Can I Eat Sweets When I Have a Throat Infection?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study mentioned by K Health, an influx of sugar into your bloodstream may temporarily weaken your immune system's effectiveness. When dealing with a throat infection, it's crucial to understand how certain foods, especially sugary treats, can impact your recovery and comfort.

Quick Summary

Eating sweets with a throat infection can worsen inflammation and temporarily suppress your immune system, potentially delaying recovery. Opt for soothing, nutrient-rich alternatives like honey, yogurt, or soft fruits to promote healing and provide relief.

Key Points

Avoid Excess Sugar: High sugar intake can increase inflammation in the throat and may suppress your immune system, potentially delaying recovery.
Choose Soothing Alternatives: Opt for honey, warm broths, plain yogurt, and soft, non-acidic fruits to provide comfort and nutrition.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, or warm broth keeps your throat moist and helps your body heal.
Listen to Your Body: While some cold treats offer temporary relief, pay attention to how your throat feels. If it causes more irritation, stop and choose another option.
Consult a Professional: If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by a high fever, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

The Double-Edged Sword of Sugar and Sore Throats

When a throat infection strikes, the desire for comforting, sweet foods like ice cream or baked goods can be strong. The cold temperature of ice cream, for instance, offers a temporary numbing effect on a sore throat. Similarly, sucking on a hard candy can increase saliva production, which helps keep the throat moist and can provide a soothing film. However, this temporary relief comes with a significant drawback: the high sugar content.

How Sugar Hinders Recovery

Excessive sugar consumption can be detrimental to your body's fight against infection. Here’s why:

Immune System Suppression: Your immune cells require a steady supply of vitamin C to function optimally. Sugar molecules are structurally similar to vitamin C, and when there is too much sugar in your bloodstream, immune cells may mistakenly absorb it instead of vitamin C. This can make your immune system less effective at fighting off the underlying infection.
Increased Inflammation: A diet high in sugar promotes inflammation throughout the body, including in the already-sensitive throat tissues. This can lead to increased pain and discomfort, potentially prolonging your symptoms.
Food for Bacteria: As some experts theorize, high sugar levels in the blood and tissue can create a more favorable environment for bacteria to thrive, which is a particular concern for bacterial infections like strep throat.

Healthier Alternatives for Soothing Your Throat

Instead of reaching for sugary sweets, several effective and nutritious options can provide both comfort and support for your immune system.

Honey: Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can coat the throat and reduce irritation. Mix it into warm water or herbal tea for a soothing drink. (Note: Do not give honey to children under 1 year old).
Warm Broths and Soups: Chicken or vegetable broth is hydrating and can help reduce inflammation. The steam can also help alleviate congestion.
Cool, Soft Fruits: Soft, non-acidic fruits like bananas, melons, and peaches are easy to swallow and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Plain Yogurt: This soft food is easy to swallow and contains probiotics that can help support your immune system. Choose unsweetened varieties and add soft fruit for flavor instead of sugar.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile and peppermint teas are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. The warmth can be comforting and help with hydration.

Comparison: Sugary Sweets vs. Healthy Alternatives


Feature	Sugary Sweets (e.g., Cake, Ice Cream)	Healthy Alternatives (e.g., Honey, Broth)
Effect on Inflammation	Increases inflammation in throat tissues due to high sugar.	Contains anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritation.
Immune System Impact	May suppress immune function by competing with vitamin C.	Many options provide vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics to support immune health.
Symptom Relief	Temporary relief from coldness or coating, but can cause lingering irritation.	Sustained soothing effect, promoting healing and comfort.
Nutritional Value	Little to no nutritional benefit beyond basic carbohydrates.	Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration.
Potential Side Effects	Can worsen throat irritation and delay recovery.	Minimal, though honey is not for infants under one.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Recovery

While the temptation to indulge in sugary sweets is understandable when you feel unwell, the evidence suggests it's best to limit or avoid them during a throat infection. The short-term comfort they provide is often outweighed by their inflammatory effects and potential to hinder your immune response. By opting for soothing, nutritious alternatives like warm honey tea, broth, or soft fruits, you can provide your body with the hydration and nutrients it needs to recover more effectively and feel better, faster. Always prioritize hydration and listen to your body, and if symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Important: For additional information on nutrition during illness, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides useful guidance. Always speak with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.

More Tips for a Healthier Recovery

Gargle with Salt Water: A classic remedy, gargling with warm salt water can help reduce swelling and kill bacteria in the throat.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids keeps your throat moist, which is crucial for healing.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from acidic foods, spicy dishes, and hard, crunchy items that can scratch your irritated throat.
Rest: Getting adequate rest is vital for giving your body the energy it needs to fight the infection effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the cold temperature of ice cream can temporarily numb the pain of a sore throat, the high sugar content can promote inflammation and may hinder your immune system. Moderation is key, but healthier cold alternatives like all-fruit popsicles or smoothies are often better.

Sugar can be bad for a sore throat because it may suppress immune function by competing with vitamin C in your bloodstream. It can also increase inflammation throughout the body, potentially worsening your throat pain and delaying recovery.

Excellent sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives include warm salt water gargles, herbal teas (like chamomile or peppermint), clear broths, and soothing foods like oatmeal sweetened with a little honey (for adults) or a mashed banana.

Yes, honey is a recommended remedy for sore throats in adults and children over one year old. It has natural antimicrobial properties and can coat the throat for a soothing effect. You can mix it into warm water or tea for relief.

It's best to avoid traditional sweets with high processed sugar content. Instead, consider naturally sweet, soft options like unsweetened yogurt with fruit, applesauce, or soft, low-acid fruits such as bananas or melons.

Medicated cough drops and lozenges are designed to provide temporary relief, but some contain a lot of sugar. While they can be helpful, it's wise to limit their use and choose sugar-free versions if possible to avoid contributing to inflammation.

Chocolate can be tricky. While some might find it comforting, dark chocolate, in particular, can have anti-inflammatory benefits. However, many types of chocolate are high in sugar and fat, which can promote inflammation. Proceed with caution and stick to small amounts of dark chocolate if you choose to indulge.