Best Cough Drops of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Cough drops are a common over-the-counter medication used to alleviate coughing and sore throat symptoms. These small, hard candies are made with ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, and honey, which work together to soothe irritation and provide relief. They come in a variety of flavors, such as cherry, honey lemon, and menthol, and can be found at most drugstores and supermarkets. Cough drops are a convenient and affordable option for those looking to manage their cough and sore throat symptoms.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Honey Lemon Cough Drops Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Honey Lemon Cough Drops
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ricola Original Herbal Cough Drops, 130ct Cover #TOP 2
Ricola Original Herbal Cough Drops, 130ct
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HALL Relief Mountain Menthol Sugar Free Cough Drops - 70 Count Cover #TOP 3
HALL Relief Mountain Menthol Sugar Free Cough Drops - 70 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cough Drops

Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Honey Lemon Cough Drops

Amazon Basic Care
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Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Honey Lemon Cough Drops Cover
Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Honey Lemon Cough Drops, 140 Count (Compare to Halls)

Amazon Basic Care Cough Drops are sugar-free honey lemon menthol cough drops that provide soothing relief for dry, irritated, and sore throats. Each drop contains 7.6 mg of menthol, delivering a cooling sensation to help alleviate discomfort. These cough drops come in a resealable bag, making them convenient to take with you wherever you go. With the same active ingredients as popular brand name cough drops, Amazon Basic Care Cough Drops offer the same relief at a lower cost. Previously known as SoundHealth, this product maintains the exact same formulation, size, and quality. Enjoy the delicious honey lemon flavor while getting the relief you need.

What We Like
Soothing throat relief
Sugar free formula
Long-lasting flavor
Non-sticky wrapper
Great value pack
What We Don't Like
Strong menthol flavor
Occasional tricky wrappers

Ricola Original Herbal Cough Drops, 130ct

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Ricola Original Herbal Cough Drops, 130ct Cover
Ricola Original Herb Cough Drops with Menthol - Cough and Sore Throat Relief - 115 Count - Herbal Throat Lozenges

Ricola Original Herbal Cough Drops provide natural relief for coughs, sore throats, and itchy throats caused by allergies or daily voice care. With a secret blend of ten herbs grown in the Swiss mountains using natural farming guidelines, these cough drops offer the soothing relief of menthol with pleasantly herbal ingredients. Each throat drop contains 4.8mg of menthol and is available in a sugar-free formula. Ricola embraces sustainability, ensuring the highest quality raw materials and maintaining exceptional standards in production.

What We Like
Long-lasting cough relief
Natural Swiss herb blend
Pleasant, mild flavor
Individually wrapped convenience
Soothing for sore throat
What We Don't Like
Contains some sugar
#TOP 3

HALL Relief Mountain Menthol Sugar Free Cough Drops - 70 Count

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Pack of 1
HALL Relief Mountain Menthol Sugar Free Cough Drops - 70 Count Cover
Sugar Free Cough Drops Hall Relief Mountain Menthol, Economy Pack - 70 Drops (Pack of 1)

The HALL Mountain Menthol Drops offer a convenient way to ease coughs and soothe sore throats. Each drop contains 5.8 mg of menthol, providing strong relief by calming coughs and cooling your nasal passages. You can enjoy these drops without worrying about sugar, making them a great choice if you prefer sugar-free options. The economy pack includes 70 drops, so you have plenty on hand to use whenever symptoms arise. Simply let one drop dissolve in your mouth every two hours as needed, making it easy to manage your cough and discomfort throughout the day.

What We Like
Strong menthol relief
Sugar-free formula
Economy pack with 70 drops
Soothes throat and nasal passages
#TOP 4

Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Menthol Cough Drops

Amazon Basic Care
Blue
Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Menthol Cough Drops Cover
Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Menthol Cough Drops, 140 Count

Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Menthol Cough Drops, also known as Amazon Cough Drops, are a diabetic-friendly solution for relieving dry, irritated, and sore throats. Each drop contains 5.8 mg of Menthol, providing a soothing cooling sensation. These cough drops come in a resealable bag, making it convenient to take them with you anywhere. With the same active ingredients as well-known brand name cough drops, Amazon Cough Drops offer the same relief at a lower cost. Whether you're at home or on the go, these sugar-free cough drops are a great choice for managing your cough symptoms.

