Quick Answer
Many popular brands of cough drops are gluten free, including Ricola, Halls, Luden’s, and Cepacol. Some specific cough drop flavors and varieties that are gluten free include:
- Ricola Herbal Immunity Supplement Drops in flavors like Lemon Mint and Elderberry
- Halls Breezers Cool Berry
- Luden’s Wild Cherry
- Cepacol Sensations Cherry
Always check the label or ask the manufacturer to confirm whether a cough drop is gluten free, as ingredients can change. Some cough drops contain gluten or may be at risk for cross-contamination.
What is Gluten and Why Do People Need to Avoid It?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and headaches.
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also need to avoid gluten to manage symptoms. With cough drops, which are dissolved slowly in the mouth, it’s especially important to choose gluten-free options to prevent any exposure to gluten.
According to estimates, around 1% of people worldwide have celiac disease. However, some experts believe non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect up to 13% of the population. This means there is a sizable market of consumers relying on gluten-free foods, including gluten-free cough drops.
What Makes Cough Drops Gluten Free?
For a cough drop to be gluten free, it must not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats as ingredients. Many cough drops are naturally gluten free, getting their flavor from ingredients like honey, menthol and eucalyptus oil.
Cross-contamination is also a concern with cough drops. Gluten free cough drops should be produced in a facility free from gluten cross-contamination and labeled “gluten free”.
Here are some examples of ingredients that make cough drops gluten free:
- Honey
- Glucose syrup
- Menthol
- Eucalyptus oil
- Zinc gluconate
- Cherry flavor
- Natural colors and flavors
- Cane sugar
- Ascorbic acid
As long as all ingredients are gluten-free and steps are taken to prevent cross-contamination, the cough drop can be labeled as gluten free.
Popular Brands of Gluten Free Cough Drops
Many major brands of cough drops offer gluten-free varieties. Here is an overview of some top brands making gluten-free cough drops:
Ricola
Ricola is likely the most recognizable brand when it comes to cough drops. All of their herbal cough drops are labeled gluten free. Fans love their unique herb flavors like Lemon Mint, Menthol, Elderberry, Mixed Berries and more.
Ricola also makes sugar free cough drops and has a line of Immunity Support drops with supplemental herbs like ginseng, echinacea, vitamin C and zinc. These are also gluten free.
Halls
The Halls brand is known for their strong menthol cough drops, but they also have flavored Breezers cough drops that are labeled gluten free. Recommended gluten-free varieties include Cool Berry, Honey Lemon, and Cherry.
Luden’s
Luden’s is another very popular drugstore brand. Their Wild Cherry gluten free cough drops are a top pick. Just check labels, as not all Luden’s varieties are marked gluten free.
Cepacol
Cepacol makes menthol cough drops as well as cherry and honey lemon flavors that are gluten free. They are also free of sugar alcohols.
Other Brands
Other brands manufacturing gluten-free cough drops include:
- Zarbee’s Naturals – several flavors
- Chloraseptic – Cherry and Raspberry flavors
- Sucrets – Honey Lemon and Cherry
- Cough Drop – Menthol Eucalyptus
The best practice is to check labels and contact manufacturers to verify the gluten free status of any cough drop variety. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change over time.
Tips for Finding Gluten Free Cough Drops
Here are some tips to finding gluten-free cough drops:
- Look for a “gluten free” label on the packaging.
- Check the list of ingredients for any wheat, barley, rye or oats.
- Call or email the manufacturer if you don’t see a gluten free indication on the label.
- Check company websites which often list gluten free products.
- Look for cough drops with simple ingredients like menthol, honey and natural flavors.
- Avoid maltitol, barley malt and malt flavoring as these indicate gluten.
- Shop for cough drops at health food stores which tend to have more gluten free options.
- Buy reputable national brands made in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
- Reference apps like FindMeGlutenFree which have user reviews about gluten free products.
Checking labels diligently and contacting companies directly are the best lines of defense when identifying gluten-free cough drops. When in doubt, choose simple formulations less likely to contain gluten.
Are Lozenges and Throat Drops Gluten Free?
Lozenges and throat drops are very similar to cough drops, just without the cough suppressing medication. The same guidance applies when looking for gluten-free lozenges.
