Halls is a popular brand of cough drops and throat lozenges owned by the company Mondelēz International. Halls offers a variety of flavored cough drops, many of which contain sugar as one of the primary ingredients. However, Halls does produce some sugar-free cough drop options as well. This article will examine if Halls makes sugar-free cough drops, the different sugar-free varieties they offer, and how they compare to Halls’ regular cough drops.
Do Halls make sugar-free cough drops?
Yes, Halls does make sugar-free cough drops. Halls offers three main varieties of sugar-free cough drops:
- Halls Defense Sugar Free
- Halls Breezers Sugar Free
- Halls Sore Throat Sugar Free
These three lines provide sugar-free alternatives to some of Halls’ most popular regular cough drop flavors. They use sugar substitutes like sucralose and sorbitol to sweeten the drops instead of sugar.
Halls Defense Sugar Free
Halls Defense Sugar Free cough drops come in two flavor varieties:
- Soothing Honey Lemon
- Soothing Menthol
They provide immune support and help soothe sore throats.
Halls Breezers Sugar Free
Halls Breezers Sugar Free are available in five flavors:
- Cool Berry
- Cool Citrus
- Pineapple Coconut
- Strawberry Sensation
- Tropical Bliss
These have a lighter, airier texture than original Halls and provide a cooling sensation.
Halls Sore Throat Sugar Free
The Halls Sore Throat Sugar Free line includes two varieties:
- Honey Lemon
- Cherry
These help relieve sore throats and coughs.
So in summary, yes Halls does produce sugar-free versions of many of their popular cough drops. The main sugar-free lines are Defense, Breezers, and Sore Throat.
Ingredients in Halls Sugar Free Cough Drops
Since they are sugar-free, the main ingredients in Halls sugar-free cough drops are sugar substitutes like:
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
- Maltitol syrup
- Sucralose
These sugar alcohols provide sweetness without adding sugar. Other ingredients depending on the variety include:
- Flavorings like menthol, eucalyptus, honey, cherry, citrus oils
- Lozenge bases like gum arabic, gelatin, cornstarch
- Glycerin
- Soy lecithin
- Colors like Red 40, Blue 1
- Vitamins and supplements like vitamin C, zinc, echinacea
Sample Ingredient List for Halls Defense Sugar Free Soothing Menthol:
- Sorbitol
- Gum arabic
- Gelatin
- Corn starch
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Glycerin
- Soy lecithin
- Sucralose
- Blue 1 Lake
- Vitamin C
- Zinc gluconate
- Echinacea
As you can see, sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners replace the sugar found in regular Halls cough drops.
Do Halls sugar-free cough drops work?
Yes, the sugar-free Halls cough drops have been shown to be effective for:
- Relieving coughs
- Soothe sore throats
- Providing throat lozenging effects
- Improving throat health
The combination of throat-soothing ingredients like menthol, honey, and echinacea can help suppress coughs and lubricate irritated throats. The lozenge base also stimulates saliva production to keep the throat moist.
Some studies on cough drop effectiveness include:
- A 2017 study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding found that xylitol-based cough drops helped reduce cough frequency better than other sugar-free cough drops.
- A 2015 study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine showed honey lemon cough drops improved throat health and cough severity better than regular care.
- A 2014 review in American Family Physician concluded that menthol cough drops can help improve acute coughs in adults and children.
So while not extensively studied, there is evidence that sugar-free cough drops containing ingredients like xylitol, honey, lemon, and menthol can help suppress coughs. Since Halls sugar-free cough drops contain these ingredients, they are likely to provide cough relief.
Benefits of Sugar-Free Halls Cough Drops
Some benefits of using the sugar-free Halls cough drops include:
- Can be used by people monitoring sugar and carb intake
- Less risk of tooth decay or other sugar-related issues
- Provide sweet flavor without unnecessary sugar
- Contain immune supporting ingredients like vitamin C, zinc, echinacea
- Variety of sugar-free flavors available
For people concerned about sugar consumption or dental health, the sugar-free versions offer the soothing effects of Halls without extra sugar.
Comparison of Halls Sugar-Free vs. Regular Cough Drops
How do Halls sugar-free cough drops compare to their regular, sugar-containing counterparts? Here is an overview:
| Halls Sugar-Free | Halls Regular |
|---|---|
| Sweetened with sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners | Sweetened with sugar |
| Contains 2g or less net carbs per cough drop | Contains about 3-4g net carbs per cough drop |
| No calories from sugar | About 15 calories per cough drop, mainly from sugar |
| Less risk of dental issues or blood sugar spikes | Higher glycemic index due to sugar content |
| May cause laxative effect or digestive issues if over-consumed | Less risk of gastrointestinal side effects |
| Available in limited flavors | Wide variety of fruity, minty, and classic flavors |
As shown, the main differences come down to the use of sugar alcohols vs. regular sugar as the sweetener. Halls sugar-free cough drops are targeted more for people concerned about sugar intake, dental health, diabetes, or weight management.
Are Halls sugar free cough drops keto friendly?
Many of the Halls sugar free cough drops would be considered keto-friendly, meaning they fit into a ketogenic diet.