What We Like
Sugar free formula
Effective sinus and throat relief
Comparable to Halls
Great value, large quantity
Pleasant menthol flavor
What We Don't Like
Slightly unusual taste for some

Ricola Lemon Mint Throat Drops, 105ct Bag

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Ricola Lemon Mint Throat Drops, 105ct Bag Cover
Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint Herbal Cough Suppressant Throat Drops, 105ct Bag

Ricola Lemon Mint Throat Drops are sugar-free cough suppressant lozenges that combine lemon, mint, and menthol with a secret blend of ten Swiss alpine herbs. These throat drops are soothing, effective, and pleasant, providing relief for coughs and sore throats from colds. Ricola embraces a sustainable approach to ensure the highest quality of raw materials and maintain exceptional standards when producing their various herb specialties.

What We Like
Herbal blend soothes throat
Sugar free option available
Pleasant, natural flavors
Great value for quantity
No unpleasant aftertaste
What We Don't Like
None specified

Ludens Wild Cherry Throat Drops, 90 Count

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Ludens Wild Cherry Throat Drops, 90 Count Cover
Luden's Sore Throat Relief Lozenges for Minor Everyday Irritation & Dry Mouth, Wild Cherry Flavored Drops, 90 Count

Luden's Wild Cherry Throat Drops are a fast-acting, great-tasting solution to soothe and relieve minor, everyday throat irritation. They are perfect for anyone looking to temporarily relieve a scratchy, irritated, or sore throat without menthol. With an active ingredient of Pectin 2.8 mg, these drops are an oral demulcent designed to soothe and protect sore throat and sore mouth. Available in an assortment of flavors, they are suitable for the whole family, including kids 3 and up.

What We Like
Soothes dry, scratchy throat
Smooth, pleasant cherry flavor
Sugar-free option available
No medicinal aftertaste
Affordable and plentiful packs
What We Don't Like
Less effective for severe symptoms
Tastes more like candy than medicine
#TOP 7

Amazon Basic Care Honey Lemon Menthol Cough Drops 160 Count

Amazon Basic Care
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Amazon Basic Care Honey Lemon Menthol Cough Drops 160 Count Cover
Amazon Basic Care Honey Lemon Cough Drops 160 Count (Previously SoundHealth)

The Amazon Basic Care Honey Lemon Drops offer a soothing way to ease your dry, irritated, or sore throat with 7.5 mg of menthol in each drop. This cooling sensation helps calm discomfort quickly. The drops come in a handy resealable bag, making it easy to carry them with you wherever you go, so relief is always within reach. Plus, you get the same active ingredients and effective relief as popular brand-name cough drops, but at a more budget-friendly price. These drops combine convenience, quality, and value in one tasty honey lemon flavor.

What We Like
Good bulk value
Long-lasting effectiveness
Soothes throat
Recommended by users
Convenient for refilling
What We Don't Like
Flavor is tolerable
Not the best taste
#TOP 8

Ricola Sugar Free Cough Drops

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Ricola Sugar Free Cough Drops Cover
Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint Throat Drops, 45 Count, Refreshing Relief From Minor Throat Irritations, Oral Anesthetic

Ricola Sugar Free Cough Drops are a refreshing and soothing solution for your cough and sore throat. These cough drops are non-harmful to your teeth, making them a great choice for long-term use. With a smooth and soothing flavor of natural mountain herbs, they provide relief and comfort to your mouth and throat. The calorie-reduced formula makes them suitable for diabetics, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits without worrying about your sugar intake. For over 80 years, Ricola has been using the highest quality Swiss herbs to create naturally effective products. Try Ricola Sugar Free Cough Drops today and experience their soothing power.

