Do All Cough Drops Have Sugar? The Truth About Sweeteners in Lozenges

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2018 study on pediatric liquid medicines, all tested samples contained sugar, but this is not the case for all cough drops. Many brands offer sugar-free options, and knowing what to look for is crucial for managing your health.

Quick Summary

Not all cough drops contain sugar; many sugar-free alternatives are available, utilizing sweeteners like isomalt, sucralose, or stevia. It is important to read labels carefully to identify the right option for your dietary and health needs.

Key Points

Not All Cough Drops Have Sugar: While many traditional drops do, there are numerous sugar-free alternatives on the market.
Read the Label Carefully: Checking the ingredient list is crucial to identify if a cough drop contains sugar, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners.
Sugar-Free Options Use Alternatives: These products use sweeteners like sucralose, stevia, or sugar alcohols such as isomalt, maltitol, and sorbitol.
Be Mindful of Sugar Alcohols: Excessive consumption of some sugar alcohols, like sorbitol, can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
Herbal Doesn't Always Mean Sugar-Free: Some herbal cough drops, especially those with honey, contain sugar. Always check the label.
Consider Natural Remedies: Simple home remedies like honey in tea, warm saltwater gargles, and steam can effectively soothe a cough.

The Sweet Truth: Why Many Standard Cough Drops Contain Sugar

For many years, the sweetness in cough drops was not a secondary consideration but a primary feature, designed to make the medication more palatable and to provide a soothing, coating effect on the throat. The most common forms of sugar found in these products include corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and simple sucrose. This sweetening agent serves a dual purpose: it masks the often medicinal or bitter taste of the active ingredients, such as menthol, and triggers saliva production, which helps to lubricate and soothe an irritated throat.

However, the frequent consumption of sugary cough drops comes with significant health drawbacks. A primary concern is their impact on oral health. As the lozenge slowly dissolves, it coats the teeth in sugar, creating a prime environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive, a risk that is exacerbated by frequent use. Dentists often compare this to sucking on candy throughout the day. For individuals with diabetes, this influx of sugar can cause a dangerous spike in blood glucose levels, a concern that requires careful monitoring. In children, where cough drops are often marketed similarly to candy, the risk of dental decay is especially pronounced.

The Rise of Sugar-Free Cough Drops

Fortunately, for those who need to monitor their sugar intake, the market has expanded to include a wide array of sugar-free cough drops. These products provide the same soothing relief without the added sugar, making them a better choice for diabetics and those concerned about dental health. The key to these alternatives lies in their use of non-sugar sweeteners, which fall into two main categories: artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.

Understanding Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Alcohols

Artificial Sweeteners: These are synthetic sugar substitutes that are many times sweeter than table sugar and are calorie-free. Examples found in sugar-free cough drops include sucralose and acesulfame potassium. They provide sweetness without impacting blood sugar levels, though excessive consumption may have other, often studied, health implications.
Sugar Alcohols: These are carbohydrates that are not fully digested by the body. Common examples include isomalt, maltitol, and sorbitol. While they do contain calories, they are lower than sugar and have a less significant effect on blood glucose. The most notable side effect of consuming too much of a sugar alcohol like sorbitol is its potential laxative effect, which can cause gastrointestinal distress.

How to Read a Cough Drop Label

To ensure you are choosing a sugar-free product, a careful inspection of the ingredient list is necessary. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, including the type of sweetener used. Here is a guide to what to look for:

Look for Sugars: Scan the label for terms like sugar, sucrose, glucose syrup, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, and honey. If these are listed, the product contains sugar.
Identify Sugar-Free Indicators: The front of the package will often prominently display sugar-free, no sugar added, or mention specific sweeteners like stevia or sucralose.
Recognize Sugar Alcohols and Artificial Sweeteners: Be aware of ingredients such as isomalt, maltitol, sorbitol, and xylitol which are sugar-free sweeteners. While beneficial for blood sugar control, moderate consumption is advised, especially with sorbitol.

Natural Alternatives and Herbal Cough Drops

Some consumers may turn to herbal cough drops, but it is a misconception that these are automatically sugar-free. Many, especially those with honey as a flavor, contain added sugars or syrup. The label must be checked to confirm if they are truly sugar-free, with some brands explicitly stating they are sweetened with stevia.

Beyond commercial products, several natural home remedies can offer soothing relief:

Honey: A teaspoon of honey can help soothe a dry cough and irritated throat. It is an effective natural cough suppressant, but should not be given to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
Saltwater Gargle: For a sore throat that causes coughing, gargling with warm salt water can help reduce irritation.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a humidifier can help loosen mucus and provide relief for a congested chest.
Herbal Tea: Warm teas with lemon and herbs like ginger or thyme can be soothing. The warm liquid helps thin mucus and the herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison Table: Sugary vs. Sugar-Free Cough Drops


Feature	Sugary Drops	Sugar-Free Drops
Sweetening Agent	Sucrose, glucose syrup, corn syrup, honey	Sugar alcohols (isomalt, sorbitol), artificial sweeteners (sucralose, stevia)
Dental Impact	Increased risk of cavities and tooth decay, especially with frequent use	Generally better for dental health; sugar alcohols can still contribute to acid production but less so than sugar
Blood Sugar Impact	Can cause spikes in blood glucose levels; not suitable for diabetics without caution	Minimal to no impact on blood sugar, making them safer for diabetics
Caloric Content	Higher calorie count due to sugar content	Low to zero calories, depending on the sweetener used
Potential Side Effects (Excessive Use)	Weight gain, metabolic issues; high doses of menthol can cause nausea	Digestive issues (diarrhea, bloating) from sugar alcohols

Conclusion

The notion that all cough drops are laden with sugar is a misconception. A large selection of sugar-free options is available, catering to the needs of diabetics and those seeking to protect their oral health. Consumers should practice due diligence by reading ingredient labels carefully to identify the type of sweetener used and be mindful of potential side effects associated with high consumption of sugar alcohols. For those who prefer natural remedies, proven alternatives like honey and steam are also effective. Choosing the right cough drop depends on individual health goals, and with the variety available today, informed decisions are easier than ever. For further details on specific ingredients and potential side effects, consult health resources like Healthline's article on artificial sweeteners.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all cough drops are bad for your teeth. Sugary cough drops can contribute to tooth decay, similar to candy, especially with frequent use. Sugar-free cough drops, however, pose less risk to dental health.

Sugar-free cough drops work by using artificial sweeteners (e.g., sucralose, stevia) or sugar alcohols (e.g., isomalt, sorbitol) to provide the sweet taste and soothing effect without a high sugar content. They still contain the active ingredients, such as menthol, to relieve symptoms.

Yes, diabetics can use cough drops, but they must choose sugar-free varieties specifically. Regular cough drops can cause an unhealthy spike in blood glucose levels. It is important for diabetics to read labels carefully and consult a doctor if unsure.

Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol often used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free cough drops. It provides sweetness with fewer calories than sugar and has a minimal impact on blood glucose. However, consuming large quantities of sorbitol can have a laxative effect.

Not always. While some children's cough drops are essentially candy made with corn syrup or glucose syrup, many brands also offer sugar-free versions. It is crucial to check the ingredient list to be sure.

Check the ingredient list on the packaging for terms like sucrose, glucose syrup, corn syrup, or high-fructose corn syrup. Many brands will also explicitly state 'sugar-free' on the package. If you see sweeteners like stevia, sucralose, or isomalt listed, it is sugar-free.

Effective natural alternatives include soothing herbal tea with honey and lemon, gargling with warm salt water, and using a humidifier. Note that honey should not be given to children under 1 year old.