Ingredient

Peppermint Essential Oil

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use peppermint essential oil primarily as a flavoring agent to impart a minty …

What it is

Peppermint essential oil is a concentrated oil extracted from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). It is typically produced through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and flowering tops. This process captures the volatile aromatic compounds that give peppermint its characteristic strong, fresh scent and flavor.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use peppermint essential oil primarily as a flavoring agent to impart a minty taste. It is commonly found in confectionery items like chocolate, candies, and chewing gum, as well as in baked goods, ice cream, and beverages. Its intense flavor means it is used in small quantities.

Health notes

In the U.S., peppermint oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring. It is widely consumed in food products at low levels. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated peppermint oil. Some research suggests peppermint oil may help with digestive discomfort when used therapeutically, but this is distinct from its use as a food ingredient.

Allergen info

Peppermint essential oil is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Peppermint Essential Oil

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Theo, 70% Dark Chocolate Bar, Mint, Mint Theo Chocolate, Inc. Theo, 70% Dark Chocolate Bar, Mint, Mint Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 500kcal 7.1Protein 38.1Fat 47.6Carbs Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream, Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving 241kcal 4.8Protein 24.1Fat 38.5Carbs Little Rae's Bakery, Inc. Shortbread Cookies, Peppermint Cookies & Biscuits 500kcal 6.2Protein 25Fat 56.2Carbs Organic Dark Chocolate, Mint Home Town Trivia Organic Dark Chocolate, Mint Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 571kcal 8.6Protein 45.7Fat 31.4Carbs Malvi, Inc. Peppermint Chocolate Marshmallow Confections, Peppermint Chocolate Candy 320kcal 4Protein 10Fat 60Carbs Theo Chocolate, Inc. Chocolate Covered Peppermint Marshmallows Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 357kcal 3.6Protein 16.1Fat 58.9Carbs Peppermint Cocoa Cups, Peppermint Theo Chocolate, Inc. Peppermint Cocoa Cups, Peppermint Chocolate High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 611kcal 8.3Protein 47.2Fat 41.7Carbs Peppermint Cocoa Cup, Peppermint Theo Chocolate, Inc. Peppermint Cocoa Cup, Peppermint Chocolate High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 611kcal 5.6Protein 50Fat 44.4Carbs Peppermint Crunch Organic 70% Dark Chocolate, Peppermint Crunch Theo Chocolate, Inc. Peppermint Crunch Organic 70% Dark Chocolate, Peppermint Crunch Chocolate High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 577kcal 7.7Protein 38.5Fat 50Carbs Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Dark Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 231kcal 4.8Protein 10.6Fat 36.5Carbs
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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.