What We Like
Instant sore throat relief
Refreshing mint-lemon flavor
Sugar-free formula
Not overly sweet
Soothes dry mouth and cough
#TOP 9

Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops, Lemon & Bee Propolis

Organic Manuka Honey Drops
4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops, Lemon & Bee Propolis Cover
Wedderspoon Organic Manuka Honey Drops, Lemon & Bee Propolis, 20 Count (Pack of 1) | Genuine New Zealand Honey | Perfect Remedy For Dry Throats

Wedderspoon Honey Drops are organic cough drops that include Bee Propolis and Manuka Honey, perfect for soothing dry, irritated throats. The drops are made with natural, clean ingredients such as organic cane sugar, organic brown rice syrup, lemon oil, eucalyptus oil, and propolis. The Bee Propolis promotes immune health, while the Manuka Honey is known for its immunity and other health and wellness benefits. Wedderspoon bees forage free-range-style and feast on the nectar of wild Manuka blossoms, providing high-quality Organic Manuka Honey. Each pack contains 20 delicious drops that taste great and are ideal for treating dry throats.

What We Like
Effective sore throat relief
Pleasant natural taste
Clean organic ingredients
Long-lasting soothing effect
Kid-friendly option
What We Don't Like
Mild soothing compared to some brands
Breaks down quickly for some
#TOP 10

Ricola MAX Throat Care Honey Lemon Drops

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Ricola MAX Throat Care Honey Lemon Drops Cover
Ricola MAX Throat Care Honey Lemon Drops with Extra Menthol Liquid Center - Maximum Cough and Sore Throat Relief for Cold & Flu Symptoms - 34 Count - Herbal Lozenges

The Ricola MAX Honey Lemon offers powerful relief with nearly twice the menthol of their original drops, making it great for soothing tough coughs and sore throats quickly. Its special liquid center delivers an extra boost of cool menthol to ease your discomfort fast. Made from a unique blend of 10 Swiss Alpine herbs, these drops provide a natural and refreshing flavor without artificial colors or dyes, so you can enjoy soothing relief with a clean taste. They are perfect for managing cold and flu symptoms caused by dry air, allergens, or indoor heating, helping you feel more comfortable during the tough season.

What We Like
Soothing menthol honey center
Effective cough relief
Pleasant, non-medicinal taste
Natural ingredients
Convenient for on-the-go
What We Don't Like
Menthol may be too strong
Intensity may surprise some
Buying Guide Image

A Buyer's Guide to Cough Drops

Introduction

Cough drops, also known as lozenges, are small, medicated candies that are often used to soothe sore throats and alleviate coughing. When choosing cough drops, it's important to consider the specific symptoms you're experiencing and the potential ingredients in the cough drops that may help alleviate those symptoms. In this article, we'll go over some key factors to consider when choosing cough drops.

Types of Cough Drops

There are several different types of cough drops available, each with their own unique set of ingredients and intended uses. Some common types of cough drops include:

  • Menthol cough drops: These cough drops contain menthol, a natural compound found in peppermint and other plants. Menthol has a cooling and numbing effect on the throat, which can help alleviate soreness and irritation. Menthol cough drops are often used to relieve the symptoms of a common cold or flu.

  • Honey cough drops: Honey is a natural ingredient that has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Honey cough drops are often used to soothe sore throats and alleviate coughing. In addition to its soothing properties, honey may also have some antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections.

  • Herbal cough drops: Herbal cough drops are made with a variety of herbs and plant extracts, such as slippery elm, eucalyptus, and licorice root. These herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries and are believed to help soothe sore throats and alleviate coughing.

Ingredients to Look for

When choosing cough drops, it's important to consider the ingredients that may be present in the product. Some ingredients to look for include:

  • Menthol: As mentioned above, menthol is a natural compound found in peppermint and other plants. It has a cooling and numbing effect on the throat, which can help alleviate soreness and irritation.

  • Honey: Honey is a natural ingredient that has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. In addition to its soothing properties, honey may also have some antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off infections.

  • Herbs: Herbal cough drops are made with a variety of herbs and plant extracts, such as slippery elm, eucalyptus, and licorice root. These herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries and are believed to help soothe sore throats and alleviate coughing.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the ingredients in the cough drops, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing the right product. These include:

  • Flavor: Cough drops come in a variety of flavors, including mint, honey, cherry, and lemon. Consider your personal preference when choosing a flavor.

