With the holiday season fast approaching, peppermint treats take center stage. From candy canes to lattes, this refreshing flavor seems to be everywhere.
But while the aroma and taste of peppermint bring holiday cheer, there's often more to these products than meets the eye. Hidden behind that festive label is a mix of what may be synthetic ingredients and artificial colors and sugars that may be less merry than you think.
For more than 30 years, EWG has been a trusted leader in the fight to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, including food additives like the artificial flavors and food dyes found in many holiday treats.
Here's a closer look at what really goes into your peppermint-flavored favorites, and why you might want to choose more natural options this holiday season.
The science of peppermint flavor
Genuine peppermint flavor comes from the oil of peppermint leaves. But some peppermint-flavored holiday treats and beverages may not contain the real thing. Instead, they may rely on artificial or “natural” flavoring. Both are created in the lab to mimic the taste of peppermint and can contain preservatives and solvents, which are often toxic.
Natural flavoring is only loosely regulated. So even though “natural flavor” sounds reassuring, it’s often just chemicals that have been manipulated to achieve a desired effect. The only difference between “natural” and “artificial” is the originating ingredient, which can either be natural or lab-created.
No matter which type of flavoring, it’s usually usually a mystery concoction, because manufacturers aren’t required to disclose ingredients.
Artificial color – A not-so-festive concern
The vibrant red and white stripes on candy canes, peppermint-flavored cookies, and other seasonal treats often come from artificial food dyes rather than natural sources. Red Dye No. 40 and Yellow Dyes No. 5 and No. 6, for instance, are some common food dyes found in peppermint-flavored items.
Although research is ongoing, the European Union has added warning labels to products containing certain dyes.
California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has said consumption of toxic food colors can lead to behavioral difficulties in some sensitive children.
With federal government regulations falling short in protecting consumers from harmful ingredients in food, EWG has worked with California lawmakers to pass laws that safeguard you and your family. In September California enacted a law, co-sponsored by EWG, banning six harmful dyes – including Red 40 and Yellow 5 and 6 – from foods served in the state’s public schools.
Sweetening the deal – sugars and additives
Some holiday treats wouldn’t be complete without sweetener, but the types and amounts in peppermint-flavored products vary widely. Along with sugar, many processed holiday treats commonly use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame and acesulfame potassium to enhance taste without adding calories.
Although these sweeteners help cut sugar content, their long-term health implications are still being studied, and they may pose a risk.
Consumption of artificially sweetened beverages more than twice a day has been linked to a 23 percent higher risk of stroke and a 16 percent higher risk of mortality. Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are associated with a greater risk of coronary heart disease.
Quick tips
For your health and safety, it’s important to make informed choices when you shop for minty, seasonal treats. Here are a few science-backed tips:
- Check for artificial flavors. Use caution buying food and drinks whose labels say they contain artificial or natural flavors. These may contain synthetic chemicals linked to health problems.
- Steer clear of synthetic dyes for children. Avoid artificial food colorings such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 and 6, especially in treats for children.
- Check for artificial sweeteners. When possible, choose products without aspartame, sucralose or acesulfame potassium.
- Try organic. When possible and affordable, choose products made with organic peppermint oil. Organic certifications limit the use of synthetic chemicals and flavorings.
