Peppermint vs Spearmint: Taste, Strength and Which to Brew
Stand two cups of mint tea side by side and you will spot the difference before you taste it. Peppermint delivers a sharp, almost icy blast that opens your sinuses and lingers on the tongue. Spearmint is gentler, sweeter and lets you take a second sip without wincing. The reason comes down to one compound: menthol. Peppermint contains around 40 percent menthol, while spearmint sits at roughly 0.5 percent. That forty-fold difference explains why peppermint cools aggressively and spearmint feels almost mellow. If you have ever grabbed the wrong mint at the supermarket and found your lamb salad tasting like toothpaste, you already know it matters.
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Both are proper mints from the Mentha genus and both brew a caffeine-free infusion. The choice is about intensity: do you want your cup to hit hard or keep things soft?
At a glance
- Peppermint contains around 40% menthol; spearmint around 0.5%
- Peppermint tastes bold and cooling; spearmint is milder and sweeter
- Both are naturally caffeine-free
- Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint
- Spearmint suits savoury cooking; peppermint suits sweets and strong teas
- Brew either at 100°C for 3 to 5 minutes
What is the difference between peppermint and spearmint?
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a hybrid, created when spearmint (Mentha spicata) crossed with water mint (Mentha aquatica). That extra parent gave peppermint its signature punch. Spearmint grows naturally across much of the world and takes its name from its pointed, spear-shaped leaves. Peppermint leaves are darker, rounder and often have a slight purple tint from reddish stems.
Both plants spread through underground runners, pop up near streams and damp spots, and produce pink or lavender flowers. But put a leaf of each on your tongue and the story diverges. Peppermint bites; spearmint soothes. That is the essential split to remember.
Peppermint vs spearmint: a side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Peppermint | Spearmint |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Mentha x piperita | Mentha spicata |
| Menthol content | Around 40% | Around 0.5% |
| Key compound | Menthol | Carvone |
| Flavour | Sharp, cooling, peppery | Mild, sweet, fresh |
| Leaf shape | Rounded, darker green | Pointed, bright green |
The compound carvone gives spearmint its subtler, sweeter character. Menthol gives peppermint the cooling sensation that can feel almost spicy. When you see mint-flavoured sweets packaged in blue, that is usually peppermint; green packaging tends to mean spearmint.
What does each one taste like in a cup?
Peppermint tea
Bold, brisk and bracingly fresh. The menthol hits the moment the steam reaches your nose. In the mouth, there is a clean, almost antiseptic coolness followed by a peppery warmth at the back of the throat. It wakes you up without caffeine. A strong cup can clear a stuffy head on a damp February afternoon.
Spearmint tea
Softer and friendlier. There is still a fresh, green quality but it sits closer to garden herbs than to medicine. The sweetness is natural and gentle, making it easier to drink cup after cup. If peppermint feels too much first thing in the morning, spearmint is the kinder option.
Herbal Tea
Spearmint has a softer, sweeter mint flavour than peppermint. A fresh cup on its own.
Have a lookHow to brew mint tea properly
Both mints brew the same way. The difference is in how long you steep, depending on how strong you like it.
- Boil fresh water and let it settle for a few seconds (or use it straight off the boil; mint is forgiving).
- Use one teaspoon of loose leaf per cup, or a heaped teaspoon if you like it stronger.
- Pour over the water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Taste at 3 minutes. Peppermint intensifies quickly; spearmint stays mellow longer.
- Remove the leaves. No milk needed.
A roomy infuser or a teapot gives the leaves space to unfurl. If you are using a cramped ball infuser, you might need an extra half-minute. For iced mint tea, brew a little stronger, cool quickly and pour over plenty of ice. Store any leftover tea in the fridge and drink it the same day.
Common mistakes when brewing mint
The biggest error is leaving peppermint in too long. After five minutes, the menthol can turn almost medicinal, which puts people off when they might have loved a shorter steep. Spearmint is more forgiving but can become grassy if you push it past six minutes.
Adding milk is another misstep. Milk flattens the fresh, clean character of both mints. If you want a creamy mint drink, try a mint-flavoured black tea blend like Mint Choc Chip, which is designed to take milk.
Finally, storing mint near strong-smelling spices dulls the aroma. Keep your loose leaf in an airtight container away from the curry powder.