  • Dosage: Cough drops are available in different dosages, so be sure to choose a product that is appropriate for your needs.

  • Age: Some cough drops may not be suitable for children, so be sure to read the label carefully and choose a product that is appropriate for your child's age.

Conclusion

Cough drops can be an effective way to soothe sore throats and alleviate coughing. When choosing cough drops, consider the specific symptoms you're experiencing and the potential ingredients in the cough drops that may help alleviate those symptoms. Look for ingredients like menthol, honey, and herbs, and consider factors like flavor, dosage, and age when choosing the right product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are cough drops good for?

Cough drops are used to temporarily relieve symptoms such as sore throat, throat irritation, or cough, usually caused by a cold. They work by providing a cooling sensation and increasing saliva in the mouth.

2. Do cough drops help a bad cough?

Cough drops, especially those containing menthol, can help temporarily relieve a bad cough. Menthol acts as a mild anesthetic and can reduce the urge to cough.

3. How many cough drops are OK a day?

Cough drops should be consumed occasionally when needed. There is no specific number on how many cough drops are too many, but it's important to consider the ingredients. Cough drops often contain sugar, so consuming a significant amount over time may lead to weight gain.

4. When should you not use cough drops?

If you have sensitive skin, it's important to be cautious when using cough drops containing menthol, as it can be an irritant. If you experience itching, burning, or swelling after consuming cough drops, it is advisable to stop using them and consult a doctor.

5. Are cough drops better than candy?

Cough drops flavored like medicine are not inherently better than candy-flavored drops or hard candy. Most cough drops do not have a direct effect on the cough-producing process.

6. Should I suppress a dry cough?

For a dry, hacking cough that keeps you awake, it may be helpful to use a cough suppressant. However, it's important to use cough suppressants wisely and not suppress a productive cough too much, as coughing serves a purpose.

7. How do I get rid of laryngitis ASAP?

To get rid of laryngitis quickly, you can try the following: breathe moist air, rest your voice, drink plenty of fluids (avoiding alcohol and caffeine), moisten your throat, avoid alcohol, smoking, and exposure to smoke, avoid clearing your throat, avoid decongestants, and avoid whispering.

8. Do cough drops help laryngitis?

Cough drops can help soothe a sore throat caused by laryngitis, but it's important to choose the right kind. Menthol cough drops may initially provide relief, but they can have a drying effect on the vocal cords.

Editor's Notes

During our cough drops research, we found 27 cough drops products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 287,092 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cough drops list. We found that most customers choose cough drops with an average price of $5.55.

The cough drops are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cough drops, including Ricola, Ludens, Wedderspoon. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Cough Drops Comparison Table

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Brand Amazon Basic Care Ricola Generic Amazon Basic Care Ricola Ludens Amazon Basic Care Ricola Wedderspoon Ricola
Item Weight 0.91 Pounds 4.8 Milligrams 8.32 ounces 0.91 Pounds 14.89 Ounces 2.8 Milligrams 1.04 Pounds 5.4 Ounces 0.25 Pounds 3.5 Ounces
Item dimensions L x W x H 3 x 7.5 x 9.45 inches 8 x 1.5 x 10.88 inches 8.34 x 6.22 x 1.22 inches 9.45 x 7.5 x 3 inches 8 x 1.5 x 10.88 inches 3.75 x 6.9 x 8.3 inches 9.45 x 7.5 x 3 inches 1 x 6.25 x 9.3 inches 5.8 x 3.7 x 2 inches 5.9 x 0.75 x 8.55 inches
Product Benefits Cough Relief, Soothing, Throat Care Cough Relief Contains 5.8 mg of menthol per drop for maximum strength cough and cold Cough Relief, Soothing, Throat Care Cough Relief Throat Care Cough Relief, Soothing, Throat Care Cough Relief Throat Care Cough Relief
Specific Uses For Product Cough, Sore Throat Cough Cold Cough, Sore Throat Cough Sore Throat, Throat Cough, Sore Throat Cough, Itchy Throat, Sore Throat Itchy Throat Cold, Cough
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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