What do you think about when you hear the word Ricola? If you ask me, I’m bound to start chanting the decade-old commercial campaign: Riiii-co-laaa.

(If you don’t know what I’m referring to, click here for the ad: http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/446.) The company, which has been going strong for over 70 years, is named after its Swedish founder. The abbreviation for the company’s full name is Ri-Co-La: Richterich & Compagnie Laufen. Now you know.

Memorable ad campaign aside, this company is reaching its target audience by offering reliable, good-for-you alternatives for the health-conscious consumer. To supplement their already innovative line of nature-infused mints and throat drops, Ricola has introduced Mini Natural Herb Cough Drops. There is nothing on the market that tastes like these lozenges. With the intensity of Halls and the smooth taste of herbs, these drops fight colds by suppressing the coughs and soothing sore throats. The flavor is more floral than fruity, and you definitely feel like you’re eating something that’s good for you. But, unlike spinach, these actually taste great too.

If you’re wondering what’s behind the brick-like shape of these Original Flavor lozenges, it’s because these are made today almost exactly the same way Emil Richterich first made them. Richeterich’s recipe was born in the 1930’s in Ricola’s founding place, Laufen, Switzerland (where they are still manufactured today—some things never change). Other varieties of Ricola lozenges are factory made and come in an oval lozenge. Ricola throat drops are made to suit the public who shop for natural foods and herbal goods. Whether or not you choose the sugarless variety, you’ll enjoy a healthy alternative to other throat drops brands. You can look for these throat drops in your grocery or convenience store, or visit the company’s website for more info.

Tags: Ricola, breath mints, herb candies, cough drops, sweets