Restaurant mints, also known as after-dinner mints, are small candy mints commonly placed on restaurant tables for customers to enjoy after their meal. These sweet treats go by many different names and come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors. Here are quick answers to common questions about restaurant mints:
What are the small mints called that restaurants give out?
Some common names for restaurant mints include:
- After dinner mints
- Dessert mints
- Refreshers
- Palate cleansers
- Breath mints
Why do restaurants give out mints after meals?
Restaurants provide mints for several reasons:
- To freshen breath – Mints help clear the palate and leave diners with fresh breath after eating.
- To aid digestion – Mints are thought to help aid digestion after a heavy meal.
- As a final treat – Mints provide one last taste sensation to end the dining experience.
- For branding – Branded mints are a cheap way for restaurants to advertise and remind customers of their brand.
What are the most common restaurant mint flavors?
The most popular restaurant mint flavors include:
- Peppermint – The classic flavor, provides a refreshing minty taste.
- Spearmint – A milder mint flavor than peppermint.
- Wintergreen – Provides a sweet, fruity mint flavor.
- Cinnamon – Warming flavor perfect for the end of a meal.
- Fruit flavors – Such as raspberry, lemon, orange, etc.
What are the different shapes and types of restaurant mints?
Mints come in various shapes, sizes, and forms:
- Round mints – Small, coin-shaped mints in hard or compressed powder form.
- Starlight mints – Flatter, circular mints embossed with a star pattern.
- Candy-coated mints – Mints with a hard candy shell, like Mentos.
- Altoid mints – Rectangular, tin packaged mints.
- Soft mints – Soft, chewy mint candies.
- Chocolate mints – Chocolates with mint flavored ganache or fillings.
What are the most popular restaurant mint brands?
Some of the top restaurant mint brands include:
- Andes – Known for their chocolate wintergreen mints.
- Altoids – Famous for their rectangular “curiously strong mints.”
- Breath Savers – Offer mint drops and hard mints.
- Life Savers – Provide the classic starlight and round mint flavors.
- Mentos – Candy-coated mint drops.
- Tic Tac – Mint flavored tiny hard mints.
Are restaurant mints free?
In most restaurants, mints are provided free of charge and are unlimited for any customer who desires them. They are a complimentary offering and are built into a restaurant’s operational costs. While uncommon, some restaurants may charge for extra mint packages beyond what is provided for free with the check.
Why do some restaurants not offer mints anymore?
There are a few reasons why some restaurants no longer provide mints:
- Cost cutting – Mints are an added operating expense that some restaurants try to eliminate.
- Sanitation concerns – Mints in communal dishes may pose hygiene issues.
- Mint waste – Many mints end up not eaten and thrown away, creating unnecessary food waste.
- Reduced meal demand – As takeout and offsite dining increases, the demand for mints decreases.
Can you request mints if a restaurant doesn’t have them on the table?
Yes, you can always politely ask your server if the restaurant has mints available even if they are not pre-set on the tables. Many establishments will be happy to bring you mints if they have them. However, not all restaurants will have mints on hand, so be understanding if they are unable to provide any.
Do restaurants reuse mints left on tables?
No, most restaurants follow proper sanitation guidelines and do not reuse mints that have been left out on tables. Any mints that remain on tables are discarded and replaced with fresh ones for each new setting. Reusing mints would pose hygiene risks.
Should you take extra mints home from restaurants?
It is acceptable to take a few leftover mints home if you desire more after your meal. However, clearing off entire mint bowls or pockets full of mints is frowned upon and considered poor etiquette. Be reasonable and take only a small amount of extras when dining out.
Conclusion
Restaurant mints go by many names but provide the same refreshing and palate cleansing sensation after a filling meal. Part tradition and part practicality, these tiny candies have become a staple offering at most eateries. While certain details vary, mints ultimately aim to provide diners with fresh breath and an enjoyable conclusion to the dining experience.