Is Hot Chocolate Good For a Sore Throat?

Are you one of the hundreds of millions of people who suffer from a sore throat every year? If so, you might not have to forgo your favorite treat. Read on for some science-backed ways hot chocolate can be a great drink for those with a sore throat.

Key Takeaways

• Hot chocolate is a warm, comforting drink that some people find soothing when they have a sore throat.
• The warmth may help soothe the throat, while antioxidants in cocoa may help support a healthy immune system.
• You can also add other ingredients to your cup, like honey, ginger, and peppermint.
• In general, it's best to avoid drinking your hot chocolate too hot or with too much sugar.

See Related: How Many Calories Are in Hot Chocolate?

Can Drinking Hot Chocolate Help a Sore Throat?

All of us have probably had a sore throat at some point in our lives. And if you haven't (lucky you!), you likely know someone who has.

In fact, experts think that hundreds of millions of people suffer from a sore throat every year. The true figure is likely higher, as many people manage their sore throat themselves.

What Causes Sore Throat

Usually, a sore throat is caused by an infection like a cold. It can also be caused by allergies, dry air, and even muscle strain (from talking too loudly for too long, for example). 

In many cases, a sore throat doesn't require medical attention. If a sore throat persists for longer than a week or is accompanied by certain other symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional.

Fortunately, there are plenty of home remedies that might be helpful for people suffering from a sore throat.

You've likely heard of some of them. Gargling salt water is a classic traditional remedy. Honey is another.

But have you ever considered hot chocolate? A cup of hot chocolate isn't just a delicious treat that can comfort you when feeling under the weather. It has various potential benefits that may make it a great option for those of us with sore throats.

Why Hot Drinks Feel Good

There's a reason so many home remedies for a sore throat include some heat. Warm drinks can help soothe a sore throat, though be careful not to take your hot chocolate too hot.

Staying Hydrated

Dryness is the enemy of sore throats. Staying hydrated is therefore important. Fluids can help your body keep your throat moist.

Just don't add potentially dehydrating additives like caffeine or alcohol to your hydrating hot chocolate.

Interestingly, cool drinks may also help soothe the throat. You may therefore want to opt for a cool drink, like our GoMindfully Lemon-Lime drink mix. It includes B Vitamin Complex, Magnesium, L-Theanine, and other functional ingredients your body can use. 

Swapping to Almond Milk (Or Not)

According to many people, dairy should be avoided by people with a sore throat. They argue that dairy products worsen symptoms.

There isn't much research backing this claim. In one study, some participants said that switching to a dairy-free diet reduced mucus secretion. 

Either way, you don't need to let milk get in the way of your hot chocolate. Our 3-ingredient organic hot cocoa mix can be combined with hot water for a rich, delectable drink.

Alternatively, you can make your hot chocolate with a dairy-free milk alternative. Almond milk is a popular choice. 

Antioxidants

Cocoa is a great source of antioxidants. These powerful molecules help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. This damage is called oxidative stress.

Antioxidants have other benefits, too. Research shows that antioxidant supplementation may help support the immune system.

The Feel-Good Factor

Studies also suggest that antioxidants can help promote relaxation and may help us cope with stress. In one study, for example, participants who consumed antioxidant-rich chocolate said their stress subsequently decreased.

This might not surprise you. After all, hot chocolate is one of the ultimate pick-me-up drinks.

Bonus: What Is a Functional Beverage? Benefits, Uses, & More?

Other Ingredients You Might Want to Try

There's no one-size-fits-all hot chocolate. Some people like theirs with marshmallow. Others prefer chili or cheese.

This adaptability is one of hot chocolate's secret weapons. So why not use it to your advantage when you have a sore throat?

Now, not every ingredient recommended for sore throats works with chocolate. Garlic, for example, is sometimes taken by people with a sore throat, but it's not exactly the perfect pair with hot chocolate.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ingredients that are commonly used by people with sore throats that work well with hot chocolate.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants. You could make a dark hot chocolate, add some dark chocolate flakes to your cup of hot chocolate, or even enjoy a small piece alongside your cup.

Honey

Honey is a classic home remedy for a sore throat. It's usually mixed with tea, but you could add it to hot chocolate as a natural sweetener.

