Altoids were formulated in 1780 to relieve intestinal discomfort. The original peppermint Altoids were introduced to the United States in 1918. In 2010, health claims are no longer made for Altoids in the U.S., but the shape and ingredients of Altoids harkens back to early pill making. Under the ownership of Mars, Inc., eight flavors of Altoid mints including Ginger, Cool Honey and Cinnamon are packaged in the familiar tins.
Sugar
Sugar is the main ingredient in Ginger Altoids. The nutrition label notes that a serving of three mints weighs 2 g and contains 2 g of sugar. Although many ingredients can be used to make pills, placebo medicines are still called sugar pills in reference to old pill making practices. Pharmacists or manufacturers compress moist sugar or starch mixtures in molds to make pills. Ginger Altoids have a simple tablet shape and high sugar content consistent with their history of being made by an early pharmacist.
Natural Flavor
The original Altoids are made with oil of peppermint while Ginger Altoids contain natural flavors. The University of Maryland Medical Center Complementary Medicine Reference reports oil of peppermint and ginger alleviate indigestion. The oils and phenols that produce ginger's characteristic aroma and taste are thought to be beneficial but require 2 to 4 g to be eaten. Ginger Altoid mints are marketed only as a candy. The natural oils and essences used in Ginger Altoids could come from any plant source and are not necessarily from ginger.
Gum Arabic, Gelatin
Gum arabic and gelatin are added to Ginger Altoid mints to bind sugar particles together. Gum arabic is the sap of acacia Senegal trees that primarily grow in Sudan, which is processed in Europe into an emulsifier. Today, gelatin and gum arabic continue to be used in pharmaceuticals to bind tablet ingredients and coat pills, providing a smooth polished surface.
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