Ricola sugar free cough drops are a popular product for soothing sore throats and providing temporary relief from coughs. Many people choose sugar free cough drops to avoid excess sugar and calories. But do Ricola sugar free cough drops actually have zero calories? Let’s take a closer look.
Do Sugar Free Cough Drops Have Calories?
In general, most sugar free cough drops do contain some calories, though significantly less than regular cough drops with sugar. Here are the main reasons sugar free cough drops still have minimal calories:
Sugar Alcohol Sweeteners
Most sugar free cough drops are sweetened with sugar alcohols, which are lower calorie sweeteners derived from sugars. Common sugar alcohols used include:
– Sorbitol
– Mannitol
– Xylitol
– Maltitol
– Erythritol
While sugar alcohols are lower in calories than regular sugar, they still provide about 0.2 to 3 calories per gram, compared to 4 calories per gram in sugar. So sugar alcohols do contribute minimal calories to sugar free cough drops.
Fillers and Binders
In addition to sugar alcohol sweeteners, cough drops contain fillers and binders to give them structure and texture. Common ingredients include corn syrup, maltodextrin, and vegetable gums. Though they are not the main calorie source, these ingredients can still contribute a very small amount of calories.
Flavorings and Extracts
Sugar free cough drops are flavored with natural and artificial flavorings. While extracts like menthol and eucalyptus oil are negligible in calories, some artificial flavors may contain trace amounts of carbs and calories.
So in summary, sugar alcohols, fillers, and flavorings lead to sugar free cough drops having 1-5 calories per piece, though they can be labeled as 0 calories when under 5 calories per serving.
Calories in Ricola Sugar Free Cough Drops
Now let’s look specifically at the calories and ingredients in Ricola sugar free cough drops.
Here are the nutrition facts for Ricola Sugar Free cough drops from the package:
Serving Size:
1 cough drop (1.5g)
Calories:
1
Total Carbohydrates:
Less than 1g
Sugar Alcohols:
1g
The main sweetener used in Ricola sugar free cough drops is maltitol syrup. Maltitol is a sugar alcohol that provides about 2.1 calories per gram. So the 1g of maltitol contributes about 2 calories.
The other ingredients in Ricola Sugar Free include:
– Herbal extracts – Provide flavor but negligible calories
– Vegetable gums – Small source of carbohydrates and calories
– Fillers like magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide – Trace calories
Given the small amounts of these additional ingredients, the total calories end up being 1 calorie per cough drop.
So in summary, Ricola sugar free cough drops do contain 1 calorie per piece, primarily from the sugar alcohol maltitol. The herbal extracts, vegetable gums, and fillers provide trace amounts of carbohydrates and calories. While not completely calorie-free, at just 1 calorie per drop, Ricola can round down to 0 calories for labeling purposes.
Total Calories in a Whole Bag
Ricola sugar free cough drops are packaged in bags containing 18 pieces per bag.
With 1 calorie per drop, here is the total calorie count for a whole bag:
| Servings per bag | 18 drops |
| Calories per serving | 1 calorie |
| Total Calories per bag | 18 calories |
So a full 18-piece bag of Ricola sugar free cough drops contains about 18 calories. While a single drop is considered zero calories, the calories do add up when eating multiple pieces from a whole bag. However, 18 calories is still a negligible amount of calories for the entire bag.
Comparison to Ricola Cough Drops with Sugar
To better understand the calorie content of Ricola Sugar Free, let’s compare it to regular Ricola cough drops sweetened with sugar:
| Cough Drop Type | Calories per Piece |
| Ricola Sugar Free | 1 calorie |
| Ricola Original (with sugar) | 21 calories |
As you can see, Ricola original cough drops sweetened with sugar contain significantly more calories, at 21 calories per piece.
The sugar alcohol maltitol used in the sugar free version contains minimal calories compared to regular sugar. Replacing 21 calories of sugar with 1 calorie of maltitol provides major calorie savings.
This comparison shows why Ricola sugar free can be considered virtually zero calories compared to the high 21 calories in regular Ricola cough drops.
Net Carbs in Ricola Sugar Free
In addition to calories, some people on low carb or keto diets may want to know the net carb content of Ricola Sugar Free.
Total carbohydrates minus fiber equals net carbs.
The nutrition facts list total carbs as less than 1g per piece. Ricola sugar free does not contain any fiber.
Therefore, the net carbs would also be less than 1g per cough drop.
This minimal 1g of net carbs comes mostly from the maltitol sweetener. Vegetable gums likely also contribute trace amounts of net carbs.
The takeaway is that Ricola Sugar Free is very low in net carbs, with about 1g net carbs per drop. People following keto diets can comfortably fit these cough drops into their daily carb limits.
Ingredients
Now let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients list on the Ricola Sugar Free package:
– Maltitol syrup – Sugar alcohol sweetener
– Herbal extracts – Flavorings like menthol, eucalyptus, and lemon balm
– Vegetable gums – Binders to provide texture
– Magnesium stearate – Anti-caking agent
– Silicon dioxide – Anti-caking agent
– Lemon juice concentrate – Flavoring
– Ascorbic acid – Vitamin C
Key points:
– Maltitol syrup is the main sweetener instead of sugar, reducing calories.
– Herbal extracts like menthol and eucalyptus give Ricola the soothing properties to calm sore throats.
– Vegetable gums act as binders and provide texture.
– Magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide prevent clumping.
– Lemon juice concentrate and ascorbic acid enhance the flavor profile.
