Is Ricola - Original Natural Herb Cough Drops Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why these cough drops are Kosher, we must look at the specific components used to create their signature flavor and medicinal effect. The active ingredient is Menthol, which is derived from peppermint or other essential oils. Menthol is naturally plant-based and poses no Kosher concerns. The inactive ingredients list is where the bulk of the flavor profile comes from, and it is entirely plant-derived.

The core of the product is the Extract of a Ricola Herb Mixture. This proprietary blend includes Elder, Horehound, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Linden Flowers, Mallow, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme, and Wild Thyme. All of these are botanicals and are inherently Pareve (neat meat nor dairy). The sweetness comes from Starch Syrup and Sugar. In the United States, the vast majority of sugar is processed using carbon filtration that is not derived from animal bone char, making it Kosher. Finally, the color is listed as Caramel, which is simply burnt sugar and is acceptable. There are no animal-derived gelatin or dairy ingredients in this specific 'Original Natural Herb' variety.

Nutritional Value

While these drops are Kosher, it is important to view them through a nutritional lens as well. Each drop contains a small amount of sugar, which acts as the base for the herbal extract. If you are consuming them strictly for the soothing effect on a sore throat, the calorie count is negligible per drop. However, if you are consuming multiple drops throughout the day, the sugar intake can add up. This product does not contain significant amounts of fat or protein. It is primarily a carbohydrate-based lozenge designed for therapeutic use rather than nutritional supplementation. For those monitoring sugar intake for dietary reasons (like Keto or Diabetic diets), the sugar content is the primary factor to watch, though the glycemic load per single drop is low.