Skip to main content

Sore Throat Remedies: Food and Drinks for Sore Throat

Discover soothing food and drink options for when you have a sore throat.

When you have a sore throat, sometimes all you can think about is how to relieve the pain. Eating and drinking may be uncomfortable to the point where you want to avoid it entirely. The problem is, drinking plenty of fluids and getting essential vitamins and nutrients are both important steps to maintaining your everyday health and reducing your chance of illness.1 If you’re experiencing a sore throat, it’s essential to choose foods and drinks that will hydrate and nourish your body without irritating your throat. Luckily, there are several options that can calm your throat and help maintain your appetite.

To help you keep up your fluids and a nutritious diet when you’re suffering with a sore throat, we’ve put together a list of the best drinks and foods to help soothe a sore throat.

If your sore throat is the result of a cold or flu, you can also try Theraflu products for effective temporary relief from symptoms. The Theraflu range includes hot liquid powders such as Theraflu Day/Night Hot Liquid Powder Value Pack, which offers powerful relief from cold and flu symptoms – including sore throat, nasal and sinus congestion, cough, body and head aches, and fever. The active ingredients in Theraflu Hot Liquid Powder get to work quickly, enabling powerful relief from cold and flu symptoms.

Best Drinks for a Sore Throat

Fluids are essential for treating sore throat pain. They help to keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration.4 Find out what to drink for a sore throat below.

  • Salt water. Of course, you should be drinking water regularly throughout the day, regardless of whether or not you have a sore throat – but did you know that salt water can help to relieve sore throat pain? Try mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water to create a ‘salt water gargle’. They can go a long way to helping to reduce the pain of a sore throat, while also helping to kill bacteria and loosening mucus.2,4
  • Herbal teas. While water is essential for your everyday health, drinking nothing but plain water can get boring. Some herbal teas have been shown to be excellent sore throat relievers because of their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and their soothing effects on a sore throat. Herbal teas to try include chamomile tea, green tea, clove tea and peppermint tea.2
  • Slippery elm drink. This natural remedy for sore throats has been used for centuries. Slippery elm contains antioxidants that can help to relieve inflammation. Mixed with water, it creates ‘mucilage’ – a slick gel that coats and soothes the throat.3
  • Hot honey and lemon drink. If you’re wondering what to drink for a sore throat, chances are you’ve considered this classic combination. The honey has an antibacterial effect and can reduce inflammation, while lemon contains vitamin C, which will help boost your immune system. Lemon can also help to break up mucus and ease pain. Try mixing two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water for some quick, temporary relief.2 Never give honey to children under 12 months.
  • Medicated hot beverages. Of course, as well as these natural home remedies, you can also try over-the-counter medicines to help ease your cold and flu symptoms, including sore throat pain. Theraflu Hot Liquid Powder provides powerful relief from cold and flu symptoms. The active ingredients in Theraflu Hot Liquid Powder products get to work quickly, enabling powerful relief from cold and flu symptoms. It comes in both nighttime and daytime preparations – to give you relief at any time of the day, and while you’re trying to recover. 
Hand dipping into honey with wooden stick, tea in background

Fluids are essential for treating sore throat pain. They help to keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration.4 Find out what to drink for a sore throat below.

Best Foods for a Sore Throat

When you’re suffering with a sore throat, comforting and easy-to-swallow foods are your best friend.4 Find out what to eat for a sore throat below.

  • Broth or soup. Slurping on a bowl of warm broth or thin soup is a great way to get a dose of energy when your throat is too sore to eat regular foods – and because it’s liquid, broth will help you keep your fluids up too.4
  • Scrambled eggs. Food for a sore throat doesn’t get much more comforting than warm, soft scrambled eggs. As a low-cost and low-calorie source of protein, scrambled eggs are ideal.5
  • Oatmeal. A warming bowl of healthy oatmeal is a wonderful way to give your body its daily dose of fiber while also going easy on a sore throat.6 Try mixing honey in for some added flavour. Remember, never give honey to children under 12 months.
  • Mashed potatoes. Soft and easy to swallow, this classic comfort food is a good choice for a sore throat. Other mashed food like pureed fruits and vegetables are another great choice.
  • Yogurt. The cool and soothing texture of yogurt can help calm your sore throat while providing probiotics that support your immune system and control inflammation.7
  • Popsicles. Ice-cold popsicles are the classic sore throat go-to food for a reason—these treats can easily soothe your irritated throat.8 Frozen yogurt and ice cream are other options for a calming indulgence. Keep an eye on the serving size as too much sugar can compromise your immune system.9

In addition to these sore throat-friendly foods and drinks, there are some other ways you can help to relieve your sore throat symptoms such as over-the counter medications

Recommended Articles

Cup of coffee surrounded by coffee beans

Can You Drink Coffee When You Feel Sick?

Answer your questions about drinking coffee while sick with Theraflu. It can be hard to start the day without coffee, but sometimes it’s better to skip it.

Depressed sad young addicted man feeling bad drinking beer alone at home

Should You Drink Alcohol When You Have a Cold?

Find out from Theraflu why drinking alcohol while sick can be a bad idea. If you’re not feeling well, you should think twice about drinking that glass of wine.

Close up cropped image thirsty woman holding glass drinks still water preventing dehydration

Staying Hydrated When Sick

Learn about the importance of staying hydrated when you’re sick with these tips from Theraflu. See what liquids are best to consume when under the weather.

woman sitting sneezing on couch

COVID vs. Flu vs. Cold

Learn about COVID vs. flu vs. cold symptoms with help from Theraflu. Gain a better understanding of the important differences between COVID, the flu and a cold.