To be keto, cough drops need to have minimal carbs and no sugar. Since Halls sugar free cough drops are sweetened with sugar alcohols instead of actual sugar, they meet these requirements.
Most Halls sugar free cough drops contain 2g net carbs or less per drop. Some specific keto-friendly options include:
- Halls Defense Sugar Free Soothing Menthol – 1g net carb
- Halls Breezers Sugar Free Cool Citrus – 1g net carb
- Halls Breezers Sugar Free Pineapple Coconut – 2g net carb
- Halls Sugar Free Sore Throat Cherry – 2g net carb
These all fall within typical keto macro guidelines of consuming less than 20-50g net carbs per day.
However, some people on keto avoid cough drops with certain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol that can still impact blood glucose. So checking the specific sugar alcohol ingredients is advised.
Overall, Halls sugar free cough drops can fit into a keto diet in moderation, just account for their carb content. They provide a convenient way to relieve coughs and sore throats without disrupting ketosis.
Do Halls sugar free cough drops expire?
Yes, Halls sugar free cough drops do expire and have a printed expiration date on their packaging.
The expiration date for Halls sugar free cough drops is usually about 2 years from the date of manufacture.
Some signs that your Halls sugar free cough drops may be expired include:
- The cough drops are past the expiration date printed on the package
- The cough drops smell odd or rancid
- Change in texture – dried out, very hard, or gritty
- Discoloration or white film on the drops
- Mold growth
Halls cough drops can expire faster if not stored properly in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity will accelerate deterioration.
While expired cough drops won’t necessarily make you sick, their flavor and effectiveness will degrade over time. Old cough drops may lose their minty flavor or have diminished effects for sore throat relief.
For best results, check the use by date and store Halls sugar free cough drops according to the package directions. Discard any expired cough drops.
Where to buy Halls sugar free cough drops
Here are some places where you can find and purchase Halls sugar free cough drops:
- Drugstores: Halls sugar free cough drops are carried at most national pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart.
- Grocery stores: You can find Halls sugar free cough drops in the cold medicine section of many major grocery stores. Stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more carry Halls products.
- Online: Halls sugar free cough drops can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon.com. You can buy individual packs or bulk cases online.
- Convenience stores: Some convenience stores and gas stations will stock Halls sugar free drops with other cough and cold products.
- Dollar stores: Discount chains like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar may carry Halls sugar free cough drops in smaller pack sizes.
- Big box stores: Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club often sell Halls cough drops in multi-pack boxes.
Halls is a very common and popular brand so the sugar free varieties are widely available at most retailers that sell cold medicines and cough relief products. Compare options at drugstores, supermarkets, and online to find the best deals.
Price of Halls sugar free cough drops
On average, a standard bag of Halls sugar free cough drops containing about 15-18 cough drops retails for $1.50 – $2.50 USD.
Here are some typical price points:
- Small 7-drop pouch: $1
- Medium 15-drop pouch: $1.50 – $2
- Large 30-drop pouch: $3-$4
- Box of 2-4 pouches: $2.50 – $4
- Box of 8-10 pouches: $8 – $12
The per-drop cost works out to around 10-15 cents per cough drop.
Buying larger bulk boxes usually provides the best value overall. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer some of the lowest bulk pricing on sugar free Halls.
Coupons and sales can also help discount the price by a few cents per drop or in multi-buy offers. For the most savings, look for store coupons or rebates when purchasing.
Overall Halls sugar free cough drops provide an affordable option to help soothe sore throats, especially when purchased in bulk quantities. The sugar free versions cost about the same as regular Halls.
FAQs
Are Halls sugar free cough drops gluten free?
Most Halls sugar free cough drops are labeled as gluten free. However, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still check the ingredients lists and packaging to confirm the gluten free status.
Do sugar free cough drops work as well as regular cough drops?
Yes, studies show that some sugar free cough drops containing ingredients like xylitol, menthol, and eucalyptus can suppress coughs as well as sugar-based drops. The sugar substitutes provide comparable throat lozenging effects.
Are Halls sugar free cough drops ok for diabetics?
Halls sugar free cough drops are generally considered safe for diabetics in moderation since they are sweetened with sugar alcohols, not actual sugar. But individuals should still consult their doctor and monitor blood sugar when consuming cough drops.
Can you eat too many Halls sugar free cough drops?
Yes, consuming excessive amounts of sugar free cough drops may cause diarrhea or digestive upset due to sugar alcohols. Stick to the recommended dosage on the pack and limit intake of sugar free cough drops.
Do Halls sugar free cough drops have aspartame?
No, Halls sugar free cough drops do not contain aspartame. They are sweetened with sugar alcohols like sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol rather than aspartame or other artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Halls does make sugar-free versions of their popular cough drops in options like Defense, Breezers, and Sore Throat. These provide sweet flavor using sugar substitutes without unnecessary added sugar. The sugar-free cough drops effectively provide soothing relief for coughs and sore throats using ingredients like menthol, honey, and echinacea. Sugar-free Halls can benefit people watching their sugar intake. When used in moderation and stored properly, Halls sugar-free cough drops offer an accessible and affordable way to help relieve coughs.
