Health score
0
/ 100Verdict: unhealthy
Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime earns a low score of 35/100 primarily due to its reliance on synthetic ingredients and artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
Key takeaways
- Low health score of 35/100
- Contains artificial sweetener aspartame
- Features indigestible chewing gum base
- Moderate environmental impact of 40/100
- Contains small amounts of fruit juice concentrate
Our read on this product
With a health score of 35/100, this gum is primarily a cocktail of sugar alcohols and synthetic polymers. While it contains fruit juices, their concentration is negligible, offering no real nutritional value. The presence of aspartame and maltitol syrup places this product in an unfavorable light for those seeking natural options. Overall, this product serves as a temporary breath freshener rather than a dietary addition.
Best for
This product is suitable for individuals looking for a sugar-free, low-calorie way to freshen their breath occasionally.
Approach with care
Those with sensitivities to sugar alcohols like sorbitol or individuals avoiding aspartame should steer clear of this chewing gum.
Ingredient breakdown
Good ingredients
Neutral ingredients
Ingredients to watch
Isomalt
A sugar alcohol used as a bulk sweetener and sugar substitute. It provides a sweet taste with fewer calories than sugar and does not cause tooth decay, but can cause digestive distress in large amounts.
Chewing gum base
A non-nutritive mixture of synthetic polymers and resins that provides the masticatory texture of the gum. While generally recognized as safe, it is indigestible and processed to be inert within the human system.
Sorbitol
A sugar alcohol used as a humectant and sweetener to keep the gum soft. It is metabolized slowly and is considered diabetic-friendly, though it has a well-known laxative effect if consumed in excess.
Maltitol syrup
A sweetener derived from maltose, used to provide bulk and sweetness. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar but can still impact blood sugar levels and trigger digestive issues.
Fruit juices from concentrate
Concentrated extracts from various fruits including lemon, orange, and strawberry, used for natural flavoring. These provide trace vitamins and antioxidants, though their concentration in this product is minimal.
Aspartame
A high-intensity artificial sweetener used to replace sugar while keeping calories low. It is one of the most studied food additives, though it remains a subject of ongoing debate regarding long-term health effects.
Nutrition facts
Values shown per 100g
Energy
240 kcal
Protein
0.1g
Carbs
95g
Fat
0.5g
Fiber
0.2g
Sugar
0.5g
Sodium
10mg
Saturated fat
0.5g
Fiber
0.2g
How it scores against your goal
Mood Effect
Artificial sweeteners may cause digestive distress for some, which can negatively impact overall physical comfort and mood.
Muscle Gain
This product contains negligible protein (0.1g) and offers no functional value for muscle recovery or growth.
Weight Loss
While low in calories, the ultra-processed nature of this gum does not contribute to nutritional satiety or weight loss goals.
Flu Recovery
The trace amounts of fruit juice are insufficient to provide the vitamin C or immune support needed during the flu.
Fever Recovery
This product provides no hydration or immune-boosting nutrients necessary for recovering from a fever.
Pcos Management
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame are often discouraged in PCOS management due to potential insulin resistance and gut microbiome disruption.
Diabetes Management
Although it has low sugar, the inclusion of maltitol syrup can still impact blood glucose levels in sensitive individuals.
Myth busters
It is a fruit-based snack.
Fruit juice concentrate is minimal; the product is primarily composed of synthetic gum base and chemical sweeteners.
It is calorie-free.
It contains 240 kcal per 100g, so it is not calorie-free, though per serving counts are lower.
Contains aspartame.
Aspartame is explicitly listed as a high-intensity sweetener in the ingredient list.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle healthy?
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Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle is considered unhealthy with a score of 35/100 due to high levels of artificial sweeteners and synthetic ingredients.
What is the main concern with Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle?
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Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle contains aspartame and maltitol syrup, which may trigger digestive distress or blood sugar concerns for some users.
What is a key ingredient in Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle?
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Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle uses sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that provides sweetness while acting as a humectant to maintain texture.
Is Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle suitable for keto or diabetics?
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Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle is low-sugar but still contains sugar alcohols that may impact blood glucose levels in sensitive individuals.
What is a better alternative to Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle?
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Mentos Tropical/Red Fruit Lime by Mentos, Perfetti Van Melle alternatives include organic gums sweetened with natural xylitol that avoid artificial additives and plastic-based gum bases.