Cough Syrup Popsicles – Pineapple and Honey Popsicles

Cough Syrup Alternative Pineapple Popsicles

If you’re a parent, which I am assuming you are if you’re reading this, you know how hard it can be to get your kids to take “medicine” when they’re sick.

Enter these popsicles.

These super-simple two-ingredient pineapple popsicles are the perfect remedy for sore throats and coughs. They’re kid-friendly. They’re delicious. And they work so well.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and reflects traditional folk practices. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your healthcare provider before trying new remedies with your children, especially if they have allergies, asthma, or other health conditions. This is not a substitute for medical care—if your child has difficulty breathing, high fever, or worsening symptoms, seek medical attention.

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What Makes These Actually Helpful?

Let’s break down what’s in these popsicles and why:

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to help break down mucus. Traditional medicine systems have used pineapple for respiratory support, and while more research would be nice, the anecdotal evidence is pretty solid.

Raw honey is probably the star here. Multiple studies have shown that honey can be more effective than some over-the-counter cough medicines for reducing nighttime coughing in children. It coats the throat, provides soothing relief, and has natural antimicrobial properties.

The cold itself feels good on sore throats. It’s soothing, numbing in a gentle way, and provides temporary relief from that scratchy, irritated feeling.

Optional Ingredients:

Lemon adds vitamin C and a bright flavor that kids usually like. Plus, it helps balance the sweetness.

Coconut water makes these popsicles a little firmer if you prefer that texture + it adds natural electrolytes, minerals, and nutrients.

Ginger is widely known for relieving respiratory symptoms due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, particularly in breaking down mucus, soothing sore throats, and suppressing coughs. It acts as a natural expectorant and decongestant, helping to loosen phlegm and relax airway muscles. ** some kids do not like a lot ginger because it can taste “spicy” **

When I Use These

For general coughs and sore throats:

• 1-2 popsicles per day while symptomatic
• Usually offered mid-afternoon or before bed when coughing tends to be worse
• But really, whenever they want them/need them
• Good for kids (over 1 year old) and adults! They’re delicious!

For kids who won’t take anything else:

• These become the “special treat” that also happens to be helpful
• No fighting or tears, just a sick kid getting a little relief

Popsicle Molds

I like silicone molds – I find they are the easiest to use, the popsicles slip right out, and they are very easy to clean. We have these. *The ones in my Instagram reel aren’t currently available.

A Word of Caution

Never give honey to babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. Wait until after their first birthday before offering these popsicles.

If your child has a pineapple allergy, obviously skip this recipe. You could try mango or papaya instead, though they won’t have the bromelain.

These are supportive, not curative. If your child has difficulty breathing, a cough lasting more than a week, high fever, or symptoms that are getting worse, see a healthcare provider. Trust your gut — you know your kid.

Watch for choking hazards with younger kids. Make sure they’re old enough to handle popsicles safely, and always supervise.

Pineapple + Honey Popsicles for Sore Throat and Cough

These naturally sweet, throat-soothing popsicles combine fresh pineapple and raw honey to create a treat that actually supports your child's body during coughs and colds. The bromelain in pineapple may help with mucus, the honey coats and soothes the throat, and the cold provides gentle numbing relief. Best of all? Kids think they're getting a special treat, not medicine. Make a batch at the start of cold season and keep them in your freezer for whenever someone needs a little extra comfort. They're also fantastic for sore throats from any cause—and yes, adults can (and should) eat them too

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Freeze Time 4 hours hrs

Course: Cough Remedy, Natural Remedies, Snack, Wellness

Cuisine: Folk Medicine

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole Pineapple including the core!
• 2 tbsp Raw Honey adjust to taste. raw local honey is best

Optional Add In:

• pinch salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup coconut water *will make these harder
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen fruit mango, strawberries, etc

Equipment

• Popsicle molds I like silicone ones, it's easier to get the popsicles out.
• Blender/Food processor

Method

 

1. Prep your fruit: Fresh pineapple is best. Make sure you use the core. It has the highest level of bromelain in it!

   Cut off top, bottom, and sides.

   Cut it into chunks. If using frozen, let it thaw slightly so it's easier to blend.
2. Blend everything: Add pineapple and honey (and whatever other optional ingredients you choose to use – lemon juice, coconut water, ginger, etc) to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Taste and adjust: Give it a taste. Too tart? Add a little more honey. Too sweet? Add a squeeze more lemon. Remember, flavors mute slightly when frozen, so it should taste a tiny bit stronger than you want the final product to be.
4. Pour into molds: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about ¼ inch at the top for expansion.
5. Add sticks: If your molds don't have built-in sticks, wait about 1 hour until the mixture is slushy, then insert wooden popsicle sticks. This helps them stand upright. (if you don't have a slot to hold them)
6. Freeze: Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results.
7. Unmold: To remove popsicles, run warm water over the outside of the mold for a few seconds, then gently pull out. Silicone molds work great.

Notes

Serving:
Children over 1 year: 1-2 popsicles per day while dealing with cough or sore throat
Adults: As many as you want, honestly. They’re delicious.

Not medical advice, just what I do. Always consult a trusted healthcare professional before starting something new.

Notes
DO NOT give honey to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.

See a doctor if your child:
Has difficulty breathing or wheezing
Has a cough lasting more than a week
Shows signs of dehydration
Has symptoms that get worse instead of better

Tips:
Use raw honey for maximum benefits
Fresh pineapple has more bromelain than canned
If you don’t have popsicle molds, use small paper cups with wooden sticks
These keep in the freezer for up to 2 months
For very young kids, you can serve this as a slushy instead of fully frozen
The mixture also works as a smoothie if someone wants it immediately

Storage:
Keep frozen in molds or transfer to a freezer bag once fully frozen. Will stay good for up to 2 months.
Not medical advice, always consult with a healthcare provider