint molds or a square baking pan lined with parchment.
- Allow mints to set at room temperature or in the fridge before popping them out of the molds.
- Store finished mints in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Feel free to customize this recipe by trying different extract flavors, alternative natural sweeteners or adding a drop of essential oils. Making your own gluten-free breath mints at home lets you control the ingredients while avoiding additives you may want to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any Ice Breakers mints not gluten-free?
As of this writing, all varieties of Ice Breakers mints are gluten-free based on their ingredients and manufacturing processes. Hershey’s discloses that even flavors produced on shared equipment with gluten-containing items are still considered gluten-free due to diligent allergen protocols.
Do Ice Breakers contain dairy or nuts?
No, Ice Breakers mints are free of milk-based ingredients and tree nuts. They are vegan and dairy-free. The only exception is that some Ice Breakers ICE+ products contain whey protein.
Are Ice Breakers sugar free?
Most Ice Breakers mints are sugar free. They are sweetened with sorbitol, aspartame or xylitol rather than sugar. A few products like Ice Breakers Duos do contain some sugar in addition to sugar alcohols as sweeteners.
Can celiacs safely consume products made on shared equipment?
This depends on individual sensitivity levels. Some celiacs can tolerate shared equipment while others need dedicated facilities. Hershey’s states their shared lines undergo thorough sanitation and analysis before switching products. Assess your own risk comfort levels if you have celiac disease.
Do I have to worry about cross contamination from my own kitchen?
Yes, even if the mints themselves are gluten-free, cross contact in your kitchen could contaminate them. Be sure to wash hands, use clean utensils and sanitize surfaces when handling to avoid any gluten transfer.
