Breathsavers

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Breathsavers
Image:Breathsaver_infographic.png
Formal name Breathsavers
Classification Breath mint
Description Breath mint
Form Disk
Volume 1.4cm³
Mass 1.8g
Density 1.3 g/cm³
Ingredients Sorbitol, magnesium stearate, artificial flavor, aspartame, medium chain triglycerides, zinc gluconate, artificial color, polysorbate 80
Nutrition Information Per mint: calories 5, fat 0g, sodium 0mg, carbohydrates 2g, sugars 0g, protein 0g
Active Ingredients None (but see Neutrazin section in main article)
Flavors Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Vanilla Mint, Citrus Mist.
3 hour mints are available in Peppermint and Spearmint only.
Sugar Free? Yes
Manufacturer The Hershey Company
Year introduced 1978
Slogans / Taglines
Related products None
Hazards Phenylalanine (in Aspertame); Food coloring

Breathsavers is a brand of mint manufactured by the Hershey Company. Breathsavers were introduced in 1978.

Artist's conception of a group of Breathsavers mints in orbit (at the stable Lagrangian Point L4) around a hypothetical rocky planet in a solar system near Fomalhaut.
Artist's conception of a group of Breathsavers mints in orbit (at the stable Lagrangian Point L4) around a hypothetical rocky planet in a solar system near Fomalhaut.

[edit] Description

Breathsavers are modified disks. They are packaged in two different ways:

  • In the traditional packaging, as a cylindrical roll. 12 mints are contained in each roll.
  • In a new form, "Breathsavers 3 Hour Mints", sold in a disc-shaped metal can.

Not a true disk, a Breathsaver is beveled at the outer edges and has a shallow depression in the center, on both sides. Each Breathsaver is counterembossed on one side with the legend "BREATH SAVER" in raised letters about 3mm tall in a circular pattern around the center.

[edit] Neutrazin

The mints are advertised as containing "Neutrazin", an ingredient claimed to neutralize bad breath.[1] It is not stated which ingredients of the ingredient list (see infobox) comprise Neutrazin.

[edit] Sorbitol

The main ingredient found in Breathsavers is sorbitol. It has been known to cause gas, stomach cramps, mild to severe diarrhea and several other side affects. [2] It is not stated how much sorbitol is in a serving but doses as little as 10g have been found to cause diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. [3] It is not recommended to consume more than 3-4 mints in any short period of time.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Breathsavers Mints - Hershey'S
  2. ^ SORBITOL - ORAL side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions
  3. ^ Petition to FDA for Regulatory Action to Revise the Labeling Requirements for Foods Containing Sorbitol ~ CSPI’s Food Safety

[edit] External links