Is Halls sugar-free cough drops mountain menthol Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is vegan, we look for the "Big Five": meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. However, in the context of hard candies and cough drops, the most common non-vegan offender is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones of animals, usually pigs or cows. Fortunately, the binding agent used in Halls sugar-free mountain menthol is sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a plant-based thickener and stabilizer, making the texture firm without animal products.

We also scrutinize the flavorings and additives. The soy lecithin used here is an emulsifier derived from soybeans, acting as a plant-based alternative to egg yolks. The sweeteners, acesulfame potassium and aspartame, are laboratory-synthesized chemicals, not sourced from animals. Finally, the colorants FD&C blue 1 and FD&C red 40 are artificial dyes made from petroleum derivatives, which, despite ethical debates regarding animal testing, contain no animal flesh or secretions.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Halls sugar-free mountain menthol drops are designed to be negligible in terms of macronutrients. A single serving (one drop) contains approximately 5 calories and 0 grams of fat. Because they are sugar-free, they rely on artificial sweeteners like aspartame to provide sweetness without the caloric load of sucrose. This makes them an excellent option for those monitoring their sugar intake, such as diabetics or individuals following a ketogenic diet. However, it is worth noting that the sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners can cause mild digestive upset in sensitive individuals if consumed in large quantities, though this is rare with cough drop usage.