The Black Bullet Is Back
Mr Swainstons has secured an exclusive licence for Jesmona, the North East peppermint brand first made in 1906. The original Black Bullets, the original recipe and the famous striped tins are coming back to the shelves.
- 1906First made in the North East
- 3Ingredients, nothing more
- 120Years of peppermint
- UKExclusive licence: Mr Swainstons
The announcement
A North East icon comes home
Mr Swainstons, the traditional sweet shop on Fowler Street in South Shields, has signed a three-year exclusive licence for Jesmona, the North East peppermint brand best known for its Black Bullets. The deal gives us full UK rights to distribute, market and develop the Jesmona range.
For generations, Black Bullets were a pocket staple for the region's shipyard workers and coal miners: dark, glossy boiled mints with a bracing peppermint kick, sold in those famous striped tins. In recent years they have become harder and harder to find.
That changes now. The recipe stays exactly as it is, with the same three ingredients, the same herbal peppermint flavour and the same production standards. And the heritage tins are staying too.
Black Bullets are on sale now in our shop and here online, by the 100g and in the classic tin. Over the next three years we will also develop new traditional sweets under the Jesmona name, and we are opening wholesale to independent stockists and national retailers, so look out for Jesmona back on high-street shelves.
Heritage
Pit, Port and Pocket
Long before they were a nostalgic treat, Black Bullets were a working sweet, carried down the pits and through the shipyards of the North East.
- 1906
Born in the North East
Jesmona starts making its dark peppermint balls. The name is believed to come from Jesmond, in Newcastle.
- 1900s
Pit and shipyard
Black Bullets become a pocket staple for the region's coal miners and shipyard workers, and a fixture of corner shops for over a century.
- 2006
100 years strong
The brand marks its centenary with new 250g tins.
- 2026
Home to South Tyneside
Mr Swainstons secures a three-year exclusive licence and brings the original Black Bullets back to the shelves.
Buy direct
Get Your Bullets
Buy the original Black Bullets direct from our shop in South Shields, hand-packed and sent with tracked Royal Mail delivery.
-
-
-
For shops & stockistsWholesale jars & tins
Sweet shop jars and tins for retailers. Tell us what you need and we'll be in touch.
Register interest
Large tins are coming soon.
For shops & stockists
Stock Jesmona
We are opening wholesale distribution for Jesmona to independent stockists, heritage retailers and national buyers. Register your interest and a member of the team will be in touch.
- The original recipe, unchanged
- The classic striped heritage tins
- Exclusive UK licence held by Mr Swainstons
- A name with over a century of North East history
Already trade with us? Apply for a trade account on our wholesale website, or email jesmona@mrswainstons.com.
Good to know
Jesmona Questions
Everything you need to know about Jesmona and its Black Bullets.
What are Jesmona Black Bullets?
Jesmona Black Bullets are traditional peppermint boiled sweets from the North East of England. They are dark, glossy, round mints with a strong peppermint flavour, first made by Jesmona in 1906 and famous in the region's coal mines and shipyards.
What are Black Bullets made of?
Just three ingredients: sugar, glucose and peppermint oil. See the product page for full allergen and dietary information.
Why are they called Jesmona?
The name is believed to come from Jesmond, an area of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Who owns the Jesmona licence?
In 2026 Mr Swainstons, the traditional sweet shop in South Shields, signed a three-year exclusive licence giving it full UK rights to distribute, market and develop the Jesmona brand.
Has the recipe changed?
No. The recipe, the herbal peppermint flavour and the production standards are unchanged, and the heritage striped tins are staying too.
Where can I buy Jesmona Black Bullets?
Right here at mrswainstons.com, by the 100g or in the classic tin, and in the Mr Swainstons shop at 128–130 Fowler Street, South Shields. We deliver across the UK with tracked Royal Mail, and delivery is free on orders over £30.
Can my shop stock Jesmona?
Yes. Register your interest with the form on this page, apply for a trade account on our wholesale website, or email jesmona@mrswainstons.com.