The three commercial mints explained — Mentha arvensis, peppermint and spearmint — their aromas, key constituents and best uses for buyers.
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The highest-volume mint and the source of most natural menthol. Sharp, cooling and menthol-rich — the workhorse of flavour, oral care and pharma.
Sweeter and more rounded than cornmint, prized in premium flavour, aromatherapy and cosmetics.
Defined by carvone, not menthol — the sweet, low-cooling mint of chewing gum and toothpaste.
If you want menthol or strong cooling, choose cornmint; for a smooth flavour, peppermint; for classic gum-mint, spearmint.
GC-MS distinguishes them clearly by their menthol/menthone/carvone profiles.
What is the difference between peppermint and spearmint?
Peppermint is cooling and menthol-rich; spearmint is sweet and carvone-rich with little cooling.
Which mint has the most menthol?
Mentha arvensis (cornmint) — it is the primary source of natural menthol.