Which candy is best for cold? Sorting the soothing from the sugary

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

While candy does not cure a cold, certain lozenges with active ingredients can provide significant symptomatic relief for sore throats and coughs. Understanding which candy is best for cold requires differentiating between simple sweets and functional, medicated drops.

Quick Summary

Specialized candies and lozenges containing active ingredients like menthol, honey, or zinc can provide temporary relief from sore throats and coughs during a cold. Opt for sugar-free versions to prevent high sugar intake, which can weaken the immune system.

Key Points

Medicated Lozenges vs. Candy: Medicated lozenges with active ingredients offer more than just moisture, providing targeted relief for sore throats and coughs, unlike regular candy which only stimulates saliva production.
Menthol for Congestion: Lozenges containing menthol provide a cooling sensation that makes breathing feel easier by stimulating cold receptors, offering subjective relief from stuffiness.
Honey for Soothing: Honey-based candies and lozenges can coat and soothe an irritated throat. Honey also possesses natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zinc for Shortening Colds: High-dose zinc lozenges (over 75mg/day of elemental zinc) may help shorten the duration of cold symptoms like congestion and cough, especially if taken within 24 hours of onset, but should be used for short periods.
Minimize Sugar Intake: Excess sugar can impair the immune system and increase inflammation, potentially worsening cold symptoms. Opt for sugar-free lozenges or homemade remedies to minimize this effect.
Holistic Approach is Key: Candies and lozenges are only for symptomatic relief. The best approach to combating a cold includes adequate rest, plenty of fluids, and a nutritious diet.
Be Aware of Ingredients: Always check the ingredients list for active components that target your specific symptoms (e.g., menthol for congestion, honey for soreness).

The difference between candy and medicated lozenges

When you have a cold, a sore, scratchy throat is one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms. Your immediate instinct might be to reach for any sugary hard candy to find some comfort. However, the effectiveness of a remedy depends on its ingredients, not just its sweetness. The primary benefit of sucking on any hard candy, like a butterscotch or peppermint star, is the production of saliva, which keeps your throat moist and helps reduce irritation. While this offers temporary relief, medicated lozenges contain additional active ingredients designed to address specific symptoms more effectively. Regular candies, especially those high in processed sugar, can actually be counterproductive by potentially weakening the immune system and increasing inflammation.

Key ingredients for symptomatic relief

When selecting a product to help with your cold, look for specific active ingredients known for their soothing and potentially therapeutic effects. Some of the most common and beneficial include:

Menthol: Found in many cough drops and chest rubs, menthol is a compound from mint oils that triggers cold-sensitive receptors in your skin and mucous membranes. It provides a cooling and soothing sensation that can make breathing feel easier and calm a cough, though it doesn't physically clear nasal passages.
Honey: Honey is a well-regarded natural remedy with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its thick texture coats the throat, providing effective and natural relief for coughs and irritation. This is why honey lemon combinations are so popular.
Zinc: Zinc lozenges have been shown to potentially shorten the duration of a cold, especially if taken within 24 hours of symptom onset. High doses (over 75mg/day) of zinc acetate or gluconate seem most effective. However, excessive intake can cause nausea and should be used cautiously and for a limited time.
Herbal Extracts: Many traditional remedies include herbs like ginger, propolis, and licorice root. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help with congestion. Propolis, a resin collected by bees, is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that can support the immune system and soothe the throat. Licorice root offers anti-inflammatory benefits to calm throat irritation.

The sugar dilemma

While the sweetness of candy is comforting, the nutritional impact of sugar is a major consideration, especially when sick. Excess sugar can contribute to inflammation and suppress the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the infection. If you plan to consume lozenges or hard candies frequently for relief, it is wise to opt for sugar-free varieties to minimize these negative effects. Many brands, including Ricola, offer sugar-free versions of their most popular flavors.

Choosing your cold-soothing candy: A comparison


Candy Type	Key Ingredients	Primary Benefit	Nutritional Considerations
Medicated Menthol Lozenges	Menthol, sugar (or sugar-free alternatives)	Soothing, cooling relief for sore throat and cough, can help with congestion perception	Choose sugar-free versions to avoid immune-suppressing effects
Honey & Lemon Lozenges	Honey, lemon, sugar	Coats and soothes sore throat, potential antimicrobial effects from honey	Natural honey is better than artificial flavor, but monitor sugar content. Avoid for children under 1 year.
Zinc Lozenges	Zinc acetate/gluconate	Can shorten cold duration if taken early and at a sufficient dose	Metallic taste is common; high doses may cause nausea. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
Herbal Candies	Ginger, propolis, licorice root, thyme	Anti-inflammatory, soothing, immune support	Offers a natural alternative; check for added sugars and be mindful of propolis or honey allergies.
Standard Hard Candy	Sugar, flavorings	Provides temporary moisture to soothe a dry throat	High in refined sugar, offers no medicinal benefits and may weaken immune function.

Homemade remedies: A natural alternative

For those who prefer a natural, low-sugar approach, homemade ginger candy is an excellent option. Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help with congestion and sore throat. A simple recipe involves boiling fresh ginger and mixing it with a natural sweetener like jaggery or honey to form candy drops. This allows you to control the ingredients and sugar content, avoiding unnecessary additives.

Holistic care is still the best approach

No candy or lozenge is a cure for a cold. A holistic approach focusing on rest, fluids, and healthy eating is paramount for recovery. In addition to lozenges, consider other remedies like drinking warm tea with honey and lemon, gargling with salt water, or using a humidifier to moisten the air and soothe your throat. For more information on managing cold symptoms, consult authoritative health resources like the NIH News in Health.(https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/03/soothing-sore-throat)

Conclusion

While any hard candy can temporarily soothe a dry throat, the best candy for a cold is a targeted, medicated lozenge. For maximum benefit and minimal drawbacks, opt for sugar-free options containing active ingredients like menthol for congestion or honey for coating. High-dose zinc lozenges can potentially shorten the illness, but require careful usage. Ultimately, these options should be used in conjunction with rest, hydration, and proper nourishment to help your body recover most effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, candy does not cure a cold, which is caused by a virus. It does not have medicinal properties to fight the infection itself. Medicated lozenges, however, can relieve specific symptoms like a sore throat or cough.

Sucking on hard candy stimulates saliva production, which helps keep your throat moist. This can provide temporary relief from the dryness and irritation of a sore throat.

Yes. Excessive intake of sugary candy can increase inflammation and potentially weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the virus. It is best to stick to sugar-free or low-sugar options for relief.

High-dose zinc lozenges (providing over 75mg/day of elemental zinc) have been shown in some studies to shorten the duration of cold symptoms, particularly if taken at the very start of the illness.

While menthol gives you the sensation of clearer nasal passages by activating cold-sensitive receptors, studies show it doesn't actually improve nasal airflow. It primarily offers a soothing and refreshing feeling.

Honey is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. In candies and lozenges, it helps coat and soothe a sore or itchy throat, offering a comforting effect.

Homemade ginger candy, made with natural ingredients like ginger and honey, can offer anti-inflammatory benefits and help with congestion. Propolis candies are also a natural option for immune support.

Though vitamin C is often associated with cold remedies, research has not consistently shown that high doses significantly reduce the duration of the common cold. The small amounts in most candies are unlikely to have a major impact.