Why is Thin Mints classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

Thin Mints are made from refined sugar, palm oils, milk powders and several industrial ingredients, which places them in NOVA group 4. The label lists additives such as soy lecithin, an emulsifier (E322), confectioner’s glaze, a color additive and sodium bicarbonate (E500 ii), all typical of ultra‑processed snack foods.

How does the high sugar and salt content in Thin Mints affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 57 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making the product unsuitable for tight diabetic control. The 0.49 g of salt per 100 g adds extra sodium, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure and is not recommended for a hypertension‑friendly diet.

Is the presence of palm oil in Thin Mints a concern for sustainability or for consumers with dietary restrictions?

Palm oil is a common ingredient in confectionery but its production is linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, raising environmental concerns. It is not a common allergen, but consumers seeking vegan or palm‑oil‑free products should avoid Thin Mints because the formulation relies on both palm oil and palm kernel oil.

Edward Marc • 20 oz

Thin Mints

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Thin Mints are a sweet, mint‑flavored cookie‑like confection marketed as a snack and belong to the sugary snacks group. The product carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is classified in NOVA group 4, reflecting its ultra‑processed nature with high levels of added sugars (57 g per 100 g), saturated fat (17.9 g) and a moderate amount of salt (0.49 g). While it provides quick energy and a pleasant mint taste, the high sugar and saturated‑fat content, plus several additives such as emulsifier (E322) and confectioner’s glaze, make it a less healthy choice for regular consumption.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

high

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal500 kcal

Fat25 g

Saturated Fat17.9 g

Trans Fat0 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with typical sweet‑snack averages, Thin Mints contain more sugar (57.1 g vs 53.4 g), over double the fat (25 g vs 10.5 g), nearly three times the saturated fat (17.9 g vs 7.0 g), and higher salt (0.49 g vs 0.36 g) per 100 g.

Ingredients

sugar, palm kernel oil, whole milk powder, whey powder, palm oil, soy lecithin, an emulsifier, natural flavor, confectioner's glaze, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, chocolate, cocoa powder, peppermint oil, pure vanilla, chocolate cookie, enriched flour, wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin B1, riboflavin, vitamin B2, folic acid, sugar, cocoa processed with alkali, palm oil, high fructose corn syrup, corn flour, chocolate liquor, cocoa, sodium bicarbonate, salt, soy lecithin, color added, turmeric, spirulina extract, beet juice concentrate, peppermint oil

84%

35%

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