In 1783, Smith Kendon, proprietor of the London firm Smith & Company, came up with the idea for an exceptionally intense lozenge. Originally marketed to relieve intestinal discomfort, its 1920s advertising suggested that these mints could act as antidote to the poisons in the stomach. This led to the start of the iconic “curiously strong” branding campaign that still defines the brand to this day. The name Altoids was born out of the Latin “alt” (to change) and the Greek “oids” (taking the form of). Also, by the 1920s, to help protect the mints in pockets and handbags across the globe, the original cardboard box had been replaced by the distinctive metal tins of today.

The irreverent, quirky personality of Altoids has led Altoids Peppermint tins to be the #1 mint in the U.S.

Over the years the Altoids brand has expanded to include not only mints but sours, gum and sugar free mints in miniature portable tins. The flavor offerings have grown to include unique offerings like Passionfruit & Mango Sours as well as limited edition items like Licorice and Ginger. Altoids are for sale in the U.S., the U.K., Canada and South Korea.

For fun facts, ad viewing, games and ordering we invite you to visit Altoids.com.