Diet Drinks for a Sore Throat

20 Best Foods That Will Help Soothe Your Sore Throat

Is your throat feeling a little tender? Whether you're dealing with cold and flu season or you're just plagued by a raw, sore throat that makes eating and drinking a pain, these common foods and drinks can help to ease the discomfort.

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Turmeric

 Turmeric is touted as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to an active ingredient called curcumin. Incorporate grated turmeric root or powder into your smoothies, teas and soups — like this creamy, coconut-y, and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/vegan-soups-and-stews/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">crave-worthy vegan soup</a> — for a healthy (and colourful) boost. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/thanksgiving/blog/vegan-pumpkin-soup-immune-boosting/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vegan Pumpkin Soup</a>
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Scrambled Eggs

Not only are scrambled eggs easy on the throat, they're also simple to prepare and loaded with protein and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help fight inflammation. Check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/creative-ways-to-cook-eggs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">creative ways to cook eggs</a> for more ideas. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/simple-scrambled-eggs-/22732/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Simple Scrambled Eggs</a>
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Honey

One of the most effective remedies to soothe a sore throat is simply to drink a concoction of hot water, honey and lemon, as honey is actually an effective cough suppressant. If you're not a fan of lemon, try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/30-healing-ginger-recipes-for-cold-and-flu-season/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healing ginger recipes for cold and flu season</a> or get a little fancy with this cocktail featuring a soothing blend of honey, ginger, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/fun-with-food/photos/matcha-green-tea-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">green matcha tea</a> and Scotch. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/wine-beer-spirits/blog/whiskey-green-tea-honey-cocktail/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tea and Honey Cocktail</a>
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Cooked Vegetables

Unfortunately for those with an aversion to healthy greens, being sick isn't an excuse to skip the veggies. When your throat is scratchy, cook your favourite <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-root-vegetables-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">root vegetables</a> until tender so they're easier to swallow and digest. This <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/hearty-sheet-pan-dinner-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sheet-pan dinner </a>makes it simple and delicious with roasted apples, parsnips and leeks. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/easy-lemon-spatchcock-chicken-recipe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lemon Spatchcock Chicken With Roasted Apples, Parsnips and Leeks</a>
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Smoothies

 Soothe that aching throat with an immune-boosting banana, orange and ginger smoothie beautifully blended together with other healthy ingredients. For more inspiration, try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-tasty-smoothie-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy (and tasty) smoothie recipes</a> that'll keep you full. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/cold-busting-citrus-smoothie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cold-Busting Citrus Smoothie</a>
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Carrot Soup

While raw carrots can aggravate an irritated throat, carrot soup offers a soothing way to sip on all the healing nutrients found in carrots, including vitamin A, C and potassium. You can also warm up with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/pioneer-woman-best-soup-stew-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's best soups and stews</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/carrot-and-squash-curry-soup/18467/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Carrot and Squash Curry Soup</a>
7 of 20

Chicken Soup

A time-honoured treatment for colds and flus for generations, homemade chicken soup remains the go-to food when it comes to fighting illness and soothing a sore throat. This <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/curative-immune-boosting-foods/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">immune-boosting </a>chicken soup is make with bone broth alongside ginger, turmeric and shiitake mushrooms. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/best-healthy-soup-recipe/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Immune-Boosting Bone Broth, Chicken and Vegetable Soup</a>
8 of 20

Cabbage

Back in the day, a folk remedy for a sore throat involved wrapping a cabbage leaf around one's neck. These days, we know that simply <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/delightful-cabbage-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">eating cabbage </a>can provide the same health benefits, since cabbage is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, sulphur and other essential nutrients that can help reduce the inflammation of a sore throat. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/pan-fried-pork-chops-roast-cabbage-wedges/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pan-Fried Pork Chops With Roast Cabbage Wedges</a>
9 of 20

Sage

Sage not only adds delicious flavour to a recipe, but also boasts astringent, antiseptic and antibacterial qualities, which is why this fragrant herb has long been used as a folk treatment for sore throats. Bake fresh sage into a savoury treat with these delicious pumpkin-and-feta muffins. Love that pumpkin-spice flavour? Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/pumpkin-recipes-beyond-dessert/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">yummy pumpkin recipes that aren't dessert</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/pumpkin-feta-sage-muffins/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Savoury Pumpkin, Feta and Sage Muffins</a>
10 of 20

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great thing to eat when you're feeling sick, as it's full of nutrients and fibre that will help your body fight off illness. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/24-oatmeal-recipes-worth-waking-up-for/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">oats</a> contain omega-3 fatty acids, folate and potassium, which will further speed up the healing process. For a well-rounded meal starring oats, this protein-packed oatmeal is topped with orange slices and crunchy chopped pecans. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/high-protein-oatmeal-3-ways/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Winter Citrus Oatmeal</a>
11 of 20

