Best Cough Drops of 2025

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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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 Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basic Care Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Ricola Original Natural Herb Cough Suppressant Throat Drops, 45 Drops Cover #TOP 2
Ricola Original Natural Herb Cough Suppressant Throat Drops, 45 Drops
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Halls Creamy Strawberry Throat Drops Cover #TOP 3
Halls Creamy Strawberry Throat Drops
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cough Drops

Amazon Basic Care Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count

Amazon Basic Care
Amazon Basic Care Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count Cover
Amazon Basic Care Cherry Cough Drops, 160 count (Previously SoundHealth)

Amazon Basic Care Cherry Cough Drops provide a cooling sensation to relieve dry, irritated and sore throats. Each drop contains 5.8mg of menthol, delivering the same active ingredients and relief as familiar brand name items, at a lower cost. They come in a resealable bag, making them easy to take with you anywhere. This Amazon brand cough drop offers delicious cherry flavor and is identical to the previously sold SoundHealth product in terms of formulations, size, and quality.

What We Like
Effective with fewer drops
Good flavor options
Affordable price for quantity
Soothes throat well
Comparable to brand-name products
What We Don't Like
Flavor may be polarizing

Ricola Original Natural Herb Cough Suppressant Throat Drops, 45 Drops

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Ricola Original Natural Herb Cough Suppressant Throat Drops, 45 Drops Cover
Ricola Original Herb Cough Drops, 45 Count, Cough Suppressant & Throat Relieving Drops with Naturally Sourced Menthol, Pleasing Herbal Taste for Coughs & Throat Irritation Symptom Relief

Ricola Original Swiss Herb Cough Suppressant Throat Drops provide natural and soothing relief for coughs and sore throats. Made with 10 Alpine mountain herbs, Ricola drops are trusted by consumers worldwide for cough and sore throat relief from colds and allergies. Available in 45-piece packets, Ricola is the original choice for homeopathic and natural remedies. Ricola has been a trusted name for over 80 years, using the highest quality Swiss herbs like peppermint, Echinacea, eucalyptus & lemon balm to bring natural healing to your family.

What We Like
Natural and pleasant taste
Soothing for cough and sore throat
Effective for mild coughs
Easy to open packaging
Good quality and value
What We Don't Like
Limited effectiveness for severe coughs
Perceived as overpriced by some

Halls Creamy Strawberry Throat Drops

Pack of 3
Halls Creamy Strawberry Throat Drops Cover
Halls Throat Soothing Creamy Strawberry-Cough Drops for Throat (Formerly Fruit Breezers) 25ct (Pack of 3)

Halls Strawberry Cough Drops offer soothing relief for sore throats with their effective ingredients that reduce irritation. The creamy strawberry flavor makes them a pleasant alternative to typical medicinal tastes, making it easier for everyone to take them. These lozenges also provide a moisturizing effect, which is especially comforting if your throat feels dry or scratchy. Conveniently packaged in resealable bags, you can easily carry them with you for on-the-go relief anytime, without needing water or other preparations.

What We Like
Smooths dry mouth
Convenient to have on hand

Amazon Basic Care Sugar Free Honey Lemon Cough Drops

Amazon Basic Care
Black
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
Effective for sore throat relief
Pleasant honey lemon flavor
Cost-effective compared to name brands
Sugar-free option available
Large quantity per bag
What We Don't Like
Flimsy individual wrappers
Higher price than competitors

Ricola Lemon Mint Throat Drops, 105ct Bag

BM-QKJT-RXMQ
Yellow
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
Effective for cough relief
Soothing herbal blend
Great lemon mint flavor
Convenient large bag
Sugar-free option
What We Don't Like
None specified
#TOP 6

Ludens Wild Cherry Throat Drops, 90 Count

01062
Ludens Wild Cherry Throat Drops, 90 Count Cover
Ludens Deliciously Soothing Throat Drops, Wild Cherry Flavor, 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
Delicious wild cherry flavor
Effective throat irritation relief
Convenient pack size
Sugar-free option available
Safe for children
What We Don't Like
Temporary relief for sore throat
Not suitable for severe coughs

