Cough drops
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Cough drops are hard, lozenge-shaped candies designed to soothe a sore throat, typically made from a sugar base that dissolves slowly in the mouth. They offer a burst of flavor—often menthol, eucalyptus, honey-lemon, or berry—followed by a cooling or warming sensation. Nutritionally, they are almost pure carbohydrate, delivering a quick energy hit with negligible protein, fat, or fiber.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 100% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love cough drops for their immediate, comforting effect on a scratchy throat and the satisfying, slow-dissolving ritual that delivers a concentrated burst of flavor. They are a familiar, go-to comfort item in many cultures during cold seasons or dry weather.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the high sugar content (over 31g per 100g), which can contribute to dental cavities and cause blood-sugar spikes, especially for diabetics. To mitigate, choose sugar-free varieties, use them sparingly, and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Some drops also contain high sodium or common allergens like gelatin.
Key benefits
- Provide temporary soothing relief for minor throat irritation
- Offer a quick source of energy from simple carbohydrates
- Often contain flavorful or aromatic compounds like menthol for a refreshing sensation
- Portable and easy to use for on-the-mouth comfort
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The first commercially sold cough drops were marketed in the 1920s not just for coughs, but as a breath mint and a way to prevent 'spreading germs' through the air.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 1.4 g |
| Energy | 394 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.10 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 98.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 31.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 2.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.15 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 2.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 19.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.00 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.60 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Are cough drops the same as regular hard candy?
While similar in texture, cough drops are formulated with specific active ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, or benzocaine to soothe throat irritation, whereas regular hard candy is purely for flavor and enjoyment.
Can eating too many cough drops be harmful?
Yes. Excessive consumption can lead to high sugar intake, potential laxative effects from sugar alcohols in sugar-free versions, or even an overdose of active ingredients like menthol, which can cause nausea or dizziness.
What's the best way to use a cough drop for maximum effect?
Let it dissolve slowly in your mouth over 15-30 minutes, allowing the active ingredients to coat your throat. Avoid chewing it, as that reduces the soothing contact time.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.94 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 31.4 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 9.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.