What foods are good for laryngitis?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

With over 90% of laryngitis cases caused by viral infections that typically resolve within one to two weeks, knowing what foods are good for laryngitis can significantly accelerate your recovery. A thoughtful diet is crucial for both soothing your vocal cords and giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the best foods and drinks to consume when you have laryngitis, focusing on soft, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory options that ease throat irritation. It also details which foods and beverages are best to avoid to prevent further aggravating the vocal cords and delaying recovery.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas keeps vocal cords moist and lubricated, helping to thin mucus.
Choose Soft Foods: Opt for easy-to-swallow items like soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes to minimize throat irritation.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Foods like ginger, honey, and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from acidic, spicy, and hard/crunchy foods, which can cause further pain and inflammation.
Steer Clear of Dehydrators: Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can cause dehydration and worsen laryngitis symptoms.

The Role of Diet in Laryngitis Recovery

Laryngitis, or inflammation of the voice box, causes hoarseness, a sore throat, and sometimes voice loss. While rest is the most important remedy, what you eat and drink has a major impact on your recovery. The right diet helps by keeping the vocal cords lubricated, reducing inflammation, and avoiding irritation. Conversely, certain foods and drinks can dehydrate and aggravate the already sensitive throat tissues, prolonging symptoms.

Soft and Soothing Foods to Prioritize

When your throat is sore and swallowing is painful, consuming soft, easy-to-digest foods is key. These foods minimize the physical friction and irritation that chewing and swallowing can cause.

Soups and Broths

Warm (not hot) soups and broths offer both hydration and comfort. Chicken soup, in particular, is a time-honored remedy that provides anti-inflammatory benefits and helps clear congestion. Vegetable broth is another excellent choice, providing nutrients without excessive fat or spice.

Smoothies and Yogurt

Smoothies can be a complete, nutrient-rich meal when your appetite is low. Blend soft fruits like bananas or melons with yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for a soothing, hydrating drink. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can help support the immune system.

Mashed and Cooked Foods

Soft-cooked and mashed vegetables are gentle on the throat. Mashed sweet potatoes, carrots, or regular potatoes provide essential vitamins and are easy to consume. Oatmeal is another comforting and easy-to-swallow grain that offers filling nutrition.

Eggs and Other Soft Proteins

Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs are a great source of protein, which is vital for tissue repair and immune function. Soft meats, like ground chicken or pulled pork in a broth, can also be consumed without irritation.

Hydrating and Healing Beverages

Staying hydrated is non-negotiable for laryngitis recovery. Water is your best friend, but other drinks can provide added benefits and flavor.

Water and Herbal Teas

Sipping plenty of water throughout the day keeps the vocal cords moist and helps thin mucus. Herbal teas like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint are also highly recommended for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure they are warm, not scalding hot, to avoid burning the sensitive throat tissue.

Honey and Lemon

Adding honey to warm water or herbal tea can provide additional soothing effects. Honey possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A squeeze of lemon can also help, though highly acidic citrus juices should be avoided.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

To prevent further irritation and aid recovery, it is crucial to avoid certain items that can damage or dry out your vocal cords.

Acidic and Spicy Foods

Acidic foods and drinks, including citrus juices, tomatoes, and spicy condiments, can trigger or worsen acid reflux (GERD). When stomach acid reaches the throat, it can inflame the larynx, a condition known as reflux laryngitis.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Foods like chips, crackers, nuts, and raw vegetables can physically scratch the inflamed throat and vocal cords, causing additional pain and irritation.

Caffeine and Alcohol

Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they cause your body to lose water and become dehydrated. Dehydration will only make your laryngitis symptoms more severe.

Comparison of Foods for Laryngitis Relief


Food/Drink Type	Recommended	Avoid
Temperature	Warm liquids, chilled or room-temp foods	Very hot foods, cold foods with excess sugar (sodas)
Texture	Soft, smooth, mashed, and liquid-based foods like soups, oatmeal, and yogurt	Hard, crunchy, and dry items like toast, nuts, chips, and raw vegetables
Acidity	Low-acid fruits such as bananas, melons, and peaches	High-acid foods including oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and spicy sauces
Protein	Scrambled eggs, fish, and moist pulled chicken	Fried or very fatty meats
Beverages	Water, herbal teas, broth, and honey-lemon water	Caffeinated coffee and tea, alcohol, and carbonated sodas

Creating a Meal Plan for Laryngitis Recovery

By focusing on gentle, nutritious meals, you can support your body's healing process. A simple plan could include:

Breakfast: A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with mashed banana and a drizzle of honey, served with a cup of soothing chamomile tea.
Lunch: A pureed carrot and ginger soup, followed by scrambled eggs with a side of mashed sweet potato.
Dinner: Flaked, moist salmon over a bed of creamy, well-cooked pasta, with a side of steamed green beans.
Snacks: Yogurt with probiotics, applesauce, or a soothing herbal tea with honey.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body

During a bout of laryngitis, your diet is a powerful tool for relief. By opting for hydrating, soft, and anti-inflammatory foods while avoiding irritants, you can manage your symptoms and promote faster healing. Always listen to your body, prioritize voice rest, and if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

For more information on the symptoms and treatment of laryngitis, you can visit the Mayo Clinic website: Laryngitis - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best drinks are hydrating and soothing, such as water, warm herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile), and warm broths. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can cause dehydration.

Yes, honey is beneficial for laryngitis. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can coat and soothe an irritated throat. Add a spoonful to warm tea or water for relief.

While dairy products do not increase mucus production, they can make mucus feel thicker for some individuals. If you notice dairy seems to worsen your throat congestion, you may want to reduce your intake.

It is best to avoid spicy foods. The capsaicin in spices can irritate the throat lining and may trigger acid reflux, both of which can worsen laryngitis symptoms.

Cold, soft foods like ice cream, popsicles, and yogurt can offer temporary numbing relief for a sore throat. However, sugary options should be consumed in moderation as too much sugar can suppress the immune system.

Focus on nutrient-rich foods containing vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. Examples include eggs, berries, leafy greens, nuts, and salmon to support your body's healing process.

Hard and crunchy foods, such as crackers, nuts, and pretzels, can physically scrape against your already inflamed throat and vocal cords, causing additional pain and irritation.