Penguin Mints Cinnamons - non-caffeinated tastealikes?

November 21, 2005 8:05 AM

OralFixationFilter: Until recently, I had a steady habit of those caffeinated delights, Penguin Mints--specifically the 'Cinnamons' variety. I love the way they taste, but am looking to cut back on my caffeine intake. So I'm wondering: can anyone recommend a brand or variety of cinnamon mints ('cinnamints'? Not too up on my candy terminology) which would taste similar but not have any caffeine?
posted by cyrusdogstar to food & drink (9 comments total)

May I recommend Altoids Cinnamon?
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 8:23 AM on November 21, 2005

In your quest for the perfect mint, be mindful of those containing sorbitol, which often causes "abdominal pain and mild to severe diarrhea." It's used in a lot of mint products, which can cause undesirable results if you're popping them like, well, candy.
posted by Hankins at 8:55 AM on November 21, 2005

Thanks for the tip, Hankins. Penguin Mints have sorbitol as well and I haven't noticed symptoms like those described, but it's good to keep in mind =)

I totally forgot about Altoids and will try those, thanks Taken. Don't let that discourage any other possible replies, though! There's got to be others besides Penguins and Altoids. I hope.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 9:03 AM on November 21, 2005

There are Penguin Mints "Lights" that didn't have the caffeine in them. I don't think they come in the Cinnamon variety, though.
posted by zsazsa at 9:17 AM on November 21, 2005

I second the recommendation for Altoids cinnamons, and would also throw out the Altoids Tangerine Sours.. which are atrociously sour at first, but grow REALLY addictive.

I suppose at the end of the day it's all empty calories that are bad for your teeth, with or without the caffeine, but.. whatever :-)
posted by twiggy at 9:37 AM on November 21, 2005

Starbucks tiny mints come in cinnamon and are FIERCE!
posted by matildaben at 10:15 AM on November 21, 2005

You didn't ask but I just wanted to mention: If you chain-eat these mints, you'd do well to look for a sugarless variety. One small tin of Altoids, for example, packs 1/4 c. of sugar last time I checked.

Beyond nutrition, there is the issue of tooth decay. The small amount of sugar in each mint feeds natural-occurring bacteria in your mouth. A byproduct of this bacteria is acid, which destroys tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. The bacteria stays active for about 1/2 hour after you've eaten.

So if you're one of those people who pops mints one after another, you're maintaining a chain reaction in your mouth for hours on end. It can seriously screw up your teeth.

On a purely anecdotal tip, over the years I've heard from patients and dentists who treat patients who have suffered from sudden, multiple cavities when they otherwise take good care of their teeth. Things people suck on that contain sugar--mints, antacid tablets and cough drops--are usually the culprits.
posted by Sully6 at 1:05 PM on November 21, 2005

Sully6 writes "If you chain-eat these mints, you'd do well to look for a sugarless variety."

You definitely want to look for a sugarless variety. Penguin mints are sugarless; I think this is one of their great advantages flavorwise. After trying Penguins, I found that the mints that contain sugar left a long-lasting bad aftertaste and an unpleasant feeling in my mouth (not sure how to describe the feeling; kind of coated, or mucus-y). The Penguins leave you feeling much more fresh; I'm pretty sure that it's due to the lack of sugar.
posted by mr_roboto at 1:40 PM on November 21, 2005

mr_roboto--I think you're right, that's one reason I like eating the Penguins, they're good for clearing my palate, so to speak, and don't leave an aftertaste like most other candies do.

Sully6--I do tend to chain-eat the suckers; however on occasion I will eat a fair number of other candies (usually hard candy) and haven't noticed any ill effects on my teeth. However, as with the sorbitol issue earlier, thanks for the tip and I'll definitely keep that in mind.

So, I guess now I'll look for something that's not Altoids.
posted by cyrusdogstar at 2:03 PM on November 21, 2005