What it is
Small rounds of creamy mint filling in a semisweet chocolate coating, with a dimple on one side.
The story
- 1949: first made by James O. Welch Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts; invented by Charles Vaughan.
- 1963: Nabisco takes over.
- 1988: Warner-Lambert takes over.
- 1993: Tootsie Roll Industries takes over.
Fun facts
- The name is a pun on "Junior Miss", a Broadway play that ran from 1941 to 1943 and was James Welch's favorite show.
- Still made in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Are Junior Mints still made?
Yes. Junior Mints are still made, by Tootsie Roll Industries, still made in Cambridge. Look for it at candy shops that stock old-fashioned candy, or search for Junior Mints on Amazon.
If you like Junior Mints
- Whoppers (1949): Light, crunchy malted milk balls with a chocolate-flavored coating, about three quarters of an inch across.
- York Peppermint Pattie (1940): A soft, cool peppermint center in dark chocolate.
- Sixlets (by 1960): Little round, candy-shelled chocolate-flavored balls in a cellophane tube.
- Mallo Cup (after 1936): A milk chocolate cup filled with whipped coconut marshmallow cream.
See every candy from the 1940s or all chocolate candies.
Frequently asked questions
When did Junior Mints come out?
Junior Mints were first made in 1949, by James O. Welch Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts; invented by Charles Vaughan.
Who makes Junior Mints now?
Tootsie Roll Industries, still made in Cambridge.
Are Junior Mints discontinued?
No. Junior Mints are still made by Tootsie Roll Industries, still made in Cambridge.
Questions and memories from readers
Remember Junior Mints, or have a question about it? Share it here. We add the best to this page.
Ask a question
Sources
Checked October 22, 2026. Junior Mints is a trademark of its owner; this page is not connected to the maker. How we check our facts.
