Andes chocolate mints

Andes chocolate mints are an American confectionery brand built around thin, rectangular candies combining cocoa-based chocolate-flavored layers with a mint-flavored center. The best-known crème de menthe variety has a green mint layer between two chocolate layers and is generally wrapped in green foil bearing the Andes name and a mountain-peak design. The product is widely associated with after-dinner service, restaurant distribution, individual treats, and household sharing packs. The brand’s origins trace back to Andrew Kanelos, who opened a candy store in Chicago in 1921. The business was initially called Andy’s Candies, but Kanelos later changed the name to Andes Candies because he believed customers might be uncomfortable presenting candy identified with another man’s first name. The Andes mints themselves were introduced in 1950, establishing the product line that ultimately became the brand’s defining offering. Andes developed beyond its original mint format through additional flavors and related products. Variants mentioned in reference material include Mint Parfait, Cherry Jubilee, Toffee Crunch, seasonal Peppermint Crunch, Chocolatey Orange, Milk Chocolatey, and Mint Cookie Crunch. Some flavors, including Amaretto, were discontinued. A 2007 limited-edition Dessert Indulgence assortment extended the concept into dessert-inspired flavors such as Raspberry Cream, Lemon Meringue, and Key Lime. The brand has also been used in baking chips, ice cream, cookies, cake rolls, milkshakes, frozen desserts, coffee beverages, and other foodservice applications. Ownership changed several times. Andes was acquired by Swiss confectionery company Interfood in 1980, later becoming associated with Jacobs Suchard. Following Jacobs Suchard’s acquisition of Brach’s in 1987, Andes was placed within that business structure. In 1990, Jacobs Suchard was sold to Kraft General Foods, while Brach’s remained separate under Klaus J. Jacobs. Brach’s subsequently sold Andes to Tootsie Roll Industries in 2000. Tootsie Roll produces the candies at its facility in Delavan, Wisconsin, and continues to market Andes as part of its confectionery portfolio. In the United States, Andes mints have a particularly strong connection with restaurants and after-meal consumption. Olive Garden has distributed a special Andes flavor made exclusively for the chain; its flavor profile is described as similar to Andes Mint Parfait, although the proportions of the layers differ. Other restaurant, coffee, dessert, and quick-service businesses have used Andes pieces or products in shakes, custards, frozen desserts, and toppings. The brand therefore operates both as a packaged candy line and as an ingredient or branded inclusion in foodservice products.

Andrew Kanelos opened a candy store in Chicago in 1921. The store was first named Andy’s Candies, using a form of Kanelos’s own name. According to the brand history, Kanelos later changed the spelling to Andes Candies because he thought customers would be more comfortable giving candy identified with a neutral business name to wives or girlfriends. This naming change created the basis for the Andes identity. The Andes mint product was introduced in 1950. Its defining format was a small, thin rectangle constructed from two cocoa-based chocolate-flavored layers with a mint layer in the middle. The crème de menthe version became especially recognizable through its green foil wrapper, Andes wordmark, and illustration of snow-covered mountain peaks. The combination of chocolate, mint, compact size, and individual wrapping helped position the candy as both an after-dinner mint and a portable confection. The product line later expanded into multiple flavors and formats. In addition to the core crème de menthe style, reference material identifies Mint Parfait, Cherry Jubilee, Toffee Crunch, seasonal Peppermint Crunch, Chocolatey Orange, Milk Chocolatey, and Mint Cookie Crunch. Amaretto was offered but later discontinued. In 2007, Andes introduced a limited-edition Dessert Indulgence assortment with Raspberry Cream, Lemon Meringue, and Key Lime varieties. The brand also extended into baking chips, cookies, cake rolls, ice cream, and other dessert products, allowing Andes flavor and pieces to be used as ingredients rather than only sold as individually wrapped candies. Andes entered a succession of larger confectionery ownership structures. Interfood, a Swiss candy company, purchased the brand in 1980. Interfood later became associated with Jacobs Suchard. When Jacobs Suchard acquired Brach’s in 1987, Andes became part of the Brach’s division. In 1990, Jacobs Suchard was sold to Kraft General Foods, but Brach’s was retained separately by Klaus J. Jacobs. Brach’s sold Andes to Tootsie Roll Industries in 2000, ending the brand’s period within the Interfood, Jacobs Suchard, and Brach’s ownership chain. Under Tootsie Roll Industries, Andes has continued to be produced in Delavan, Wisconsin. Its principal market remains the United States, where the brand is recognized for restaurant distribution as well as retail candy sales. Olive Garden has used a special Andes mint flavor manufactured exclusively for the restaurant chain. That product is described as similar to Mint Parfait in taste, with a different ratio of chocolate and mint layers. Other foodservice and dessert businesses have incorporated Andes candies or pieces into milkshakes, frozen custard, coffee beverages, yogurt toppings, and related menu items. These uses have broadened the brand’s role from a packaged after-dinner mint to a recognizable chocolate-mint ingredient and topping. The core identity has remained stable despite changes in ownership and product diversification. Andes continues to be defined by its rectangular chocolate-and-mint construction, green visual identity, individually wrapped format, and connection with post-meal and dessert occasions.

