An old-fashioned sweet shop owner has revealed the key difference between two popular types of mint sweets – spearmint and peppermint – prompting a debate over which is the tastiest
When it comes to mint-flavoured sweets and chewing gum, we’re usually presented with two choices – spearmint or peppermint. But have you ever pondered the difference between these two popular confectionery flavours? Lydia Byron, who took over her family’s business, Wyldes Sweet Shop in Tamworth, Staffordshire in 2022, has been enjoying a wave of success both in-store and on social media, thanks in part to the popularity of fellow local business owner, Spudman.
Now, she’s decided to share an interesting minty tidbit with her followers. “There are roughly 20 to 30 recognised species of mint within the mentha genus although cross-breeding can occur,” she revealed in a TikTok video.
And interestingly, peppermint is actually a hybrid – a blend of spearmint and watermint, Lydia explained. She added: “Believe it or not, lemon balm actually counts as a member of the mint family. Both peppermint and spearmint will show up in the sweets we know and love. So what are the main differences?”
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Lydia then disclosed that most mint sweets are based on peppermint as it contains around 40% more menthol. “If you have ever had a sweet that makes you have that [mimics cooling feeling in the throat], it’s probably because of that. Despite the word peppermint sounding way softer than the word spearmint, peppermint is known for its very pungent, very sharp taste.”,
Lydia went on to describe spearmint as “a bit gentler” with a touch more sweetness, noting its unique role in cooking savoury dishes due to its balancing properties, setting it apart from peppermint.
TikTok users were quick to share their thoughts on the two mint varieties, with one declaring: “One is delicious, the other is spearmint.” In contrast, another passionately argued: “Spearmint soft mints are the greatest mint sweetie to ever exist.”
A third shared their preference: “I love to have spearmint mints and gum. If I’ve got the option for spearmint, I choose that one.” Meanwhile, a fourth individual revealed: “I KNEW that lemon balm tastes too similar to mint, as a kid I would actually confuse them a lot.”
Whilst a fifth explained: “Even though I don’t always like the cool, spicy taste of peppermint, I do prefer it over spearmint. There’s something about peppermint that makes my breath feel cleaner and fresher than spearmint does.”
The Wyldes sweet shop, founded by Lydia’s great-great-grandmother, Hannah Wyldes in the 1890s, has been passed down through generations. Lydia took the reins, determined to preserve its traditional charm.
“Coming to that sweet shop and having the chance to carry it on was absolutely amazing because we’ve tried to keep it pretty much the same as it’s been for generations, aside from the idea of a card machine being added which is the only modern thing I’m allowed,” Lydia told Birmingham Live.
Add reflecting on the buzz around the West Midlands town, she added: “We only went semi-viral on TikTok ourselves way after Spudman already, and then he figured it would be fantastic to have a co-host for some of his videos. So we just started you know, having fun, the authentic experience of enjoying other people’s company, and it just snowballed from there.”