How many calories are in HALLS black cherry sugar free?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the official product information, a single HALLS black cherry sugar-free cough drop contains just 5 calories. This low calorie count is due to the use of sugar alcohols, like isomalt, instead of traditional sugar, making them a suitable option for those monitoring their calorie intake or managing diabetes.

Quick Summary

Each HALLS black cherry sugar-free cough drop contains only 5 calories, derived from sugar alcohols rather than traditional sugar. While significantly lower in calories than regular cough drops, they are not zero-calorie. Key ingredients include isomalt and artificial sweeteners, which provide sweetness with fewer calories.

Key Points

5 Calories per Drop: Each Halls black cherry sugar-free cough drop contains exactly 5 calories.
Not Calorie-Free: The "sugar-free" label does not mean zero calories, as the sweetness is provided by caloric sugar alcohols.
Source of Calories: The small calorie count comes primarily from the sugar alcohol isomalt, which is a type of carbohydrate.
Minimal Blood Sugar Impact: The sugar alcohols in these drops are not fully absorbed, causing less impact on blood sugar compared to standard sugar.
Laxative Effect: Overconsumption of sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues, including a laxative effect.
Suitable for Diabetics (in moderation): The low impact on blood sugar makes these a suitable 'free food choice' for many diabetics, but consumption should be monitored.
Consideration for Fasting: If you are intermittent fasting, the 5 calories per drop might technically break a very strict fast, though it's metabolically insignificant for most.

Decoding the Calories in HALLS Black Cherry Sugar Free

When you're fighting a cough or sore throat, reaching for a cough drop is a common remedy. For those watching their sugar or calorie intake, sugar-free options like HALLS black cherry are a popular choice. However, the term "sugar free" doesn't always mean "calorie free." Understanding where these 5 calories come from is crucial for anyone on a strict diet or following a specific eating plan.

The Role of Sugar Alcohols

The primary reason HALLS black cherry sugar-free drops contain calories is the inclusion of sugar alcohols, specifically isomalt. Sugar alcohols, or polyols, are a type of carbohydrate that your body partially absorbs. They are not as intensely sweet as sugar, but they provide sweetness with fewer calories per gram. Regular sugar, or sucrose, contains approximately 4 calories per gram, while sugar alcohols typically range from 1.5 to 3 calories per gram. This is why the calorie count in sugar-free products is lower, but not zero.

Here is a list of the key ingredients that contribute to the drops' nutritional profile:

Isomalt: This sugar alcohol is the main bulking agent and sweetener, providing the drop with its structure and body.
Artificial Sweeteners: Ingredients like Acesulfame Potassium and Aspartame are used to boost sweetness without adding significant calories. Aspartame, however, contains phenylalanine, which is an important consideration for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Menthol: The active ingredient that acts as a cough suppressant and oral anesthetic.
Flavorings and Coloring: Additives like natural and artificial flavors, and food colorings (FD&C Red 40, FD&C Blue 1) give the drops their black cherry flavor and color.

Comparison: Sugar-Free vs. Regular Cough Drops

To truly appreciate the low-calorie nature of the sugar-free version, it's helpful to compare it with the standard, sugar-based varieties. The following table provides a clear breakdown of the nutritional differences, focusing on the average values based on general product information.


Feature	HALLS Black Cherry Sugar Free	HALLS Cherry (Regular)	Key Difference
Calories per Drop	5	15	Sugar-free has 66% fewer calories.
Carbohydrates per Drop	0g reported (Net Carbs)	Approx. 4g (from sugar)	Sugar-free uses non-sugar carbs.
Sweetening Agent	Isomalt and Artificial Sweeteners	Glucose Syrup, Sucrose	Source of sweetness and calories.
Impact on Blood Sugar	Minimal effect; suitable for many diabetics	Can cause blood sugar spikes	Significantly different glycemic impact.
Laxative Effect	Possible with excessive consumption	No significant laxative effect	A side effect of sugar alcohols.

Calorie Considerations for Diets and Fasting

For individuals following specific dietary protocols, such as intermittent fasting or a low-carb diet, the 5 calories per drop in HALLS black cherry sugar free is an important factor. While 5 calories is a very small amount, it is technically not zero. Some strict fasting protocols consider any calorie intake, regardless of how minimal, to be a fast-breaker. However, for most low-carb diets, this minimal amount is often negligible and does not interfere with ketosis.

How to Account for Cough Drop Calories

During Intermittent Fasting: If your fast is for metabolic or gut health purposes, a 5-calorie drop is likely insignificant. If it's a strict water-only fast, you should avoid it.
On a Low-Carb Diet: The net carb count is what matters most. Since sugar-free cough drops derive their sweetness from sugar alcohols, which are not fully absorbed, the net carbs are often listed as zero. However, it is wise to monitor how your body responds to sugar alcohols, as individual reactions vary.
For General Weight Management: A few drops a day won't derail your weight loss goals. The real issue is the potential for consuming them excessively. The cumulative effect of multiple drops can add up to a noticeable number of calories over time.

Conclusion

A single HALLS black cherry sugar-free cough drop contains 5 calories, primarily from the sugar alcohol isomalt. This makes it a much lower-calorie alternative to its sugary counterparts, and a viable option for those managing their sugar and calorie intake. However, it is not calorie-free, and excessive consumption can lead to minor side effects like a laxative effect. For most people, a couple of drops will have no meaningful impact on their diet, but those on very strict regimens should be mindful of the small caloric contribution. When in doubt, always read the nutrition label and consider your personal dietary needs before use.

For more detailed information on sugar alcohols and their health effects, refer to the Yale New Haven Hospital guide on the topic: Eat Any Sugar Alcohol Lately?

What to Know About HALLS Black Cherry Sugar-Free

Calorie Count: A single HALLS black cherry sugar-free cough drop has 5 calories.
Primary Sweetener: The drops are sweetened with isomalt, a sugar alcohol, and artificial sweeteners, not sugar.
Impact on Blood Sugar: Due to the use of sugar alcohols, the drops have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels.
No Zero Calories: While low in calories, they are not zero-calorie because sugar alcohols contain some energy.
Dietary Fit: The low calorie and net carb count make them suitable for many low-carb and diabetic diets.
Potential Side Effects: Excessive intake can lead to a laxative effect, a common side effect of sugar alcohols.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, 'sugar free' does not mean 'calorie free'. A Halls black cherry sugar-free cough drop contains 5 calories, which come from sugar alcohols like isomalt.

Regular Halls cherry cough drops contain approximately 15 calories per drop, while the sugar-free version contains only 5 calories per drop. This is because the sugar-free drops use caloric sugar alcohols instead of higher-calorie sugars.

Yes, many diabetics can consume Halls black cherry sugar-free drops in moderation. The American Diabetes Association considers one drop a 'free food choice' because it has a minimal impact on blood sugar. However, excessive consumption should be avoided.

Isomalt is a sugar alcohol used as a bulking agent and sweetener in many sugar-free products, including Halls. It provides a sweet taste with fewer calories than sugar and is responsible for the 5 calories found in the drops.

Yes, consuming too many sugar-free Halls cough drops can cause a laxative effect. This is a common side effect of ingesting excessive amounts of sugar alcohols, as they are not fully absorbed by the body.

Yes, despite being sugar-free, they contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar alcohols. However, because sugar alcohols have a lower caloric density and are not fully digested, the net carb count for one drop is often considered to be 0g.

For most fasting protocols, especially those focused on overall calorie restriction, a 5-calorie cough drop is unlikely to be significant. However, for extremely strict water-only fasts, any caloric intake technically breaks the fast.