Sore Throat Foods: Soothing & Easy-to-Swallow Options

Choose foods that minimize mechanical and chemical irritation:

Recommended

• Cool/Soft: Yogurt, applesauce, pudding, ice cream, smoothies, frozen fruit pops.
• Warm Liquids: Herbal tea (chamomile, licorice root), broth-based soups, warm water with honey.
• Honey: Antimicrobial, demulcent; 1–2 tsp in tea or alone (not for infants <1 yr).
• Salt Water Gargle: ½ tsp salt in 8 oz warm water; reduces edema, cleanses.
• Mashed/Pureed: Sweet potato, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese.

Avoid

• Spicy, acidic (citrus, tomato), salty, crunchy, dry, alcoholic, caffeinated.

Tips

• Small bites, thorough chewing.
• Hydrate consistently.
• Humidifier at night.

See doctor if >3 days, fever >101°F, difficulty breathing/swallowing, rash, or recurrent episodes.