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Spearmint vs. Peppermint: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Spearmint has a milder, sweet flavor and is often used in cooking, while peppermint has a stronger, more intense flavor and is widely used in products like toothpaste and candies.
Spearmint vs. Peppermint

Key Differences

Spearmint, scientifically known as Mentha spicata, is characterized by its sweet, mild flavor and is commonly used in culinary dishes. Peppermint, or Mentha piperita, has a more intense and sharp flavor profile, often described as cooling or refreshing.
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Nov 19, 2023
The leaves of spearmint are generally green, and the plant is known for its softer, more rounded leaves. In contrast, peppermint typically has darker green leaves with a more pointed shape, and its stems are often purple.
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Spearmint is widely used in fresh or dried forms in various cuisines, especially in Middle Eastern dishes. Peppermint, on the other hand, is more popular in Western cuisines and is often used in sweets, gums, and as a flavoring in beverages.
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The essential oil content differs significantly between the two. Spearmint oil is milder, containing less menthol compared to peppermint oil, which has a high menthol content, contributing to its stronger flavor and cooling effect.
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In terms of medicinal uses, spearmint is often used for its digestive benefits and mild aroma. Peppermint, with its higher menthol content, is used in products for relief from colds, headaches, and for its analgesic properties.
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Comparison Chart

Scientific Name

Mentha spicata
Mentha piperita
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Nov 19, 2023

Flavor Profile

Milder, sweet flavor.
Stronger, intense, cooling flavor.
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Leaf Appearance

Softer, rounded green leaves.
Pointed, darker leaves, often purple stems.
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Culinary Uses

Common in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Popular in Western sweets and beverages.
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Medicinal Uses

Used for digestive benefits.
Used for colds, headaches, analgesic.
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Essential Oil Content

Lower menthol content.
Higher menthol content.
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Nov 19, 2023

Spearmint and Peppermint Definitions

Spearmint

A species of mint with a sweet flavor.
She added fresh spearmint to the lemonade for a refreshing taste.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Peppermint

A plant commonly used in toothpaste and mouthwash for its cooling effect.
Her toothpaste had a refreshing peppermint flavor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 15, 2023

Spearmint

A plant used for its aromatic properties.
The garden was fragrant with blooming spearmint.
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Nov 15, 2023

Peppermint

A flavoring agent used in culinary dishes and confectionery.
The peppermint chocolate was rich and invigorating.
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Spearmint

A perennial plant used in cooking and beverages.
The recipe called for a handful of spearmint leaves.
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Peppermint

A hybrid mint plant known for its strong, refreshing flavor.
Peppermint oil is a key ingredient in many candies.
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Spearmint

A herb known for its digestive health benefits.
Spearmint tea is often drunk for stomach comfort.
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Peppermint

A medicinal herb used in aromatherapy and health products.
Peppermint tea is popular for relieving headaches.
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Spearmint

A mint variety often used in toothpaste and chewing gum.
The spearmint gum offered a mild, pleasant flavor.
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Peppermint

A hybrid perennial plant (Mentha ×piperita) in the mint family, having small purple or white flowers and downy leaves that yield a pungent oil used as a flavoring and in some medicinal preparations.
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Spearmint

An aromatic Eurasian plant (Mentha spicata) in the mint family, having clusters of small purplish flowers and yielding an oil used widely as a flavoring.
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Peppermint

A candy or lozenge flavored with oil from this plant.
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Spearmint

A herb of the mint family (Mentha spicata), commonly used in herb tea, candy and to treat mild stomach ache.
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Oct 19, 2023

Peppermint

A hybrid herb of the mint family (Mentha × piperita), formed by crossing watermint and spearmint, which has a high menthol content and a sharp flavor and is used in cooking, especially in herb teas and in confections.
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Spearmint

A species of mint (Mentha viridis) growing in moist soil. It vields an aromatic oil. See Mint, and Mentha.
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Peppermint

(countable) A confection containing extract of peppermint.
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Spearmint

Common garden herb having clusters of small purplish flowers and yielding an oil used as a flavoring
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Peppermint

An aromatic and pungent plant of the genus Mentha (Mentha piperita), much used in medicine and confectionery.
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Peppermint

A volatile oil (oil of peppermint) distilled from the fresh herb; also, a well-known essence or spirit (essence of peppermint) obtained from it.
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Peppermint

A lozenge of sugar flavored with peppermint.
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Peppermint

Herb with downy leaves and small purple or white flowers that yields a pungent oil used as a flavoring
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Peppermint

Red gum tree of Tasmania
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Peppermint

A candy flavored with peppermint oil
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Peppermint

A plant with high menthol content, used in cold remedies.
She applied peppermint balm to relieve her nasal congestion.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is the main flavor difference between spearmint and peppermint?

Spearmint has a milder, sweeter flavor, while peppermint is more intense and cooling.
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Is peppermint or spearmint better for digestion?

Both can aid digestion, but spearmint is often preferred for its milder effect.
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Can spearmint be used in place of peppermint in recipes?

Yes, but expect a milder flavor if substituting spearmint for peppermint.
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Which has a higher menthol content, spearmint or peppermint?

Peppermint has a higher menthol content compared to spearmint.
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Are spearmint and peppermint leaves similar in appearance?

No, spearmint leaves are softer and more rounded, while peppermint leaves are darker and more pointed.
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Is peppermint oil stronger than spearmint oil?

Yes, peppermint oil is generally stronger and more pungent than spearmint oil.
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Can spearmint help with bad breath?

Yes, spearmint is often used in chewing gums and mouthwashes for freshening breath.
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Are spearmint and peppermint interchangeable in cocktails?

They can be used interchangeably, but they will impart different flavors to the cocktail.
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Nov 19, 2023

Can I grow spearmint and peppermint in the same garden?

Yes, but they should be spaced apart as they can cross-pollinate.
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Nov 19, 2023

Is peppermint tea good for colds?

Yes, peppermint tea is beneficial for colds due to its menthol content.
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Which is more commonly used in toothpaste, spearmint or peppermint?

Peppermint is more commonly used in toothpaste for its strong, refreshing flavor.
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Can peppermint relieve headaches?

Yes, peppermint is known for its headache-relieving properties.
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Is spearmint a good source of nutrients?

Yes, spearmint contains vitamins, antioxidants, and essential oils.
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Which is more popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, spearmint or peppermint?

Spearmint is more popular in Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Can peppermint help with nasal congestion?

Yes, the menthol in peppermint can help relieve nasal congestion.
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Are spearmint and peppermint both perennials?

Yes, both spearmint and peppermint are perennial plants.
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Is spearmint good for skin care?

Yes, spearmint can be beneficial for skin care due to its soothing properties.
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Is spearmint tea caffeine-free?

Yes, spearmint tea is naturally caffeine-free.
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Can peppermint oil repel insects?

Yes, peppermint oil is often used as a natural insect repellent.
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Can peppermint be used in baking?

Yes, peppermint is commonly used in baking, especially in desserts.
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Nov 19, 2023

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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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