If you're craving for something minty and chocolaty, a peppermint pattie might just do the trick. One pattie (39 g) of this sweet treat contains around 170 calories. Although it's not the healthiest snack option available, indulging in a little bit once in a while won't hurt.

Aside from its calorie content, a peppermint pattie offers a range of nutritional benefits. It's a good source of iron, which helps the body produce energy and maintain healthy blood. It's also low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at peppermint patties, their history, nutritional information, popular brands, benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives.

What is a Peppermint Pattie?

Peppermint Patties are a type of candy that consists of a dark chocolate coating with a peppermint-flavored filling. They are typically small and round, with a diameter of about 2-3 inches. Various brands manufacture peppermint patties, and they differ in size, shape, and flavor. Primarily, a peppermint pattie contains sugar, chocolate, corn syrup, egg whites, oil of peppermint, invert sugar, and food coloring. The creamy inner filling is often made from white chocolate, corn syrup, and butter. This sweet treat became popular during the 20th century and has since been enjoyed by many people worldwide.

The Nutritional Content of a Peppermint Pattie

Although peppermint patties are not the healthiest snack option available, they offer some nutritional benefits. One pattie (39 g) contains around 170 calories, 34 g of carbohydrates, and 1 g of protein. Besides this, it also contains 2% of the recommended daily intake of iron, 1% of calcium, 2% of vitamin A, and 0% of vitamin C. Since peppermint patties are high in sugar and low in fiber, they should be consumed in moderation.

The Ingredients of a Peppermint Pattie

Peppermint Patties consist of two main components: the chocolate coating and the peppermint-flavored filling. The chocolate coating typically contains sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, and natural flavorings. The creamy filling is usually made from white chocolate, corn syrup, butter, soy lecithin, and peppermint oil. Other ingredients added for flavor or preservative purposes include invert sugar, vanilla extract, caramel color, and salt.

The History of Peppermint Patties

The origin of Peppermint Patties is not entirely clear, but it's believed that they were first created in the United States during the early 1900s. York Peppermint Patties, one of the popular brands that produce this sweet treat, was introduced in 1940. This candy became widely recognized thanks to its iconic tagline, 'Get the Sensation', which was introduced in the 1970s. Since then, many other brands have followed suit and created their own version of the Peppermint Pattie.

Popular Brands of Peppermint Patties

Various brands manufacture peppermint patties, and they differ in flavor, texture, and size. Some of the most popular brands include York Peppermint Patties, Junior Mints, and Pearson's Mint Patties. Each brand has its unique take on the classic candy. Some brands offer bite-size versions of the Peppermint Pattie, making them perfect for a quick snack on-the-go. Other brands make dark chocolate peppermint patties or sugar-free versions for those who want to cut back on their sugar intake. No matter what brand you prefer, Peppermint Patties are a beloved treat for many.

Ways to Incorporate Peppermint Patties into Recipes

Aside from enjoying Peppermint Patties on their own, there are many ways to incorporate them into various recipes. Here are some ideas: 1. Peppermint Pattie Brownies: Add chopped peppermint patties to your brownie batter for a minty twist. 2. Peppermint Pattie Cookies: Mix chopped peppermint patties into your cookie dough for a festive treat.

The Benefits of Eating Peppermint Patties

Although Peppermint Patties are not the healthiest food option, they do offer some benefits. Peppermint oil, one of the main ingredients in this sweet treat, has been found to have several positive effects on the body. Some of these benefits include: - Relieving digestive issues such as bloating and gas - Improving brain function and alertness

The Drawbacks of Eating Peppermint Patties

Peppermint Patties are high in sugar, which can lead to several negative health effects if consumed in excess. Some of these drawbacks include: - Increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes - Higher chance of dental cavities

Alternatives to Peppermint Patties

If you're trying to cut back on your sugar intake but still want something minty and chocolaty, there are several alternatives to Peppermint Patties. Some of these include: - Dark chocolate-covered almonds - Mint-flavored gum

How to Make Your Own Peppermint Patties

If you want to create your own version of the Peppermint Pattie, here's a recipe you can follow: - Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter, 2 tbsp evaporated milk, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, and green food coloring in a bowl. Mix until smooth. - Roll the mixture into small balls and flatten them. Place them on a cookie sheet and freeze them for 10 minutes.