Altoids Wintergreen contains artificial flavors and Blue 1 artificial dye, which are unnecessary chemical additives. This DIY version uses only organic cane sugar and pure wintergreen essential oil to create clean, naturally white mints with superior flavor and no synthetic ingredients.
Based on: Altoids Wintergreen
· Makes approximately 200 pieces (equivalent to 4 Altoids tins)
· Serving: 3 pieces (2g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Altoids Wintergreen from Altoids often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Altoids Wintergreen may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Provides authentic wintergreen flavor - much more potent and clean than artificial flavoring
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare your workspace by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing small silicone candy molds. Have your wintergreen oil measured and ready - you'll need to add it quickly once the sugar reaches temperature. Set up a candy thermometer in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Step 2. Combine 400g organic cane sugar with 120ml filtered water in the saucepan. Stir gently just until sugar is moistened - overstirring can cause crystallization later. Place candy thermometer in mixture, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the pan.
Step 3. Heat mixture over medium-high heat without stirring. The sugar will dissolve completely, then begin bubbling vigorously. Watch the thermometer carefully - you're aiming for 300-310°F (hard crack stage). This typically takes 15-20 minutes. The mixture will turn from clear to light golden as water evaporates.
Step 4. Once the mixture reaches exactly 300°F, immediately remove from heat. Wait 30-60 seconds for vigorous bubbling to subside, then quickly stir in 1-2ml wintergreen essential oil. Start with 1ml and taste-test on a spoon - wintergreen oil is extremely potent. Add more if needed, but err on the side of caution.
Step 5. Working quickly while candy is still liquid, either pour into greased silicone molds (filling each cavity about ¾ full) or pour onto parchment paper in a thin layer (about ¼ inch thick). If using the sheet method, you'll break it into pieces later. The candy will set within 2-3 minutes.
Step 6. Allow mints to cool completely - about 15-20 minutes. If you poured a sheet, break into small pieces roughly the size of Altoids (about ½ inch squares). Remove molded pieces gently - they should pop out easily once fully hardened.
Step 7. Store in airtight containers with pieces separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. These mints are best consumed within 2-3 months as they'll gradually absorb moisture from air. Use 3 pieces (2g) per serving, same as original Altoids. Keep container tightly sealed between uses.
Storage
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for 2-3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid humid environments as sugar-based candies absorb moisture.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.042
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.17
Savings76%
Significant savings plus superior ingredient quality. The upfront cost of essential oil pays for itself after 2 batches. Buying organic sugar in bulk reduces per-serving cost dramatically.