Uncovering the Sweet Secret: Are Lozenges Full of Sugar?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reports, the sugar content of lozenges and oral medications can range from 20% to as high as 80%. This surprising statistic begs the question: are lozenges full of sugar? The short answer is that many are, and understanding this can help you make more informed decisions about your health, especially when you're feeling under the weather.

Quick Summary

Many traditional lozenges use sugar as a primary ingredient, making their composition similar to hard candy. This can impact dental health and blood sugar levels, though sugar-free alternatives sweetened with sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners are widely available. Reading labels and understanding the different types is crucial for making a healthy choice.

Key Points

Hidden Sugar: Many traditional lozenges use sugar and corn syrup as their primary ingredients, making them essentially hard candies.
High Percentage: Some lozenges have been found to contain over 70% sugar by total content.
Dental Risks: Frequent sucking on sugary lozenges exposes teeth to sugar for prolonged periods, significantly increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Sugar-Free Alternatives: Numerous sugar-free lozenges exist, using sugar alcohols (like sorbitol) or artificial sweeteners, which are better for dental and blood sugar management.
Healthier Choices: Reading labels for 'sugar-free' options and consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended, especially for people with diabetes or those concerned about excessive sugar intake.

The Sweet Truth: Why Most Lozenges Contain Sugar

For many years, the standard for lozenges has been a base made from sugar and other carbohydrates, a formula akin to hard candy. This sugary foundation serves several purposes, but its primary function is to create a pleasant-tasting product that encourages the user to dissolve it slowly in their mouth. This slow dissolution is what allows the medicinal ingredients to be released gradually and provide prolonged relief to a sore or irritated throat. The sugar acts as a palatable vehicle for the medication, making it more appealing to a wide range of consumers, including children. Common sugar ingredients include sucrose (table sugar) and corn syrup.

However, this heavy reliance on sugar means that many traditional lozenges can be a significant source of added sugar in a person's diet. A 2019 report from a consumer council found that nearly half of the lozenge samples tested had a sugar content of 70% or more. For someone following dosage instructions, consuming multiple lozenges throughout the day, this can add up to a considerable intake of sugar, potentially impacting overall health goals, blood sugar management, and dental hygiene.

Decoding the Label: Hidden Sugars and Sweeteners

To make an informed choice, it is important to understand what to look for on the product label. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, and the top ingredients are listed first. If sugar, corn syrup, or glucose is among the first few ingredients, you can be sure the lozenge contains a significant amount of sugar.

Fortunately, with growing consumer awareness about sugar intake, many manufacturers now offer sugar-free lozenges. These products replace traditional sugars with alternative sweeteners. These alternatives fall into a few categories:

Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): Common examples include sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, and isomalt. These sweeteners provide a sugar-like taste but are not fully absorbed by the body, resulting in fewer calories and a lower impact on blood sugar. However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive side effects like bloating and diarrhea.
Artificial Sweeteners: These are synthetic compounds that provide intense sweetness with no calories, such as aspartame or sucralose. They are common in many 'diet' or 'sugar-free' products.
Natural Sweeteners: Some brands may use natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia.

For those needing to limit their sugar intake, especially people with diabetes, selecting a product with an alternative sweetener is essential. It is also wise to check for acidic ingredients like citric acid, which can contribute to tooth enamel erosion over time, regardless of whether sugar is present.

Health Implications: More Than Just a Soothing Treat

While lozenges are effective for relieving symptoms, their potential health impacts, especially from the high sugar content of many varieties, should not be ignored. Repeated, prolonged exposure to sugar on teeth from sucking on lozenges creates an ideal environment for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.

For individuals managing diabetes, a regular-strength, sugar-filled lozenge can cause an unwanted spike in blood sugar levels. The slow release of sugar over time means that blood glucose is elevated for an extended period. This is why it is crucial for diabetics to choose sugar-free versions and to always consult a doctor or pharmacist about any medication, even over-the-counter products.

Excessive consumption of sugary lozenges, just like other sugary treats, can also contribute to unwanted weight gain. Although a single lozenge has minimal calories (around 10-15 calories for a standard variety), taking several every couple of hours while sick can add a significant number of empty calories to your daily intake.

Navigating Your Options: Finding Healthier Lozenges

To ensure you are making a healthy choice, follow these tips:

Read the Ingredients List: Always check the ingredient list on the packaging first. If the first ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, or glucose, opt for a different product if you are trying to minimize sugar intake.
Look for 'Sugar-Free': Many brands clearly label their products as 'sugar-free'. Double-check the ingredient list to see what sweetener is used, particularly if you have a sensitive digestive system.
Consider Natural Alternatives: Look for lozenges sweetened with natural, low-calorie options like stevia or products using natural extracts without a high sugar base.
Talk to a Pharmacist: For those with specific health conditions like diabetes, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. They can recommend a product that is safe and effective for your individual needs.
Rinse After Use: As recommended by dentists, if you do use a sugary lozenge, rinse your mouth with water afterward to wash away residual sugar and acid.

Comparing Sugary vs. Sugar-Free Lozenges


Feature	Sugary Lozenges	Sugar-Free Lozenges
Primary Sweetener	Sucrose, corn syrup, glucose	Sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol), stevia, artificial sweeteners
Taste	Often richer, fuller, hard-candy taste	Can have a slightly different aftertaste, varies by sweetener
Caloric Content	Higher (typically 10-15 kcal per lozenge)	Lower, sometimes negligible calories
Dental Health Impact	High risk of contributing to tooth decay and cavities	Much lower risk, but prolonged use of acidic variants can be a concern
Blood Sugar Impact	Can cause spikes in blood sugar levels	Minimal or no impact on blood sugar
Digestive Impact	Standard	Potential for laxative effect if consumed excessively (from sugar alcohols)

Conclusion

While the answer to are lozenges full of sugar? is a resounding yes for many traditional varieties, consumers have more choices than ever before. With many sugar-free alternatives readily available, it is possible to soothe a sore throat or cough without the hidden sugar content and associated risks to dental and metabolic health. By reading labels carefully and understanding the alternatives, you can find a lozenge that provides relief without compromising your nutritional goals or health. For specific dietary concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional remains the best course of action.

Visit Delta Dental of Iowa for more information on the dental impact of cough drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all lozenges are full of sugar. While many traditional and hard candy-style lozenges use sugar or corn syrup as their base, numerous sugar-free alternatives are widely available that use sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners instead.

To determine a lozenge's sugar content, read the ingredients list on the package. If sugar, corn syrup, or glucose is listed among the first few ingredients, it contains a significant amount of sugar.

Yes, sugar-free lozenges are generally healthier for your teeth. They do not feed the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth like sugary ones do. However, note that some varieties contain acids that could still contribute to enamel erosion over time.

Sugary lozenges can indeed raise blood sugar levels, which is a concern for individuals with diabetes. The slow dissolution of a sugary lozenge can cause an extended period of elevated blood glucose. Diabetics should opt for sugar-free versions.

Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol are low-calorie sweeteners used in sugar-free lozenges. While generally safe, consuming them in large quantities can sometimes cause digestive upset, such as gas, bloating, and a laxative effect.

Yes, honey is a form of sugar and adds to the overall sugar content of a lozenge. While it has some natural soothing properties, lozenges containing honey should be considered as sugary products, especially by diabetics or those concerned with sugar intake.

To choose the best lozenge, first, decide if you prefer a sugar-free option. Read the label to identify the sweetener used and be mindful of potential side effects, such as the laxative effect of sugar alcohols. If you have specific health concerns, consult a pharmacist for a safe recommendation.