Is Extra Peppermint Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims of "sugar-free" to see what is actually in the product. The formula for Extra Peppermint is designed for sweetness and texture, but it introduces ingredients that conflict with a ketogenic lifestyle.

The primary issue is the base of the gum. It contains Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate and Sorbitol. While these are sugar alcohols, they are not created equal. Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate is partially derived from corn or potato starch. Even though it is processed to remove sugar, the starch origin means it can still contain enough carbohydrates to impact your blood glucose levels. For a strict keto diet, any starch derivative is a red flag.

Furthermore, the gum uses a combination of Sorbitol and Mannitol. These are known as polyols. While they have a lower glycemic index than table sugar, they are notorious for causing digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea when consumed in larger amounts—often referred to as the "laxative effect." This is because the body does not absorb them fully, and they ferment in the gut.

Finally, the sweetness comes from an artificial blend of Aspartame and Acesulfame K. While these are technically zero-calorie and keto-compliant, many clean-eating keto adherents prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners due to their potential impact on gut health and insulin response.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, the numbers seem deceptively low. A stick of gum typically contains less than 5 calories and negligible fat or protein. However, the "carb" count is hidden in the sugar alcohols. Manufacturers often subtract sugar alcohols from the total carb count on the label, making the product appear to have zero net carbs.

The problem is that not all sugar alcohols affect the body the same way. The Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate in Extra Peppermint can still be metabolized to some degree, potentially raising blood sugar levels and halting ketosis. If you are sensitive to insulin spikes, this gum could be a hidden trap. Additionally, the lack of nutritional value means it offers no vitamins, minerals, or healthy fats—it is essentially empty calories (or empty carbs).