When to choose peppermint
Peppermint shines when you want a single dominant flavour. It works in desserts (candy canes, chocolate mint, ice cream), after a heavy meal when you need something clean and sharp, or as a wake-up brew when caffeine is off the table. The menthol's cooling effect makes it a favourite in lip balms, muscle rubs and chest-clearing inhalations.
In the kitchen, peppermint extract goes a long way. If you are substituting peppermint for spearmint in a recipe, start with half the amount and taste.
When to choose spearmint
Spearmint plays well with others. Its sweetness can offset a mix of herbs without drowning them. That is why it appears in tabbouleh, mojitos and lamb marinades. Traditional Moroccan mint tea pairs gunpowder green tea with spearmint, not peppermint, for exactly this reason. If you want to try that pairing, have a look at Mint Bazaar, our gunpowder and spearmint blend.
Spearmint also suits people who find peppermint too intense. If you have tried peppermint and found it overwhelming, spearmint might suit you better.
Peppermint and spearmint tea blended together
Why choose when you can have both? Blending peppermint and spearmint gives a cup that has a bright menthol top note but a softer, sweeter finish. Our Mint Mix does exactly this: peppermint and spearmint sharing the pot. It is cool and fresh, a little sweeter than peppermint alone, and makes a good middle ground if you are buying for a household with mixed preferences.
Herbal Tea
Peppermint and spearmint share the pot. Cool, fresh and a little sweeter than peppermint alone.
Have a lookWhat does the research say about mint?
Mint has attracted scientific attention over the years, particularly peppermint. A 2018 review looked at peppermint in various forms for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and a 2016 study examined diluted peppermint oil applied to the forehead for tension headaches. Spearmint has been studied for its antioxidant content and, separately, for potential effects on hormone balance in women with PCOS, though evidence remains limited.
Tea is a drink, not a medicine. If you have questions about digestive symptoms, headaches or hormones, speak to your GP or pharmacist. What we can say is that both mints are naturally caffeine-free, which makes them suitable for evenings, children (in moderation) or anyone avoiding caffeine.
A brief history of mint
Spearmint has grown wild across Europe and Asia for millennia. The Romans scattered it at feasts to freshen the air, and it has appeared in monastery gardens since the Middle Ages. Peppermint originated in Europe and was first formally described in England in the late seventeenth century. By the nineteenth century, British peppermint cultivation was centred in Mitcham, Surrey, supplying the confectionery and medicine trades. Today both mints grow in gardens, window boxes and that one corner of the allotment that nobody can control.
What to try next
If you want pure, crisp peppermint, Peppermint Tea is the place to start. For a gentler cup, Spearmint Tea brings the softer, sweeter side. Can't decide? Mint Mix blends both, or try the Caffeine-Free Tasting Box to compare five herbal teas including mint, chamomile and fruit. For more on how to get the best from pure peppermint, see our peppermint tea guide, or read up on spearmint tea for the milder alternative.
Not sure which suits you? The Tea Finder quiz takes a minute and points you in the right direction.
Order loose leaf online with free UK delivery on orders over £35. Or call into the shop in Byram Arcade, Huddersfield, and we will put the kettle on.
Frequently asked questions
Is spearmint or peppermint tea better?
Neither is better; they suit different tastes. Peppermint is bold and cooling, ideal if you want a strong, refreshing cup. Spearmint is milder and sweeter, easier to drink repeatedly. Try both and see which you prefer, or blend them together for a middle ground.
Can I substitute peppermint for spearmint in recipes?
Yes, but reduce the amount. Peppermint is roughly forty times higher in menthol, so start with half the quantity and taste before adding more. Delicate dishes like tabbouleh or a mint julep may lose their balance if you swap in peppermint without adjusting.
Does peppermint or spearmint tea have caffeine?
Both are naturally caffeine-free. They are herbal infusions made from leaves, not from the tea plant Camellia sinensis. That makes them suitable for evenings, children (in moderation) or anyone avoiding caffeine.
What does spearmint tea taste like compared to peppermint?
Spearmint is softer, sweeter and more herbal. Peppermint hits with a sharp, cooling blast and a slightly peppery warmth. If peppermint reminds you of toothpaste, spearmint will feel closer to fresh garden herbs.
Can I grow peppermint and spearmint at home?
Yes, both grow easily in pots or beds, though they spread aggressively. Keep them contained unless you want mint taking over the garden. Harvest leaves before flowering for the best flavour, and dry them in a warm, airy spot for tea.
Sources: Mental Floss · Medical News Today · wikiHow
