Slim Mints

By: Tanya Taylor, PhD | May 12, 2005

'Lose weight and freshen your breath ... at the same time' is what the makers of Slim Mints promote. I must say, from a product development standpoint, this is one of the most interesting finds that I have come across. Not too many companies (that I know of) are marketing weight loss supplements as a mint, or even in a chewable form. This may be something for them to look into. I would rather chew a tablet than take a pill anyday. But would consumers take them seriously? Maybe having two forms of the product is the answer.

Anyhow, letting the food scientist in me take a back seat for a minute, I found these mints in CVS for $0.99 for about 50 mints. They taste great - like mints and are made using Splenda. They contain two ingredients which are supposed to increase metabolism (L-carnitine) and control appetite (Chromium). L-Carnitine is a non-essential organic nutrient synthesized from essential amino acids. Chromium is one of the 16 essential trace minerals, and in its biologically active form, chromium helps insulin metabolize fat, turn protein into muscle and convert sugar into energy.

A note on the website says not to eat more than 12 a day - PUT IT ON THE LABEL people! I think that's pretty important information, don't you? You are supposed to eat 1 or 2 about 30 minutes before each meal. I have been eating these mints for a few days now. I can't say whether it works or not, but I think it has curbed my voracious appetite a little bit. It's either that, or the fact that I'm currently on a diet makes me consciously eat less. I personally think it works for me, but I've told a few people, and some (Robert) are pretty skeptical and wouldn't even try one.

Note that dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA and these claims are unsubstantiated by any research. Therfore, I have to give this an overall rating of 3 stars. I will say, I like them though, and since I eat mints regularly, I think I'll be buying these for the entire summer to see if it really helps.

›› Rating

Taste (5/5):
Nutrition (3/5):
Price (5/5):
Overall (3/5):

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