Overall, the ingredients help make Ricola Sugar Free an herbally soothing, low calorie alternative to regular cough drops.
Taste and Effectiveness
In terms of taste and effectiveness for coughs and sore throats, most consumers find Ricola Sugar Free comparable to regular Ricola cough drops.
Here are some key points on how the sugar free version stacks up:
– Sweetness – Many find the maltitol provides good sweetness approaching regular sugar, though it has a mild aftertaste.
– Flavor – The same herbal flavors like menthol and eucalyptus come through. The flavor intensity is moderately reduced compared to the sugar version, but the herbs remain pronounced.
– Soothing – Ricola Sugar Free provides effective, temporary soothing relief for sore throats. The demulcent properties of the vegetable gums coat and soothe irritated throat tissues.
– Cough Relief – The cough suppressing effects of the herbal extracts like menthol help suppress coughs temporarily. Ricola Sugar Free provides good cough relief for up to a few hours per drop.
Pros
– Virtually no calories
– All the great Ricola flavor in a sugar free formula
– Temporarily soothing for sore throats
– Helps suppress coughs
– Sweetened with maltitol instead of sugar
Cons
– Slight aftertaste from maltitol
– Herb flavor intensity slightly reduced vs original
– Cough/throat relief only lasts a few hours
Overall, Ricola Sugar Free delivers the same great temporary relieving effects as the original with the benefits of minimal calories and sugar-free sweetness.
Glycemic Index
The glycemic index (GI) measures how much a food raises blood sugar.
Sugar alcohols like maltitol have minimal impact on blood glucose levels. Maltitol has a GI of 35, compared to 60-70 for regular sucrose sugar.
Therefore, Ricola Sugar Free has a very low glycemic impact. This makes it suitable for people with diabetes aiming to limit spikes in blood sugar.
Cost Analysis
Ricola sugar free cough drops typically cost about $1.50 to $2 per bag on average:
– Small 18-piece bag: $1.50
– Large 54-piece bag: $3.50
This is comparable in price to regular Ricola cough drops, making the sugar free version a budget-friendly option.
When comparing the cost per piece:
– Ricola Sugar Free: Around 8 to 11 cents per piece
– Ricola Original: Around 7 to 10 cents per piece
So you only pay slightly more for the sugar free convenience. Given the low calorie and glycemic benefits, Ricola Sugar Free provides good value for the price point.
Where to Buy
Ricola Sugar Free cough drops can be found at most major retailers where over-the-counter medicines are sold. Here are some of the top places to buy Ricola Sugar Free:
Pharmacies
– CVS
– Walgreens
– Rite Aid
– Walmart Pharmacy
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
– Kroger
– Safeway
– Publix
– Whole Foods
– Trader Joe’s
Mass Merchandisers
– Walmart
– Target
– Costco
Convenience Stores
– 7-Eleven
– Wawa
– Circle K
You can also find and purchase Ricola Sugar Free cough drops online from retailers like Amazon and direct from the Ricola website.
Overall, Ricola Sugar Free is widely available at most major retailers that sell cough drops and cold medicines. The product has good distribution nationwide.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ricola Sugar Free cough drops:
Are Ricola sugar free cough drops gluten free?
Yes, Ricola Sugar Free cough drops are certified gluten free, making them safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Do they contain aspartame?
No, Ricola Sugar Free does not contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. The sugar alcohol maltitol provides the sweetness instead.
What sugar alcohol is used?
Ricola Sugar Free is sweetened with maltitol syrup. Maltitol is a common sugar alcohol used in many sugar free foods.
Are they non-GMO?
Yes, Ricola states that all their cough drop ingredients are non-GMO.
Are they vegan/vegetarian friendly?
Yes, Ricola sugar free cough drops are free of any animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Do they contain dairy or lactose?
No, Ricola Sugar Free does not contain any dairy ingredients like milk or whey. They are lactose-free.
How long do they last?
Properly stored in cool, dry conditions, Ricola Sugar Free drops typically stay fresh for 9-12 months after opening. Unopened, they last for up to 2 years from the manufacturing date.
Warnings
Ricola Sugar Free cough drops are safe for most people when used occasionally, but there are some warnings to consider:
– Choking hazard – Use caution when giving to small children and supervise use.
– Gastrointestinal effects – Sugar alcohols like maltitol may cause bloating, gas or diarrhea if over-consumed.
– Blood sugar – Those with diabetes should still monitor blood sugar, as maltitol can raise glucose levels moderately.
– Allergies – Contains tree nuts, herbs/spices that could cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Discontinue use if any discomfort occurs.
As with any medication, consult your doctor before use if you have any medical concerns or are pregnant/nursing. Discontinue use if any discomfort or adverse effects occur.
The Bottom Line
So in summary, here is the final answer to whether Ricola Sugar Free cough drops have calories:
Yes, technically Ricola Sugar Free does contain approximately 1 calorie per cough drop, primarily from the sugar alcohol sweetener maltitol.
However, at just 1 calorie per piece, Ricola can round down and list zero calories on the packaging. Consuming an entire bag only amounts to 18 calories total.
Compared to 21 calories in regular sugar-sweetened Ricola, the sugar free version provides significant calorie savings. Plus, Ricola Sugar Free has the benefits of sugar-free sweetness and a lower glycemic impact.
While not completely calorie-free, Ricola Sugar Free is an excellent ultra low-calorie option for cough and throat relief when you want to avoid excess sugar.
