You probably already know that I'm a big fan of coffee. And in recent years, straight after a strong shot of caffeine, I seem to have developed a craving for a very particular taste. That something is mint. (What, you thought I was going to say nicotine?)

So typically, in my coat pocket, jostling for space with the loose change and lip balm, is a packet of extra strong mints, Trebor or XXX or even Sainsbury's own. There ain't nothing quite like that minty kick on the tongue to take away the last traces of cappuccino breath. Only that kick doesn't seem to have the oomph it once had.

On my way to work t'other morning, stopping off for a copy of Thursday's Guardian, I spotted a funny looking tin nestling among the confectionery. Despite the 99p price tag, or perhaps inspired by this, I had to have it. For these were Altoids.

Posh sweets that these are, they have an inner lining, which proclaims:

ALTOIDS®, the Original Celebrated Curiously Strong Peppermints®, are specially formulated peppermint lozenges many times stronger than ordinary mints.

I'd love to tell you at this point that I popped one in my mouth and was blown away. That wasn't the case. They certainly put the humble Polo to shame with their classy chalky taste, but I wouldn't place them any higher than your average E.S.M. on the strengh-ometer. Still, I bet the tins are highly collectable.

If You Take Away With You Nothing Else
Sugar, gelling agents, flavouring, glucose syrup:

1. a dentist writes: if you've forgotten to brush your teeth, have a mint
2. avoid fruit Polos at all costs
3. those chewy mints look tempting, but one minute later they're gone

Be seeing you!

Ed