Slash Your Grocery Bill: This Affordable Mint Syrup Lacks Questionable Dyes!

It’s reminiscent of vacations, lunches on the terrace, and afternoons lounging on the sun deck. Mixed with still or sparkling water, mint syrup brings a vibrant green to our glasses every summer. This color is so familiar that one might believe it is natural, but that is far from the truth.

In most commercial syrups, the minty flavor comes from added flavors rather than directly infused leaves. In its raw form, the liquid is either clear or slightly yellowish. To achieve that eye-catching color, many manufacturers add an artificial dye: Brilliant Blue FCF, also known as E133. According to a study by Yuka, this additive is still found in 65% of mint syrups sold in France.

The presence of E133 is particularly concerning because it serves no purpose in the product other than aesthetics. It does not enhance preservation or flavor. However, its safety is debated. As Yuka notes, it is suspected of contributing to hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders in children (ADHD). Scientific studies also suggest potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects.

Nevertheless, today there are mint syrups available without E133, but they generally cost much more than their colored counterparts. Within the same brand, the price can nearly double between the “without” and the “with” versions. The app finds this unacceptable: “The absence of Brilliant Blue FCF should not become a premium option. Manufacturers already know how to produce mint syrups without this dye; these alternatives should be widespread and offered without significant additional cost to consumers”.

In this context, one product stands out: Paquito’s mint syrup sold at Intermarché. Transparent in color, it is priced at just €2.51 per liter, only four cents more than the brand’s green syrup. It is also the least expensive of all the E133-free options listed by the app: for comparison, Frucci’s dye-free syrup from E.Leclerc is priced at €5.06 per liter, while Teisseire’s reaches €5.27 per liter—more than double the price. Clearly, it’s possible to find a greener mint syrup without turning your grocery budget upside down.

Next time you add a dash of mint syrup to your drink, a quick glance at the label might be beneficial. Behind that reassuring green color might lurk an additive you’re better off without. And contrary to popular belief, opting for an E133-free version doesn’t necessarily mean paying a lot more.