Altoids Curiously Strong Mints, Ginger, 1.76-Ounce Tins (Pack of 12)
Around the turn of the 19th century, during the reign of King George III, the recipe for the original Altoids was perfected by Smith & Company, a London confectionary firm. They were first sold in the U.S. in 1918, at that time sold in small, rectangular cardboard cartons. The tins so recognizable today were first introduced in the 1920s to help protect the mints and to stay neatly closed in pockets and handbags.Today, the Altoids line includes mints, sours, and gum.Why Are They Called Altoids?The exact origin of the name is unclear, but it seems that during the 19th century confections were given names employing the -oids suffix to imply a medicinal benefit (Altoids were promoted for more than a century as a "stomach calmative," though of course Altoids provides no medicinal benefit). Smith & Company also marketed several other remedies with –oids in their names, such as Benoids for delicate throats and chests, Zenoids for an easy digestion, Cyphoids to defend your throat, and Notoids antiseptic voice and throat pastilles.