SCHMIDT EMPIRE Halls Throat Soothing Drops

SCHMIDT EMPIRE Halls Throat Soothing Drops Cover
SCHMIDT EMPIRE Halls Throat Soothing (Formerly Halls Breezers) Cool Berry Throat Drops 25 Count Per Bag and Halls Throat Soothing Creamy Strawberry-Cough Drops for Throat 25ct (Pack of 4 (2 of Each))

SCHMIDT EMPIRE Throat Drops are designed to provide effective relief for sore throats. With both Cool Berry and Creamy Strawberry flavors, these lozenges make soothing your throat a more pleasant experience. The fruity taste is ideal for users of all ages, encouraging you to keep using them when needed. Each drop contains 7 mg of pectin, which helps alleviate minor throat discomfort and symptoms associated with coughs and colds. Packaged in convenient, individually wrapped pieces, they are perfect for on-the-go relief.

What We Like
Great value
Effective for sore throat
Excellent taste
#TOP 8

Vicks VapoCOOL Severe Medicated Drops

04032018_3408-BBB-3.56
Vicks VapoCOOL Severe Medicated Drops Cover
Vicks VapoCool Severe Medicated Sore Throat Drops, Max Strength Menthol, Soothes Sore Throat Pain, Winterfrost Flavor, 45ct

Vicks VapoCOOL Severe Medicated Drops provide maximum-strength relief for sore throat pain. From the makers of the world's #1 selling cough & cold brand, these drops contain a powerful rush of Vicks Vapors to soothe your throat. The formula of this trusted choice in drops has 33% more medicine* and a winterfrost flavor.

What We Like
Effective cough relief
Powerful menthol sensation
Soothing for sore throats
Reasonably priced
Refreshing, not overly sweet
What We Don't Like
Not great tasting
Packaging lacks eco-friendliness
#TOP 9

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 (Previously SoundHealth)

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
Large quantity per bag
Great flavor
Effective cough relief
Affordable alternative
Gentle on the throat
#TOP 10

Ricola Honey Lemon Echinacea Cough Drops

3255
Yellow
Ricola Honey Lemon Echinacea Cough Drops Cover
Ricola Honey Lemon with Echinacea Cough Drops, 45 Count, Delicious Throat Relief & Care, Oral Anesthetic, Naturally Flavored

Ricola Cough Drops offer a soothing combination of Fair Trade honey, Echinacea, and lemon balm. This blend is designed to provide temporary relief from coughs caused by colds or irritation. You’ll appreciate how these drops alleviate sore throat pain while also calming an itchy throat due to allergies. Being gluten-free and vegetarian makes them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. With their pleasant taste, these cough drops not only help you feel better but also make the experience enjoyable.

What We Like
Effective throat relief
Great taste
Larger bag for better value
Soothing herbal mix
Echinacea added benefits
What We Don't Like
Other flavors might be better
Taste takes getting used to
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 26 cough drops products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 159,801 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 $5.15.

The cough drops are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cough drops, including Ricola, SCHMIDT EMPIRE, Ludens, Vicks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basic Care Ricola SCHMIDT EMPIRE Amazon Basic Care Ricola Ludens SCHMIDT EMPIRE Vicks Amazon Basic Care Ricola
Product Benefits Throat Care, Cough Relief, Soothing Cough Relief Contains 7 mg of pectin per sore throat drop Throat Care, Cough Relief, Soothing Cough Relief Throat Care Contains 7 mg of pectin per sore throat drop Soothing Throat Care, Cough Relief, Soothing Cough Relief
Item dimensions L x W x H 9.45 x 7.5 x 3 inches 6 x 6 x 6 inches 0.87 x 4.61 x 7.48 inches 3 x 7.5 x 9.45 inches 8 x 1.5 x 10.88 inches 3.75 x 6.9 x 8.3 inches - 5 x 1.38 x 8.66 inches 9.45 x 7.5 x 3 inches 5.9 x 0.75 x 8.55 inches
Specific Uses For Product Sore Throat, Cough Cold, Sore Throat, Cough - Cough, Sore Throat Cough - Sore Throat Sore Throat Sore Throat, Cough Cough
Item Weight 1 Pounds - 0.63 Pounds 0.91 Pounds - 2.8 Milligrams - 5.12 ounces 0.91 Pounds -
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 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
ftb score rating icon 8.5
ftb score rating icon 8.4
Where to Buy