Many of the top cough drop brands also make gluten-free throat drops and lozenges. Examples include Ricola herb lozenges, Luden’s wild cherry throat drops, and Halls Breezers lozenges in menthol and assorted fruit flavors.
As with cough drops, always check ingredient lists and labels of lozenges and throat drops to verify they are gluten-free. Reputable manufacturers will state any gluten free claims upfront on the packaging.
Risks of Gluten Exposure from Cough Drops
While ingesting small amounts of gluten from cough drops is unlikely to cause major issues for most, it’s ideal to avoid gluten exposure whenever possible.
For those with celiac disease, any gluten introduced in the mouth can get transferred into the stomach and small intestine, causing inflammation and damage to the villi. Over time, repeat exposures can trigger symptoms, impact nutrient absorption and may lead to complications like anemia and osteoporosis.
Some other concerns about getting gluten from cough drops include:
- Prolonged contact between gluten and the mouth/throat allows more time for gluten to be absorbed compared to swallowing food.
- The mucosa membranes under the tongue are very absorbent.
- Those with oral ulcers or sores may be more sensitive to gluten from cough drops.
- Children tend to suck on lozenges longer, increasing gluten exposure.
While an occasional gluten exposure is unlikely to cause major harm, those with celiac disease should take precautions and avoid cough drops containing gluten ingredients.
Alternative Remedies to Gluten-Filled Cough Drops
For those who prefer to avoid questionable cough drops altogether, there are other effective options to help soothe sore throats and coughs:
- Honey – Has antibacterial and soothing properties. Can be consumed straight or in tea.
- Throat sprays – Try chloraseptic spray or other fast-acting numbing formulas.
- Saltwater gargle – Helps reduce swelling and loosen mucus.
- Licorice root tea – Has anti-inflammatory effects for sore throats.
- Marshmallow root tea – Soothes irritated mucus membranes.
- Bone broth – Warm, nourishing broths can ease sore throats.
- Popsicles – Cold and soothing on sore throats.
- Peppermint tea – Relieves tension and opens airways.
- Supplements – Quercetin, vitamin C, zinc and others support immunity.
The key is keeping up hydration and turning to natural remedies to get throat and cough relief quickly. Be sure to get medical attention if symptoms are severe or persist beyond a few days.
Homemade Gluten Free Cough Drops
Making homemade gluten free cough drops is also an option. This allows complete control over the ingredients.
Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk gently for 2-3 minutes until just lightly bubbling. Remove from heat.
- Allow to cool slightly and add any optional mix-ins like essential oils, herbs, spices or zest. Peppermint, cinnamon and ginger are good options.
- Pour into a shallow glass dish or candy mold to set up. Allow to cool fully, about 1 hour.
- Once firm, break into smaller cough drop sized pieces. Roll in coconut flour to prevent sticking if desired.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
The honey is soothing for sore throats, while the coconut oil helps combat germs. This is a simple cough drop that’s tasty and free of any gluten or chemical ingredients. Feel free to customize with different flavor combinations.
Conclusion
Finding gluten-free cough drops is possible by carefully checking ingredient labels, contacting manufacturers and watching for “gluten free” labeled brands. Many major brands like Ricola, Halls and Luden’s make cough drops that are safe for gluten-free diets.
Sticking to simple formulations with ingredients like menthol, honey and natural flavors is also recommended when looking for gluten free cough drops. Those highly sensitive should consider homemade options or alternative remedies to avoid any risk of gluten exposure.
- Cough drops with wheat, barley, rye or oats as ingredients contain gluten and should be avoided.
- Look for brands labeled “gluten free” and check for at-risk ingredients like maltitol.
- Call or email companies when in doubt about an ingredient or possibility of cross-contamination.
- Ricola, Halls, Luden’s, Cepacol and Zarbee’s are examples of gluten-free brands.
- Lozenges and throat drops should be verified as gluten-free using the same precautions.
- While gluten exposure from cough drops is unlikely to be significant, those with celiac disease should take care to avoid it.
Being an informed consumer and taking proactive steps to investigate products can help those requiring a gluten-free diet stay healthy and feel their best.