• 2007

  Dessert Indulgence limited editions launch

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  The brand introduced a limited-edition assortment featuring Raspberry Cream, Lemon Meringue, and Key Lime flavors.

• 2003

  Baking chips are introduced

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  Andes expanded into baking chips, adapting its signature chocolate-mint format for home and commercial baking.

• 2000

  Acquisition by Tootsie Roll Industries

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  Brach’s sold Andes to Tootsie Roll Industries, which became the brand’s owner and producer.

• 1990

  Jacobs Suchard is sold to Kraft General Foods

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  Jacobs Suchard was sold to Kraft General Foods, while Brach’s and Andes remained separate under Klaus J. Jacobs.

• 1987

  Andes enters the Brach’s division

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  After Jacobs Suchard acquired Brach’s, Andes became part of that division.

• 1980

  Acquisition by Interfood

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  Andes was purchased by the Swiss confectionery company Interfood.

• 1950

  Andes mints are introduced

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  The signature chocolate-and-mint candy was launched, establishing the product line for which the brand became known.

• 1921

  Andrew Kanelos opens a Chicago candy store

  [1]Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org

  Andrew Kanelos opened the candy business that initially operated under the name Andy’s Candies.

An accessible chocolate-mint confectionery brand associated with after-dinner treats, restaurant service, everyday snacking, sharing, and dessert applications.

• Chocolate mint candy · 1950

  Andes Crème de Menthe Thins

  The signature Andes format is a thin rectangular candy with two cocoa-based chocolate-flavored layers surrounding a green mint-flavored center. Individual pieces are commonly wrapped in green foil printed with the Andes name and a mountain design. The candy is sold for after-dinner use, personal snacking, sharing, and restaurant distribution.

• Chocolate mint candy

  Andes Mint Parfait

  Mint Parfait is a mint-focused Andes flavor identified as similar to the special flavor supplied to Olive Garden, although the layer proportions differ. It extends the brand’s core chocolate-and-mint profile while remaining compatible with the standard thin, individually wrapped candy format.

• Seasonal chocolate candy

  Andes Peppermint Crunch

  A seasonal Andes variation combining the brand’s chocolate base with peppermint and a crunch element. Reference material identifies it as a seasonal offering rather than a continuously available core product.

• Baking ingredient · 2003

  Andes baking chips

  Baking chips adapt the Andes chocolate-mint concept for cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. They were introduced in 2003 and use the brand’s recognizable design while providing a format intended to be measured and mixed into recipes.

• Limited-edition flavored candy · 2007

  Andes Dessert Indulgence

  Introduced in 2007, the Dessert Indulgence assortment explored dessert-inspired profiles rather than relying solely on the standard mint flavor. The reported varieties were Raspberry Cream, Lemon Meringue, and Key Lime.

• Flavored chocolate candy

  Andes flavored varieties

  The broader flavor range has included Cherry Jubilee, Toffee Crunch, Chocolatey Orange, Milk Chocolatey, and Mint Cookie Crunch. Amaretto was also offered historically but is identified as discontinued. Availability can vary by period and market.

• Andes Mints

  Andes' signature product line combines mint flavor with chocolate, generally in small pieces intended for individual consumption or sharing. It is the brand's most recognizable core offering, although the available material is insufficient to confirm the full flavor, format, and market-specific range.

• 2007

  Dessert Indulgence limited-edition rangeProduct launch

  Background

  Andes explored dessert-inspired flavors as an extension of its established chocolate-mint identity.

  Action taken

  The brand launched Raspberry Cream, Lemon Meringue, and Key Lime varieties in a limited-edition assortment.

  Aftermath

  The assortment is described as a limited-edition product line rather than a permanent core range.

  Source

• 2003

  Expansion into baking chipsProduct launch

  Background

  The brand extended its chocolate-mint concept beyond individually wrapped candies into a format suitable for baking.

  Action taken

  Andes baking chips were introduced.

  Aftermath

  The line became usable in cookies, cakes, and other dessert recipes.

  Source

• 2000

  Brach’s sells Andes to Tootsie Roll IndustriesM&A

  Background

  Brach’s sold Andes during a period in which its ownership history included Interfood, Jacobs Suchard, and the Kraft General Foods transaction.

  Action taken

  Tootsie Roll Industries acquired Andes and added it to its confectionery portfolio.

  Aftermath

  Tootsie Roll became the brand’s owner and producer, with manufacturing identified in Delavan, Wisconsin.

  Source

• 1980

  Interfood acquisitionM&A

  Background

  Andes became part of a larger international confectionery company as the Swiss candy company Interfood acquired the brand.

  Action taken

  Interfood purchased Andes.

  Aftermath

  The brand later moved through the Jacobs Suchard and Brach’s ownership structures.

  Source

1. 1Andes chocolate mintsen.wikipedia.org