The original Celebrated Curiously Strong Mints, were first produced in Britain at the turn of the 19th century during the reign of King George III. Smith & Co. (Est. 1780), the small London Firm that developed the original "curiously strong" recipe, later became part of Callard & Bowser, a prestigious confectioner, founded in 1837.

Altoids peppermints are specially formulated peppermint lozenges many times stronger than ordinary mints. Their curious strength comes from the generous use of real peppermint oil, as prescribed in the original recipe.

Altoids come in a small tin which have historically been reused in many different ways. Some examples are pinhole cameras, amateur radios, mini camping stoves, and to bring up to date, house mp3 players and battery cases.