From a small market town in the Lake District to some of the world's greatest adventures, discover how Kendal Mint Cake traveled far beyond Cumbria and meet the local makers carrying on the tradition.
First Things First, It's Not Actually Cake
If you've ever visited Kendal, there's a good chance you've come across Kendal Mint Cake. Despite its name, there's no sponge cake or frosting involved. It's a firm peppermint candy, traditionally made with sugar, glucose, water, and peppermint oil, and often sold in white, brown, or chocolate-covered varieties. It's particularly popular with hikers and climbers because it's easy to carry and provides a quick source of sugar, which can come in handy when somebody assures you you're "almost there" for the third time.
The candy's origins go back to the 19th century, when local confectioners began making versions that would eventually become synonymous with Kendal. One of the best-known early names was Robert Wiper, whose shop on Stricklandgate advertised Mint Cake. Several makers have produced their own recipes over the years, and locals can be surprisingly particular about their favorites. It's a bit like arguing over the best fish and chips, except in Kendal we're discussing peppermint.
From Kendal to the Ends of the Earth
What makes Kendal Mint Cake particularly interesting isn't really what's in it, but where it's been. Long before energy gels and modern sports nutrition products became commonplace, its high sugar content and convenient size made it a popular choice for people heading off on demanding adventures.
Kendal Mint Cake has historical associations with Sir Ernest Shackleton's 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition and with mountaineering in the Himalayas. It reportedly accompanied Sir Chris Bonington's successful Everest expedition in 1975 and, that same year, was associated with a cave exploration in Papua New Guinea described as an "Everest in Reverse." In 2004, it was also included in the supplies for Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's Long Way Round motorcycle journey. For something made in a small Cumbrian market town, it's certainly managed to get around.
Not bad for a bar of peppermint candy.
A Local Favorite With a New Generation of Makers
Of course, most of us aren't planning to climb Everest or cross Antarctica. For generations, Kendal Mint Cake has been something people tuck into a hiking bag, buy as a souvenir, or remember from family days out in the Lakes. It's one of those products that feels very much part of the area, even if you don't spend much time thinking about its history.
Local businesses are still finding ways to build on that tradition. Kendal Mint Co., led by Jack and Paul, takes inspiration from the town's candy-making heritage while developing products for today's outdoor enthusiasts. Alongside traditional Mint Cake, its range includes energy gels and other products for hikers, runners, and cyclists. It's quite a natural development when you think about it: the original candy was popular with adventurers long before sports nutrition had its own supermarket aisle.
Here at Kendamil, we love discovering the stories behind other businesses that share our hometown. The history of Kendal Mint Cake is very different from ours, although there's something familiar about seeing a product with roots in a small Cumbrian town become known much farther afield. Next time you're visiting the Lakes, keep an eye out for a bar. You don't need to be planning an expedition to enjoy one.
