From childhood treats to after-dinner breath fresheners, candy and mints hold a special place in our lives. They aren’t just about sugar—they bring nostalgia, cultural differences, and even curious effects like sneezing when you pop a mint into your mouth.
In this post, we’ll explore everything from grammar quirks and retro 1980s favourites to health effects, traditions, and the science behind mints.
What 80s candy is no longer made?
The 1980s were a golden age for colourful, quirky sweets. Some iconic treats disappeared over the years, including:
· PB Max – A peanut butter and cookie chocolate bar that Mars discontinued in the 1990s.
· Bonkers! – Chewy fruit candies with a juicy centre, popular but eventually discontinued.
· Reggie! Bar – Named after baseball player Reggie Jackson, this chocolate, peanut, and caramel bar had a short shelf life.
Although some retro candies have been reintroduced in small markets, others remain nostalgic memories for Canadians who grew up in the ’80s.
Is ice cream candy yes or no?
Technically, ice cream is not candy. Candy usually refers to sugar-based confections, such as chocolates, mints, gummies, and hard sweets. Ice cream, on the other hand, is considered a frozen dessert. However, both belong to the larger category of treats. Some novelty items blur the line—like ice cream bars coated in chocolate and candy pieces—but linguistically, ice cream and candy are separate.
What can too many mints do to you?
Mints are refreshing, but eating them in excess can cause unwanted effects:
· Stomach upset – Sugar-free mints often contain sorbitol or xylitol, which can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhoea if consumed in large amounts.
· Tooth sensitivity – While mints freshen breath, sugary mints can lead to cavities if eaten too often.
· Cravings – Constant mint chewing can lead to dependence, where someone feels uneasy without having one on hand.
Moderation is the key when it comes to enjoying mints like these:
What candy is in Canada but not the US?
Canada has some unique sweets that aren’t widely available south of the border. A few iconic Canadian-exclusive or rare candies include:
· Coffee Crisp – A layered chocolate bar with coffee-flavoured wafers.
· Big Turk – A chocolate-coated Turkish delight bar.
· Smarties (Canadian version) – Unlike American Smarties (which are tart tablets), Canadian Smarties are candy-coated chocolate pieces, similar to M&M’s.
These treats highlight the fun cultural differences in candy between Canada and the United States.
What’s the sweetest candy in the world?
Sweetness can be subjective, but certain candies are scientifically very sweet due to their sugar concentration. Candies like rock candy (pure crystallised sugar) and cotton candy (spun sugar) are among the sweetest. Some extreme novelty candies also pack an intense sweetness, often paired with sour flavours to balance them.
What is the world's most liked candy?
Globally, some candies dominate the popularity charts. According to market research, the most widely enjoyed candies are:
· Snickers – Chocolate, caramel, nougat, and peanuts make it a global favourite.
· M&M’s – Colourful chocolate pieces are loved worldwide.
· Kit Kat – Known for its crunchy wafer and global marketing campaigns.
While preferences vary by country, these brands consistently rank as the world’s most liked candies.
Can you eat old candy?
The short answer: sometimes. Candy doesn’t “expire” the same way perishable foods do, but its texture and taste can change. Hard candies can last for years if stored properly like this one from Krinos, while chocolate and gummies may dry out, turn whitish (a harmless sugar bloom), or lose flavour. Eating old candy isn’t usually dangerous unless it shows signs of mould, an off smell, or unusual texture which is possible in milk based candies like Werther's Original Candy.
How long do mints last?
Unopened, packaged mints can last 12–24 months. Once opened, they’re best consumed within a few months for optimal freshness. Sugar-free mints with artificial sweeteners may harden over time but remain safe if stored in a cool, dry place.
Why do people eat mints after dinner?
The tradition of eating mints after dinner has several reasons:
· Fresh breath – Mints mask lingering food odours like garlic or onions.
· Digestive aid – Peppermint oil can relax the digestive tract, helping ease bloating.
· Cultural habit – Restaurants often provide mints with the bill as a pleasant way to end the meal.
Why would someone constantly eat mints?
People might eat mints frequently due to:
· Habitual need for fresh breath – Especially in professional or social settings.
· Oral fixation – Similar to gum chewing or snacking, it provides comfort.
· Medical reasons – Some people rely on mints to ease nausea or dry mouth.
If mint consumption feels compulsive or leads to health issues, it’s worth moderating intake.
Why do I sneeze when eating mints?
Some individuals sneeze when eating mints because of a reaction to menthol. This cooling compound can stimulate nasal nerves, triggering a sneeze reflex. It’s harmless. The phenomenon is similar to sneezing after eating dark chocolate or strong spices.
Is it normal to chew mints?
Yes, it’s completely normal to chew mints, though they’re often designed to dissolve slowly. Chewing releases flavour faster and can feel more satisfying for those who enjoy crunching. However, chewing very hard mints regularly may not be ideal for dental health, as it can put stress on teeth and dental work.