One scientific review concluded that honey helped manage symptoms of the common cold, including a sore throat.

Just remember that young children shouldn't eat honey.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. It's rich in antioxidants and other powerful compounds. Research shows that ginger may help ease the symptoms of a sore throat. 

Believe it or not, ginger is also a popular ingredient in hot chocolate. It adds a mild spicy kick to your warm cup of hot chocolate. 

Most recipes call for powdered ginger, which can be whisked into milk (or water) with cocoa powder. But you could opt for fresh ginger if you prefer.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a common ingredient taken by people with a cold. It contains menthol, which studies show can thin mucus. 

Minty hot chocolate is a delicious treat. That's why we offer two peppermint hot chocolate mixes. The first is Grandma's Peppermint, which infuses the classic hot chocolate we all know and love with a festive kick of peppermint.

The second is Mindful Evening Peppermint, which also includes melatonin, L-Theanine, and GABA to help promote relaxation. 

Remember, sleep is crucial for recovering from a sore throat. 

Herbal Teas

Ginger is often drunk as ginger tea. Herbal teas are particularly popular among people with sore throats. Green tea, chamomile tea, peppermint tea, and more obscure options like licorice root tea or fenugreek tea are just some of the many teas people drink when they have a sore throat.

In part, these warm beverages may help soothe the throat. Each different tea contains different compounds, each with its own potential benefits.

Things to Watch Out For

We've covered how hot chocolate can be a great option for people with a sore throat. But there are certain things that may make your sore throat feel worse. Here's what you might want to avoid.

Don't Go Too Hot

Warm liquids might feel soothing, but don't be tempted to go too hot. Hot milk or other hot drinks could cause an irritated throat, and that's no good. 

Avoid Too Much Sugar

Sugar may also be irritating to the throat. Fortunately, our Mindful Calm Cocoa Mix is sugar-free. It's sweetened naturally with stevia leaf extract, so you can enjoy the sweetness of hot chocolate without the sugar.

Conclusion

Hot chocolate might not be the most common choice for people with a sore throat. But it's one you might want to consider.

Think about it: A warm, soothing cup of delicious hot chocolate. Perhaps with some ginger in it. Or maybe a bit of peppermint.

Sounds great, right? Hot chocolate, if made well, can be a great treat for those with a sore throat.

Keep Reading: The Delicious and Interesting History of Hot Chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hot Chocolate Help With a Sore Throat?

If you have a sore throat, you might enjoy drinking hot chocolate. Studies show it can help people cope with external stress and promote relaxation. 

Some people also find that warm drinks help soothe their throat. Just make sure your hot chocolate isn't too hot.

Cocoa powder is also a good source of antioxidants, which may help support the body's natural immune response. 

You can also add other potentially beneficial ingredients to your hot chocolate. Ginger, peppermint, and honey are all popular options.

In general, you should avoid too much added sugar. Some people prefer to avoid dairy when they have a sore throat, too.

Just know that our cocoa mix with ashwagandha and magnesium is sugar-free and dairy-free!

What is the Best Hot Drink for a Sore Throat?

It can sometimes seem like every person has their own, unique warm drink, which they make when they get a sore throat. Maybe their grandmother taught them how to make it. Perhaps they saw it online.

There isn't necessarily a single "best" hot drink for a sore throat. Many people swear by herbal teas. Others stick to the decidedly less delicious trick of gargling warm salt water.

Still others prefer to settle in with a comforting cup of hot chocolate. 

Remember, one of the main reasons people drink warm drinks is because of the warmth itself. You can achieve that with all kinds of drinks.

Then it's up to you to choose what high-quality ingredients you want to add to your concoction. We've covered plenty of popular options above. 

What Not to Drink With a Sore Throat?

There are a few different kinds of drinks that experts recommend against drinking when you have a sore throat. 

Some drinks, like alcohol, can be dehydrating. That's potentially unhelpful, as dryness can irritate the throat.

Other drinks may irritate your throat. Some people stay away from fizzy drinks, for example. Others avoid coffee or strong teas. 

Many people insist that dairy, including drinks like milk, should be avoided.

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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for wellness. We use natural ingredients in our products, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, crafted to be a comforting addition to your daily ritual. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.