Do Halls break a fast?

Regular Halls have about 10 calories of sugar each, which ends a strict fast. Halls Sugar Free have about 5 calories and suit most fasts.

Do Ricola drops break a fast?

The original Ricola has about 17 calories, mostly sugar. The sugar-free versions have a few calories and are a better choice.

Can I fast when I have a cold?

You can, but there is no benefit in pushing through. Eating and drinking well often helps you recover, and the fast can wait.

Do menthol drops make you hungry?

Some people find the sweet taste stirs appetite. Warm water or herbal tea can soothe the throat without that effect.

Do Cough Drops Break a Fast? It Depends

Reviewed by the FastTrack team · Updated June 2026

Short answer: It depends

It depends on the drop. Regular cough drops carry about 10 to 17 calories each, mostly sugar, so a few of them end a strict fast. Sugar-free drops such as Halls Sugar Free have about 5 calories from isomalt and are fine for most fasts.

Calories	~10-17 kcal (regular), ~5 kcal (sugar-free)
Breaks a weight-loss fast?	Partial
Breaks ketosis?	Partial
Breaks autophagy?	Partial
Insulin impact	Small rise with sugared drops

Why regular drops count

A regular Halls has roughly 2 to 3 g of sugar or glucose syrup, and a Ricola original about 3 to 4 g. One drop is minor, yet people with a sore throat often take one every hour, which can add 100 calories of sugar over a day.

Sugar-free drops and sugar alcohols

Sugar-free drops use isomalt, sorbitol or sucralose. Isomalt is only partly absorbed, so the calories are low and the effect on blood sugar is small. Several sugar-free drops a day can upset the stomach, a common effect of sugar alcohols.

How much is safe

When you are sick, choose sugar-free drops and use them as the label says. If you feel unwell enough to need many drops, it is also a good day to eat normally.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Halls break a fast?: Regular Halls have about 10 calories of sugar each, which ends a strict fast. Halls Sugar Free have about 5 calories and suit most fasts.
Do Ricola drops break a fast?: The original Ricola has about 17 calories, mostly sugar. The sugar-free versions have a few calories and are a better choice.
Can I fast when I have a cold?: You can, but there is no benefit in pushing through. Eating and drinking well often helps you recover, and the fast can wait.
Do menthol drops make you hungry?: Some people find the sweet taste stirs appetite. Warm water or herbal tea can soothe the throat without that effect.