Mentos Candy
Mentos is a famous brand of packaged scotch mints or mint-flavored candies sold in more than 130 countries worldwide by the Italian-Dutch corporation Perfetti Van Melle.
The brand was first invented in 1932 by a Dutch confectionery company called Van Melle, founded by brothers Izaak and Gerard Van Melle in 1900. Initially starting with caramel sweets, the company shifted its focus to creating a new type of candy, leading to Mentos's invention.
Mentos candies are small oblate spheroids with a slightly hard exterior and a soft, chewy interior. They are typically sold in rolls containing 14 candies.
Over the years, the brand has expanded to include various flavors and types, such as Mentos Sours, Mentos Gum, and even caffeinated "Energy" Mentos in some countries. Mentos candies are known for their refreshing taste, unique texture, and many different flavors that have found fans across the globe.
One of the most famous advertising campaigns associated with Mentos is the "The Freshmaker" series of commercials that aired in the 1990s. These commercials highlighted the candy's ability to freshen breath and make any situation more enjoyable.
The brand has also been involved in memorable pop culture references, such as its use in a science experiment involving Diet Coke, which became viral before the advent of the internet.
As of 2024, Mentos continues to innovate by introducing new packaging, such as a recyclable paperboard bottle for Mentos Gum in some markets. The brand remains a beloved and iconic candy worldwide, known for its various flavors and association with freshness and fun.