Are Ricola Low in FODMAP? A Detailed Guide to Cough Drops and Digestive Health

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 15% of the global population is affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), making a low FODMAP diet a crucial tool for symptom management. For individuals following this strict eating plan, every food item counts, including over-the-counter products like throat lozenges. This guide answers the key question: Are Ricola low in FODMAP?

Quick Summary

The FODMAP content of Ricola cough drops depends heavily on the specific variety, particularly regarding sweeteners. While the original herb flavor is generally considered low FODMAP, sugar-free and honey versions contain high-FODMAP ingredients that should be avoided by individuals with IBS.

Key Points

Ricola Original is generally low FODMAP: Due to low FODMAP sweeteners like sucrose and glucose syrup, the original herb variety is likely safe in moderate amounts.
Avoid sugar-free Ricola varieties: These products typically contain polyols (sugar alcohols) such as sorbitol or isomalt, which are high FODMAP and can trigger digestive issues.
Honey versions are high FODMAP: Ricola with honey contains fructose, a high FODMAP monosaccharide, and should be avoided during the diet's elimination phase.
Always read ingredient labels carefully: The key to determining a product's FODMAP status lies in its ingredients list. Scrutinize for hidden polyols, fructose, or concentrated fruit juices.
Portion size matters: Even with low FODMAP ingredients, consuming large quantities of any sweetened product can sometimes be problematic for sensitive individuals.
The herbal mix is likely safe: While some herbs can be high FODMAP, the small, concentrated amounts in Ricola's herb mixture are generally not a concern for most people.

The low FODMAP diet is a temporary eating plan designed to help manage the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). When a sore throat or cough strikes, it is important to know if common remedies like Ricola cough drops are safe to consume. The answer is not a simple 'yes' or 'no' and requires a careful look at the ingredients of different varieties.

The Low FODMAP Diet Explained

The low FODMAP diet was developed by researchers at Monash University and involves a three-step process. The acronym FODMAP stands for:

Fermentable
Oligosaccharides
Disaccharides
Monosaccharides
Polyols

These are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. For individuals with IBS, these carbohydrates can draw excess water into the bowel and be rapidly fermented by gut bacteria, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, pain, and altered bowel habits. During the elimination phase of the diet, all high FODMAP foods are avoided for a period of 2–6 weeks. Afterward, foods are systematically reintroduced to identify individual trigger foods and establish a personalized dietary pattern.

Are Ricola Low in FODMAP? A Look at Common Varieties

To determine the FODMAP status of Ricola, one must examine the ingredients of each specific type. The presence of certain sweeteners and other additives can change a product from being low FODMAP to high FODMAP.

Ricola Original Herb Cough Drops

The original Swiss herbal cough drop contains ingredients like sugar, starch syrup, and a mixture of herbs. Sucrose and glucose syrup are generally considered low FODMAP. While the herbal mix contains ingredients like elderflower, which can be high in FODMAPs in large quantities, the small amount used for flavoring is likely to be well-tolerated by most individuals. Based on analysis by some low FODMAP experts, the original flavor can be considered safe for those on the diet.

Ricola Sugar-Free Cough Drops

This is where significant caution is needed. Sugar-free varieties of cough drops, including Ricola's, often rely on polyols, or sugar alcohols, as a sweetener. Common polyols include sorbitol, isomalt, and xylitol. These are classified as high FODMAP ingredients and can trigger severe digestive symptoms in sensitive individuals. Therefore, sugar-free Ricola products are generally not considered low FODMAP and should be avoided during the elimination phase.

Ricola Honey Herb and Other Flavored Lozenges

Flavors that incorporate honey, such as Ricola Honey Herb, are also problematic for the low FODMAP diet. Honey is naturally high in fructose, a monosaccharide, and is considered a high FODMAP ingredient in all but very small, trace amounts. A single cough drop with honey could contain enough fructose to cause symptoms for someone sensitive to it. Other flavored varieties with concentrated fruit juices, like pear or apple, are also high FODMAP due to their high fructose content.

How to Choose a Low FODMAP-Friendly Lozenge

If you need a throat soother while following the low FODMAP diet, follow these guidelines:

Check the ingredients list: Always read the label. Avoid products listing polyols (sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, xylitol), honey, high fructose corn syrup, or concentrated high FODMAP fruit juices.
Stick to simple ingredients: Look for products sweetened with cane sugar, dextrose, or glucose syrup. These are generally low FODMAP sweeteners.
Opt for plain flavors: Choose classic flavors with simple, verifiable ingredients. The more complex the flavor, the higher the chance of hidden high FODMAP components.
Use the Monash FODMAP app: This resource provides lab-tested information on the FODMAP content of many products, and can be helpful for checking similar products or ingredients.

Ingredient Comparison: Ricola Varieties and Other Lozenges


Ingredient Category	Low FODMAP Option (e.g., Original Ricola)	High FODMAP Option (e.g., Sugar-Free Ricola)
Sweeteners	Sucrose (sugar), Starch Syrup (glucose syrup)	Polyols: Isomalt, Sorbitol, Xylitol
Herbal Extracts	Ricola herb mixture (small quantity, likely tolerated)	N/A
Flavors	Natural flavor, caramel color	High FODMAP fruit concentrates, honey
Key FODMAPs	None in low FODMAP varieties	Polyols (in sugar-free), Fructose (in honey)
Verdict	Safe for elimination phase (in moderation)	Avoid during elimination phase

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for Your Health

In summary, the question, Are Ricola low in FODMAP? has a nuanced answer. The original, sugar-based Ricola cough drops are likely safe for most individuals on a low FODMAP diet when consumed in moderation. However, sugar-free varieties that contain polyols, as well as honey-flavored options, should be avoided entirely during the elimination phase. It is essential to develop the habit of reading product labels carefully to identify hidden high FODMAP ingredients. By choosing the right product, you can soothe your symptoms without compromising your digestive health journey.

For more detailed information and guidance on the low FODMAP diet, you can refer to authoritative sources like the Monash University FODMAP Diet website, a leading resource in this field. https://www.monashfodmap.com/about-fodmap-and-ibs/

Frequently Asked Questions

The safety of Ricola depends on the variety. The original, sugar-based flavor is generally considered low FODMAP, while sugar-free and honey-containing options are high FODMAP and should be avoided.

You should avoid products listing high FODMAP sweeteners such as polyols (sorbitol, isomalt, xylitol) and honey. Concentrated fruit juices, especially apple or pear, should also be avoided.

Sugar-free products often use sugar alcohols (polyols) like sorbitol, isomalt, or xylitol to provide sweetness without calories. These polyols are fermentable short-chain carbohydrates and are classified as high FODMAP.

In most Ricola products, the herbal extracts are present in such small, concentrated quantities that they are unlikely to contain significant FODMAPs or trigger symptoms for most individuals.

No, honey is naturally high in fructose, a high FODMAP monosaccharide. Even in small quantities, honey can trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals, so honey-flavored Ricola should be avoided.

Look for products with simple ingredients and sweeteners like glucose syrup, dextrose, or plain sugar (sucrose). Always read the ingredient list carefully and avoid any high FODMAP sweeteners or fruit concentrates.

Polyols are a class of sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and mannitol, that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine. They can ferment in the gut, causing gas, bloating, and other digestive distress for individuals with IBS.