Top Brands for Soothing Sore Throat with Cough Drops

When a sore throat strikes, finding relief becomes a top priority, and choosing the right cough drop can make all the difference. A variety of brands offer soothing effects, each with unique ingredients and flavors to meet individual preferences. Whether you're seeking a menthol boost, an herbal touch, or sugar-free options, the market has a plethora of choices tailored to diverse needs. In the quest to discover which cough drop brands stand out for their effectiveness and quality, let's explore the best options for alleviating sore throats below.

Illustration of cough drop for sore throat

Best brands of cough drop for sore throat in 2025

Ricola

Ricola is a renowned brand in the sore throat lozenges market, known for its high-quality products made from Swiss Mountain Herbs, providing soothing relief from coughs and sore throats for over 75 years. The brand’s Original Natural Herb drops are a classic product, offering relief for coughs and sore throats, and are available in both sugar and sugar-free versions. Ricola products are lactose and nut free, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. The global sore throat lozenges market, in which Ricola is a key player, is projected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034.

Halls

Halls is a leading brand in the cough drop market, known for its effective and soothing products that temporarily relieve coughs and sore throats. With a rich history dating back to 1893, Halls has maintained a significant market presence, although it experienced a 25% year-over-year decline in market share from November 2023 to February 2024. Despite this, Halls remains a favorite, with its honey lemon cough drops ranking as a top product on Amazon by revenue, showing a 7% increase in revenue over the previous period. The brand's products are widely recognized for their variety of flavors and pack types, making them a go-to choice for consumers. Halls continues to be a major player in the global sore throat lozenges market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034. For more details, visit the official Halls website.

Luden's

Luden's is a renowned brand in the cough drop market, particularly known for its soothing sore throat remedies. Founded by William H. Luden in 1879, the company has a rich history of innovation, including the introduction of menthol cough drops in 1881, which replaced cumbersome vials of menthol and provided national exposure through early guerilla marketing tactics. By 1909, Luden's was selling five million packages of cough drops per year and had expanded globally, selling products in 26 countries by the 1930s. Despite changes in ownership, including being acquired by Hershey and later by Prestige Brands, Luden's continues to be a top choice, with its market share increasing by 19% year-over-year in the cough drop segment on Amazon. The brand's Wild Cherry sore throat lozenges remain a popular option, offering temporary relief for minor discomfort.

Cepacol

Cepacol is a leading brand in the throat lozenges market, renowned for its effective and fast-acting sore throat relief products. Their lozenges, such as the Cepacol Extra Strength Sore Throat Lozenges, contain active ingredients like Benzocaine and Menthol, providing relief that can last up to 2 hours. Cepacol was the #1 doctor-recommended OTC sore throat lozenge in the US from June 2016 to May 2017, according to the QuintilesIMS ProVoice Survey. Their products are available in various flavors, including cherry, honey lemon, and mixed berry, catering to different preferences. With a strong presence in the market, Cepacol continues to be a trusted choice for sore throat relief.

Fisherman's Friend

Fisherman's Friend is a renowned brand known for its effective cough drops, providing relief for sore throats and coughs with its strong menthol and eucalyptus ingredients. The brand exports around 5 billion lozenges annually, with 96% of its production being exported to over 100 countries, making it a global leader in the throat lozenges market. In the 2023-2024 cold and flu season, Fisherman's Friend held a 5% market share in the cough drops segment on Amazon, despite a 21% year-over-year decline. The brand's Original Extra Strong lozenges contain 10 mg of menthol and are available in various flavors, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Fisherman's Friend is particularly popular in Germany and Thailand, where it is favored for its cherry and honey-lemon flavors, respectively.

Chloraseptic

Chloraseptic is a leading brand in the sore throat relief market, renowned for its highly effective throat sprays and lozenges. It holds a significant market share, with a 49.8% market share in sore throat liquids and sprays, and an all-commodity volume (ACV) of 93.9% as of 2010. Chloraseptic sprays are particularly praised for their quick and potent relief, often recommended by health experts for their patients. The brand's products, such as Chloraseptic spray, contain active ingredients like phenol, which provide rapid and targeted pain relief. This brand dominance is further reinforced by its widespread availability and strong retail distribution network. For more detailed information, check out the best medicine for sore throat relief guide.

Strepsils

Strepsils, a renowned brand owned by Reckitt Benckiser, is a leading producer of throat lozenges, offering effective relief for sore throats and mouth infections since its introduction in 1958. The lozenges contain active ingredients such as dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol, which act as mild antiseptics. Strepsils is widely available globally and has various formulations, including those with vitamin C and lidocaine. The brand's popularity contributes significantly to the throat lozenges market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, reaching a valuation of USD 7.5 billion by 2034. With its long history and diverse product range, Strepsils remains a trusted choice for consumers seeking quick and effective relief from throat discomfort.

Vicks VapoDrops

Vicks VapoDrops is a leading brand in the cough drop market, known for providing relief from sore throats and coughs. According to recent data, Vicks' cold and flu relief products, including VapoDrops, have seen significant growth, with NyQuil Severe Cold and Flu Relief Liquid from Vicks experiencing a 718% revenue increase from the year-ago period. Vicks commands a substantial market share, particularly in the cold balm/rub category, holding over 60% of the market. The brand's VapoDrops + Cough product offers relief from blocked noses, sore throats, and coughs, making it a popular choice during cold and flu seasons.

Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees, although not specifically highlighted as a major player in the throat lozenges market, is well-known for its natural and herbal products, which can include cough drops and sore throat remedies. The throat lozenges market, dominated by hard candy lozenges with a 48% market share in 2022, is driven by the rising demand for herbal formulations and the increasing popularity of self-healing approaches. Burt's Bees, with its emphasis on natural ingredients, aligns well with consumer preferences for health benefits and natural remedies. However, the primary market leaders in throat lozenges include companies like Bliss GVS Pharma Ltd., SSL International, and Ricola AG. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2034, reaching a forecasted value of US$ 9.8 billion by 2034. For more details on Burt’s Bees offerings, visit the official Burt's Bees website.

Honeywell's Honees

Honeywell does not produce Honees cough drops; instead, Honees is a brand known for its natural throat drops filled with liquid honey, menthol, and eucalyptus, which have been a top-rated solution for soothing sore throats for over 100 years. These drops are made in Italy and are popular for their all-natural ingredients and effective relief. Honees cough drops are available in various flavors and are preferred by consumers for their soothing properties. The brand has maintained its reputation since its inception in 1923. Honees cough drops are widely available and do not require a prescription. For more information, visit their official website.