Should I Eat Candy with a Sore Throat? Here's What Doctors Say

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, sucking on hard candy or cough drops is a valid method for soothing a sore throat. The key is that they increase saliva production, which helps lubricate and add moisture to your throat. So, should I eat candy with a sore throat for relief?

Quick Summary

This article explores the effects of eating candy for a sore throat, examining the benefits of hard candy for temporary relief versus the potential drawbacks of high sugar content. It also outlines alternative remedies and lists foods to avoid.

Key Points

Temporary Relief: Hard candy stimulates saliva, which can lubricate and soothe a dry, scratchy throat for a short period.
High Sugar Concerns: Excessive sugar can increase inflammation and may suppress the immune system, potentially slowing down recovery from an infection.
Better Alternatives: For more effective relief without the sugar, consider a saltwater gargle, warm herbal teas with honey, or medicated lozenges.
Choking Hazard: Hard candies are a significant choking hazard and should never be given to children under five years old.
Foods to Avoid: Steer clear of hard, crunchy foods, acidic fruits, spicy seasonings, and very hot beverages that can further irritate the throat.
Medicated vs. Regular: Medicated lozenges often contain active ingredients like menthol or benzocaine that provide more direct, numbing relief than plain candy.
Focus on Soothing: The best strategy is to choose low-sugar, soft, or hydrating options that provide comfort and support your body's healing process.

The Soothing Effect of Hard Candies

When you have a sore throat, the constant irritation can be distracting and painful. Sucking on a hard candy can trigger saliva production, which naturally lubricates the throat, providing temporary relief from dryness and scratchiness. This demulcent action, essentially coating the throat with a soothing film, is the primary reason that hard sweets, much like traditional throat lozenges, can make a difference. It is important to note, however, that while hard candies provide comfort, they do not cure the underlying infection, which is often viral and must run its course. The comfort they provide is purely symptomatic.

Potential Downsides: Sugar and Inflammation

Despite the immediate soothing effect, regular candy comes with a significant drawback: its high sugar content. Several health experts suggest that consuming large amounts of sugar can be detrimental when you are sick. Sugar can contribute to inflammation throughout the body and may temporarily suppress your immune system’s effectiveness. This is because sugar molecules are structurally similar to vitamin C, and in the presence of high sugar levels, immune cells may take up sugar instead of the essential vitamin C they need to function optimally. This can weaken your body’s ability to fight off the infection causing your sore throat. For this reason, many prefer sugar-free lozenges or natural remedies to minimize sugar intake during illness. For children under five, hard candies are a choking hazard and should be avoided entirely.

Better Alternatives for Sore Throat Relief

Fortunately, there are many effective alternatives to sugary candy that can provide similar or better relief without the sugar crash. These methods focus on hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and soothing the inflamed tissues.

Saltwater Gargle: Dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargling can help reduce swelling and clear mucus from the throat.
Honey: For adults and children over one year old, a teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water or herbal tea can coat the throat and provide antimicrobial benefits.
Herbal Teas: Warm teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, can offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that help soothe an irritated throat.
Frozen Treats (Low-Sugar): Cold options like sugar-free popsicles or ice chips can help numb the throat and reduce pain.
Humidifier: Dry air can worsen a sore throat, so using a humidifier, especially at night, can help add moisture back into the air.

Food Choices to Avoid

Just as some foods can help, others can make a sore throat worse. Avoiding these can prevent further irritation and aid in a faster recovery.

Hard, Crunchy Foods: Crackers, chips, and dry toast can scratch and irritate the tender throat tissue.
Acidic Foods and Juices: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and their juices can sting and worsen inflammation.
Spicy Foods: Chili powder, hot sauce, and other spices can aggravate an already inflamed throat.
Very Hot Foods and Drinks: While warm liquids are soothing, excessively hot foods can burn delicate throat tissue and increase irritation.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a dehydrating agent and can further irritate the throat.

Hard Candy vs. Medicated Lozenges: A Comparison

To make an informed choice, consider the key differences between plain hard candy and medicated throat lozenges. While both rely on the soothing power of saliva, lozenges often offer additional benefits. The key distinction lies in the active ingredients that medicated lozenges contain.


Feature	Hard Candy (e.g., Peppermint)	Medicated Throat Lozenges (e.g., with Menthol)
Primary Function	Stimulates saliva to coat and lubricate the throat.	Stimulates saliva, but also delivers a medicinal ingredient.
Key Ingredient	Sugar (often), corn syrup, flavorings.	Menthol, benzocaine, or pectin, alongside sugar or sugar substitutes.
Pain Relief	Provides temporary relief from scratchiness and dryness.	Offers a numbing or cooling sensation for more targeted pain relief.
Immune System Impact	High sugar content can be inflammatory and potentially suppress immune function.	Active ingredients don't pose the same inflammatory risk as high sugar.
Choking Hazard	Yes, especially for young children.	Yes, also a choking risk for young children.

Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for a Sore Throat

While a hard candy can offer a moment of soothing relief by increasing saliva, it's crucial to weigh this temporary comfort against the potential downsides of excessive sugar. High sugar intake can increase inflammation and may hinder your immune system’s ability to fight off the underlying infection. For more effective and health-conscious relief, sticking to natural remedies like honey in tea, saltwater gargles, or medicated lozenges is often a better strategy. If your sore throat persists or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. The ultimate goal is to provide lasting comfort and support your body’s natural healing process without any unnecessary setbacks.

What are Some Good Foods and Drinks for a Sore Throat?

Many soft, warm, or cool foods can be soothing. Good options include chicken soup, broths, herbal teas with honey, bananas, applesauce, yogurt (especially low-sugar varieties), and smoothies. Cold treats like popsicles and ice cream can also temporarily numb the pain.

For more detailed health information, you can visit the official Mayo Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, high sugar intake can be inflammatory and may temporarily weaken the immune system, which is counterproductive when your body is fighting an infection.

No, while both increase saliva, medicated lozenges often contain active ingredients like menthol or benzocaine that offer more targeted, numbing relief, which a standard hard candy does not.

Sucking on hard candy stimulates saliva production. This saliva acts as a natural lubricant, coating the throat and providing a temporary soothing effect against dryness and irritation.

Opt for sugar-free lozenges, ice chips, or cold sugar-free popsicles. Drinking plenty of water or warm herbal tea with honey is also very soothing.

Not all, but most are high in sugar. The main concern isn't the 'candy' itself but the high sugar content. Hard, smooth candies offer symptomatic relief, but low-sugar alternatives are better for your overall health during illness.

No, hard candies pose a significant choking hazard for children, especially those under five years old. It is important to use child-safe remedies instead.

Yes, honey is often a better choice. It not only coats the throat for soothing relief but also has natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is safe for children over one year old.