Top-Rated Lozenge Brands That Soothe and Impress

In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to find ourselves battling an irritating sore throat or persistent cough. Fortunately, the market offers a variety of lozenge brands that promise quick relief and soothing effects. From well-established names to innovative newcomers, these brands are renowned for their high quality and effective formulations. Curious to discover which lozenges have made it to the top of our list? Find out more about the best brands below.

Illustration of lozenges

Best brands of lozenges in 2025

Ricola

Ricola, a Swiss family-run company, stands as a leading producer of lozenges, renowned for its high-quality herbal products. In 2023, Ricola achieved a record-breaking year with double-digit sales growth, reinforcing its status as the market leader in the U.S. cough-drop segment. The company's popular products, such as Ricola Throat Balm and Ricola Cherry, have greatly contributed to this success. Committed to sustainability, Ricola has conducted a Life Cycle Assessment and adopted measures to lower carbon emissions, especially in transportation. With an impressive presence in 45 countries, Ricola continues to expand its global reach.

Fisherman's Friend

Fisherman's Friend, manufactured by Lofthouse of Fleetwood, is a renowned brand of strong menthol lozenges, producing over 5 billion lozenges annually, with 96% of its production exported to over 100 countries. The company, founded in 1865, has maintained high pharmaceutical standards in its manufacturing process, exceeding typical confectionery industry requirements. Germany is its largest market, favoring flavors like cherry and mint, while Thailand prefers the honey and lemon flavor. The brand has expanded to include 15 different flavors and has won the Queen's Award for Export Achievement multiple times. Despite challenges, including a 36.1% turnover drop in 2021, the company remains committed to innovation and efficiency. For more information about their vast array of flavors and global presence, visit their official website.

Halls

Halls is a leading brand in the lozenge market, known for its aggressive marketing strategies that have driven significant growth, with the brand growing 30% over the previous year. It competes closely with Vicks and Strepsils in the Indian market, where the medicated lozenge sector is valued at Rs 55-60 crore and growing at a healthy 15% per annum. Halls' heightened marketing activity has forced competitors to increase their ad spends by 15-25%, contributing to the overall expansion of the throat lozenges category. The global throat lozenges market, in which Halls is a key player, was valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. Halls' presence in various distribution channels, including chemists and general stores, further solidifies its market position. For more information about Halls, visit their official website.

Strepsils

Strepsils is a leading brand in the global throat lozenges market, known for its effective and long-lasting relief from sore throats. India, where Strepsils lozenges are prominently exported, leads the world with 737 shipments, followed by Thailand and South Africa. The global throat lozenges market, which includes Strepsils, is projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2026, with the U.S. accounting for a 24.26% share as of 2021. Strepsils lozenges often contain active ingredients such as antiseptics, pain relievers, and soothing compounds, providing significant relief from sore throat pain. Clinical trials have shown that lozenges like Strepsils can reduce sore throat pain, although the benefit may be modest compared to placebo.

Cepacol

Cepacol is a renowned brand in the sore throat lozenges market, known for its effective and fast-acting products. Their Extra Strength Sore Throat Lozenges, available in flavors like Cherry and Honey Lemon, provide relief lasting up to 2 hours, powered by ingredients such as Benzocaine and Menthol. Cepacol products are part of the broader market that is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, reaching a valuation of approximately USD 7.5 billion by 2034. The brand is distributed by major retailers, contributing to the 36.7% market share held by retail pharmacies in 2024. Cepacol's products are backed by companies like Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, which is one of the key players in the industry.

Cold-Eeze

Cold-Eeze is a renowned brand in the lozenge market, particularly celebrated for its zinc lozenges that have been clinically proven to significantly reduce the duration of the common cold. Under Guy Quigley's management, Cold-Eeze became the third best-selling cold lozenge in America and the number one cold reliever recommended by pharmacists by 2005. The product's effectiveness was highlighted in a double-blind study conducted by Dr. Michael Macknin, which showed that zinc lozenges cut the duration of a cold in half. The Quigley Corporation saw substantial revenue growth, with sales rising from $500,000 in 1995 to $70.2 million in 1997. Cold-Eeze remains a popular choice for cold relief due to its proven efficacy and pharmacist recommendations. For more information, visit the Cold-Eeze feature article.

Luden's

Luden's, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1879, is a prominent producer of throat lozenges, known for their unique position between medicine and candy. The brand has experienced significant periods of growth, particularly in the 1930s and 1950s, and was even supplied to World War II troops. Despite facing competition from brands like Halls and Ricola, Luden's has maintained its loyal customer base through a recent redesign that retains its historical authenticity while appealing to contemporary consumers. The brand's hard candy lozenges, such as the Wild Cherry, Honey Lemon, and Honey Licorice varieties, continue to be popular, with the brand holding a notable market share in the throat lozenges sector. Luden's has successfully reinvented its packaging and flavor profiles to resonate with modern consumers. For a deeper understanding of their historical journey and market strategies, explore Luden's lessons of history.

Chloraseptic

Chloraseptic is a leading brand in the sore throat lozenges market, known for its effective and doctor-recommended products. It holds a significant market share, with Chloraseptic being the number one brand in sore throat liquids and lozenges, boasting a 49.8% market share in this segment as of 2010. The brand's products, such as the Max Wild Berry Sore Throat Lozenges, contain active ingredients like benzocaine and menthol for temporary relief of minor irritation and pain. Chloraseptic's strong market position is supported by its wide distribution and consumer recognition. The brand's products are designed to provide fast and safe relief for sore throats.

Zarbee’s Naturals

Zarbee's Naturals stands as a prominent brand in the healthcare industry, especially known for its superior lozenges and cough syrups. Founded by pediatrician Dr. Zak Zarbock in 2008, the brand revolutionized the market with its natural, honey-based remedies, eschewing alcohol, drugs, and artificial flavors. Zarbee's Naturals achieved substantial growth, ranking in the top 10% of Inc.'s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in 2013. Despite a 25% year-over-year dip in market share for cough syrup, the brand remains a trusted leader in safe and natural health products.

Sucrets

Sucrets is a renowned brand in the throat lozenges market, known for its effective sore throat and cough suppressant lozenges. In 2022, the hard candy lozenges segment, which includes Sucrets, dominated the market with a 48% share, valued at USD 2.4 billion. Sucrets lozenges are popular for their vapor cherry flavor and are widely used for relieving sore throats and coughs. The brand's products are available through various distribution channels, including retail and online pharmacies. Sucrets continues to be a trusted name in the competitive throat lozenges market.