What Are the Ingredients in Tannenblut Herbal Candies?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

For over 100 years, the Tannenblut brand has been known for its herbal products, originally from Germany's Black Forest region. So, what are the ingredients in Tannenblut herbal candies that give them their unique, soothing properties and signature flavor profile? This article dives into the natural and foundational components of these popular lozenges.

Quick Summary

A blend of glucose syrup, sugar, forest honey, and herbal extracts including spruce, eucalyptus, and mint forms the core of Tannenblut herbal candies, creating their distinctive flavor.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Tannenblut candies are based on a mix of glucose syrup, sugar, and forest honey, which provides both sweetness and a soothing texture.
Herbal Blend: A proprietary blend of herbal extracts and natural flavorings, including spruce needle, eucalyptus, peppermint, and anise, creates the distinctive taste.
Forest Sourcing: The flavors, especially the spruce needle, reflect the brand's origins in the Black Forest region of Germany.
Soothes the Throat: The combination of honey, menthol, and herbal extracts is designed to provide a pleasant and soothing effect on the respiratory tract.
Contains Gluten: The inclusion of malt extract from barley means the standard herbal candies contain gluten, which is an important consideration for those with dietary restrictions.
Product Variations: Different product lines, like the Tannenblut throat pastilles, use different ingredients like Icelandic moss and sea salt instead of the traditional herbal blend.

Decoding the Main Ingredients in Tannenblut

At its heart, the recipe for Tannenblut herbal candies is a blend of common candy-making foundations combined with specific natural ingredients for their flavor and soothing properties. The base of the candy provides the texture and sweetness, while the herbal additions create the characteristic taste and therapeutic effect.

The Foundational Sweeteners

Like many candies, Tannenblut lozenges start with a simple, sweet base. These are the building blocks that form the hard candy shell and soft center.

Glucose Syrup and Sugar: The primary ingredients are glucose syrup and sugar, which give the candy its structure and sweet taste. The combination is standard for creating hard candies that dissolve slowly, allowing the herbal elements to linger and provide sustained relief for the throat.
Forest Honey: An 8% concentration of forest honey is a prominent ingredient, adding a layer of natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Honey has long been valued for its soothing effects on the throat, making it a fitting component for these candies.

The Signature Herbal Extracts

The unique identity of Tannenblut lies in its herbal extracts. While the exact blend is a proprietary secret, the key flavor components are listed and offer insights into their benefits.

Herbal Extracts (1%): The inclusion of a 1% mixture of unspecified herbal extracts points to the company's traditional recipe. These likely include a mix of forest and meadow herbs, following the original formula developed in the Black Forest area.
Malt Extract from Barley: This ingredient contributes to the candy's flavor profile and may have been part of the original medicinal tonics that the Tannenblut brand is famous for. It does contain gluten, which is important for those with dietary sensitivities.

Natural Flavorings for Therapeutic Effect

The most recognizable sensations when consuming Tannenblut candies come from their potent and naturally-derived flavorings. These ingredients are chosen for both their taste and their ability to provide a refreshing and soothing sensation.

Eucalyptus and Peppermint: These are classic choices for cough and throat lozenges. They provide a cooling, fresh flavor and are known for their ability to clear nasal passages and provide a fresh feeling.
Menthol: A key compound in peppermint, menthol adds a strong, cooling kick that helps soothe irritated throats.
Spruce Needle: A nod to the brand's origins, spruce needle flavoring adds a unique, woody, and resinous note that distinguishes Tannenblut from more generic candies.
Anise and Fennel: These licorice-like flavorings provide warmth and an additional layer of herbal complexity, rounding out the overall taste.

Tannenblut Candies vs. Throat Pastilles

It is important to note that Tannenblut offers different products, and their ingredient lists can vary. The classic herbal candies are distinct from the specific "throat pastilles" that are sometimes available.


Feature	Tannenblut Herbal Candies	Tannenblut Throat Pastilles
Sweeteners	Glucose Syrup, Sugar, Forest Honey	Maltitol, Sorbitol
Key Herbal Components	Mixed Herbal Extracts, Eucalyptus, Spruce Needle, Mint, Anise, Fennel	Icelandic Moss Extract, Sea Salt
Allergens	Contains gluten (from barley malt extract)	Generally gluten-free
Sweetness Source	Sugars and Honey	Sugar substitutes (polyols)
Primary Function	Soothing the respiratory tract with herbal flavors	Moistening and protecting the throat lining

Additional Ingredients to Consider

Pectin: Some formulations, like the filled candies available in certain regions, list pectin as a gelling agent.
Vitamin C: Older or regional versions of the candies or the companion herbal tonic may include Vitamin C.
Organic Status: Many Tannenblut candies are certified organic, meaning the ingredients are sourced from certified organic farming. This is noted with an asterisk (*) next to the ingredients on the packaging. For specific certifications and sourcing, consumers should check the product packaging. You can also explore more about the brand's history and other products on the official Hübner Vital website.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Herbal Flavors

The complex and soothing flavor of Tannenblut herbal candies is the result of a thoughtful combination of natural ingredients. From the warming sweetness of forest honey to the clearing power of eucalyptus and menthol, each component plays a role in creating a candy that is both a treat for the taste buds and a comfort for the throat. The reliance on time-tested herbal extracts and natural flavorings, in line with their long Black Forest tradition, ensures a consistent and authentic experience. While the basic sweeteners provide the foundation, it is the sophisticated blend of herbal essences that truly defines what are the ingredients in Tannenblut herbal candies.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary flavor profile is a complex mix of sweet forest honey, cooling menthol and eucalyptus, and aromatic herbal notes from spruce needle, anise, and fennel.

The standard Tannenblut candies contain forest honey, which is an animal product. Therefore, they are not suitable for a strict vegan diet, though they are suitable for vegetarians.

Yes, the malt extract from barley listed as an ingredient means the standard Tannenblut herbal candies contain gluten.

The combination of natural ingredients, particularly the honey, menthol, and other herbal extracts, provides a pleasant, coating, and cooling sensation that helps soothe an irritated throat and respiratory tract.

No, Tannenblut has different product lines. For example, the throat pastilles contain Icelandic moss and sea salt and are designed specifically for moistening the throat lining, differing from the herbal candies.

The Tannenblut brand has its roots in Germany's Black Forest, and many of its ingredients, especially the signature spruce and forest herbs, are sourced according to that tradition.

While the lozenges are generally safe for consumption, some versions like the throat pastilles have recommendations for children over 6. Parents should check the specific product's packaging for age guidelines.