Jakemans Lozenges Blackcurrant - 73g

What Are Blackcurrant Throat Lozenges Good For?

If your throat feels scratchy, raw, or just plain uncomfortable, you are not alone. Sore throats are one of the most common reasons people reach for something from the pharmacy shelf. Blackcurrant throat lozenges like Jakemans are a familiar, trusted choice — and for good reason. Each 73g bag contains menthol-infused sweets in a rich blackcurrant flavour, designed to soothe throat irritation and ease that nagging congested feeling. At just £1.19, they offer accessible, no-fuss relief you can carry anywhere.

Jakemans has been making throat sweets in the UK for well over a century. These lozenges are not medicated in the pharmaceutical sense — they do not contain antibiotics or anaesthetics — but they do contain menthol, which the NHS recognises as a useful ingredient for symptomatic relief of sore throats and mild nasal congestion. If you are browsing our ear, nose and throat range, you will find these lozenges sit neatly alongside other products for upper respiratory discomfort.

How Do Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges Work?

The key ingredient here is menthol. When you allow a lozenge to dissolve slowly in your mouth, the menthol is released gradually, producing a cooling, soothing sensation across the throat and soft palate. It also stimulates cold-sensitive receptors in the nasal passages, which can make breathing feel easier — particularly when you are congested alongside a sore throat.

• Menthol activates TRPM8 receptors, creating a cooling sensation without actually lowering tissue temperature
• Saliva production increases as the lozenge dissolves, helping to keep the throat moist and reduce dryness
• The blackcurrant flavouring makes the experience pleasant, encouraging you to let the lozenge dissolve fully rather than chewing it
• Vapours released during dissolution may temporarily ease nasal stuffiness

Who Should Use Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges?

These lozenges are suitable for most adults and older children who are experiencing a mild to moderate sore throat, often associated with a cold or flu. They are particularly handy if you need something discreet and portable — a bag fits easily in a coat pocket or handbag. That said, they are not a substitute for medical treatment if your symptoms are severe or persistent.

Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges are generally appropriate for:

• Adults and teenagers aged 12 and over seeking symptomatic sore throat relief
• Children aged 6 to 12, under adult supervision
• People with mild nasal congestion accompanying a sore throat
• Those who prefer a non-medicated, flavoured lozenge over sprays or tablets

How Do Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges Compare to Medicated Alternatives?

Are Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges Suitable for Everyday Use and How Should You Store Them?

These lozenges are intended for short-term symptomatic use. If your sore throat persists beyond five days, or if you develop a high temperature, difficulty swallowing, or a rash, you should seek advice from your GP rather than continuing to self-treat. The NHS advises seeing a doctor if a sore throat does not improve within a week. You can also explore our cold and flu range for complementary products that may help manage your wider symptoms.

Store Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving them in a warm car or near a radiator, as heat can cause the sweets to stick together or melt. Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenge and What Is It Used For?

Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges are menthol-containing throat sweets used to provide symptomatic relief from sore throats and mild nasal congestion. They are classified as a General Sale List (GSL) medicine in the UK, meaning you can buy them without a prescription. The menthol content helps soothe throat irritation and creates a cooling sensation that many people find comforting when they are under the weather. They are not an antibiotic and will not treat a bacterial infection — their role is purely symptomatic.

These lozenges are commonly used during cold and flu season, when sore throats and blocked noses tend to peak. The NHS notes that most sore throats are caused by viral infections and will resolve on their own within a week, making symptomatic relief products like these a sensible first step.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges?

Before using these lozenges, check the following contraindications and warnings carefully:

• Do not use if you are allergic to menthol or any other ingredient in the lozenge
• Not suitable for children under 6 years of age
• Use with caution in children aged 6 to 12 — adult supervision is required
• If you have diabetes, be aware that these lozenges contain sugar
• Do not use as a substitute for medical treatment if symptoms are severe or worsening
• Seek medical advice if your sore throat is accompanied by a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or a skin rash

There are no widely documented drug interactions with menthol-based throat lozenges at standard doses. However, if you are taking any prescribed medicines and are unsure, speak to your pharmacist before use.

• No significant interactions known at recommended doses
• Consult your pharmacist if you are on multiple medications or have a complex medical history

How Should You Use Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges?

Using these lozenges correctly makes a real difference to how effective they feel. The key is patience — resist the urge to chew or crunch them. Letting the lozenge dissolve slowly ensures the menthol is released gradually, giving you the most sustained soothing effect.

1. Place one lozenge in your mouth
2. Allow it to dissolve slowly — do not chew or swallow whole
3. Breathe gently through your nose as it dissolves to benefit from the menthol vapours
4. Repeat as needed, following the dosage guidance below
5. Do not exceed the recommended number of lozenges in 24 hours

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges?

Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges are generally very well tolerated. Serious side effects are rare. That said, as with any product containing menthol, some people may notice mild reactions, particularly if they use more than the recommended amount. If you experience anything that concerns you, stop use and speak to a pharmacist or GP.

Common side effects:

• Mild tingling or cooling sensation in the mouth and throat (this is expected and part of how the product works)
• Increased saliva production

Less common side effects:

• Mild mouth or throat irritation, particularly with prolonged or excessive use
• Nausea if too many lozenges are consumed in a short period
• Allergic reactions (rare) — symptoms may include rash, itching, or swelling; seek medical attention immediately if this occurs

If you are also managing other symptoms such as pain, you might find it helpful to browse our pain relief range for complementary options like paracetamol or ibuprofen, which the NHS recommends for sore throat pain alongside symptomatic remedies.

How Should You Store Jakemans Blackcurrant Lozenges?

Proper storage keeps your lozenges in the best condition and prevents them from sticking together or degrading in quality.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat
• Do not store in a warm car or near a radiator
• Keep the bag sealed when not in use to prevent moisture absorption
• Keep out of reach and sight of children under 6 years of age
• Do not use after the best before date printed on the packaging

If you are supporting your overall health during cold season, it is also worth exploring our vitamins and supplements range, where you will find vitamin C and zinc products that may help support your immune system.