Mashed Potatoes

Foods with a soft, mushy consistency such as <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/perfect-potato-side-dishes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mashed potatoes</a> are easy to eat while suffering from a sore throat. While there isn't anything particularly medicinal about potatoes, at least they'll be delicious and painless while going down. This recipe is perfectly creamy with a decadent mix of milk, cream and butter. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/perfect-mashed-potato-tips/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes</a>
12 of 20

Ice Cream

Few things are as soothing to a sore throat as a cold, creamy treat that helps ease the pain. If you want to make your own pint, this no-churn matcha-flavoured ice cream is simple to whip up. Love cooking with tea? Try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/cooking-with-tea-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sweet or savoury recipes</a> starring matcha, black tea and more. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/no-churn-matcha-ice-cream/23622/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">No-Churn Matcha Ice Cream</a>
13 of 20

Ginger

Ginger is one of the most powerful weapons in your kitchen's arsenal when it comes to battling a sore throat, as it opens up sinuses and helps to clear mucous from the nose and throat. In addition, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/30-healing-ginger-recipes-for-cold-and-flu-season/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ginger</a> also boasts anti-inflammatory properties. To bring the properties and flavour of ginger to the grill, try these grilled avocados made with a punch ginger-miso marinade. Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/bbq/photos/grilled-salads-for-summer/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">grilled salad recipes</a> to try out this season. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-avocados-with-ginger-miso/23687/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Grilled Avocados With Ginger Miso</a>
14 of 20

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, making it a necessary pantry staple during cold and flu season. Gargle it with water, mix one teaspoon with honey and warm water — or add it to a crunchy slaw or salad, like one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/best-hearty-winter-salad-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hearty options that will brighten your meals</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cider-vinegar-slaw/20571/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cider Vinegar Slaw</a>
15 of 20

Cinnamon

This fragrant spice is delicious and heart-warming. Plus, it can help combat colds and sore throats because cinnamon contains antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Want a sweet cinnamon option? These decadent gingerbread doughnuts get an extra pop of the spice from a delicate glaze. For more ideas, check out these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/sweet-cinnamon-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sweet cinnamon recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/gingerbread-doughnuts-cinnamon-glaze-30-minutes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gingerbread Doughnuts With a Cinnamon Glaze</a>
16 of 20

Cloves

A simple tea made from cloves can be quite effective when suffering from throat soreness, since cloves are anti-fungal and also have anesthetic properties that can provide relief from the scratchiness and pain. If hot drinks aren't to your taste, try this refreshing clove-infused sip: this sweet <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/photos/festive-non-alcoholic-sparklers-mocktails-and-virgin-drinks/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">mocktail</a> features a homemade spiced syrup, pineapple juice and coconut milk. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/wine-beer-spirits/blog/non-alcoholic-winter-colada/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Non-Alcoholic Winter Colada</a>
17 of 20

Pomegranates

Not only are pomegranates loaded with antioxidants, this tart, tasty fruit contains astringents that can cause body tissue to contract and help reduce swelling in the throat, which in turn diminishes pain. The perfect way to <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/flavour-packed-pomegrante-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">add pomegranates to your menu</a>? This hearty salad stars Middle Eastern bulgar, almonds and juicy pomegranate seeds. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/middle-eastern-bulgur-pomegranate-almond-salad/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Middle Eastern Bulgur, Pomegranate and Almond Salad</a>
18 of 20

Pudding

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/perfect-pudding-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Puddings</a> and custards are recommended for those with sore throats, as their soft texture won't cause any further irritation. This creamy pudding makes for a comforting dessert with maple-sweetened vanilla pudding and soft banana slices. Skip the vanilla wafers to keep the recipe super soothing for a sore throat. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/healthy-banana-pudding/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Healthier Banana Pudding</a>
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Hot Drinks

Sipping on a steaming concoction is the perfect way to soothe a raw throat with delicious warmth. This warm drink is soothing and just a touch boozy with apple cider, hard cider, calvados, lemon juice and honey — made easy with the help of a slow cooker. Find more remedies with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-comfort-foods-sick-days/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">slow cooker comfort foods for sick days</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/hot-mulled-cider/17788/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hot Mulled Cider</a>
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Popsicles

There's nothing quite like a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/perfect-summer-popsicle-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">cold popsicle treat</a> to soothe a sore throat and bring you back to childhood. These grown-up popsicles feature the creamy flavours of Vietnamese coffee for a little caffeine kick. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/baking/blog/vietnamese-coffee-popsicles/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles</a>