Keelsnoepjes

Keelsnoepjes are throat lozenges or cough drops commonly found in Dutch-speaking regions. They are small, flat candies designed to be sucked slowly to soothe irritation in the throat and temporarily relief coughing. Keelsnoepjes are typically used during colds, sore throats, or dry coughs as a soothing confection rather than a medicine.

Most keelsnoepjes are sugar-based and made from sugar or glucose syrup, flavorings, and sweeteners. Common flavors include menthol, eucalyptus, lemon, and honey. In addition to traditional sugared varieties, there are sugar-free versions that use alternative sweeteners such as sorbitol or xylitol. Some products are marketed specifically for throat relief and may contain mild medicated ingredients, while others function mainly as flavored mints.

Usage guidelines emphasize that keelsnoepjes are for temporary relief and should not be considered a cure for underlying illnesses. They should be used according to the packaging directions, and kept out of reach of small children due to choking risk. People with certain medical conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional if they plan to use medicated lozenges.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, keelsnoepjes are widely produced by confectioners and sold in supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores. The term serves as a generic description for this category of throat-soothing candies in Dutch, paralleling cough drops or throat lozenges in other languages.