Is Cough Drops Citrus Assorted 1X14 1N Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the chemical composition of products to determine safety. For the Cough Drops Citrus Assorted 1X14 1N, the formula is relatively simple and avoids the most common gluten-containing culprits. The primary active and inactive ingredients are glucose syrup, sugar, and sodium ascorbate.

Let's address the glucose syrup. In the food industry, glucose syrup is a highly processed sweetener derived from starch. While corn is the most common source, it can technically come from wheat. However, the processing (hydrolysis) removes virtually all gluten proteins, making it compliant with FDA gluten-free standards (less than 20ppm). Unless you have an extreme sensitivity, this ingredient is considered safe.

The remaining ingredients—citric acid, natural and artificial flavoring, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), beta carotene, soy lecithin, and red 40—are all naturally gluten-free. There are no hidden gluten sources like modified food starch or hydrolyzed vegetable protein derived from wheat. Therefore, the verdict remains a clear 'Yes' regarding gluten safety.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these cough drops are designed for symptom relief rather than dietary supplementation. The dominant ingredients are sugar and glucose syrup, which means the caloric density is high relative to the size of the drop. If you are consuming multiple drops throughout the day, you are likely ingesting a significant amount of simple carbohydrates.

It is also important to note the presence of red 40 (Allura Red AC) as a colorant. While approved by the FDA, some individuals prefer to avoid artificial dyes due to potential sensitivities. However, for the general population, these drops fit within standard dietary limits when used as directed for cough suppression.