Frequently asked questions

Aspartame is used as a sweetener on account of its rounded flavour and because it does not damage the teeth.

We are convinced that aspartame is not harmful to your health. We refer to specialist reports and recommendations compiled by internationally recognized expert committees. Aspartame is an extremely well researched sweetener, as it is used in many products worldwide. Independent international organizations such as the FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have assessed the safety of aspartame and confirm that this product is safe for human consumption.

We also aim to use naturally based non-calories sweeteners. For example, we have recently launched sugar-free herb drops with Steviol glycosides (sweetened with Stevia) in France, Italy and Germany.

As an alternative we also recommend our herb drops with sugar such as our Ricola Original Herb Drops which contain no aspartame.

The herbs for Ricola products are cultivated using natural methods. This means no herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers are used. However, not all Ricola herb farmers have Bio Suisse certification. To meet the strict Bio Suisse guidelines, a farm must use organic methods in all areas (cereals, fruit production, animal husbandry, etc.) More than two thirds of Ricola herb farmers already meet the Bio Suisse requirements.

Some of our products are not suitable for vegans as they contain honey. This is always listed in the ingredients on the packaging. For products without honey, we do not use any animal derived ingredients. While our suppliers guarantee that their finished products do not contain any residues of animal derived ingredients, they cannot guarantee that their process is completely free of animal derived processing aids. This due to issues of confidentially.

Ricola herb specialties are generally suitable for vegetarians. Some of our products contain substances that are not suitable for all categories of vegetarianism. The list of ingredients on the pack contains full details of all substances.

All our products use the proven Ricola blend of 10 herbs and contain essential oils as active ingredients. Homeopathic doctors state that intensive aromas and flavours (e.g. essential oils) will inhibit the effect of homeopathic remedies. Therefore, Ricola herb products should not be enjoyed immediately before or after taking homeopathic remedies.

All Ricola products are considered gluten free according to Food and Drug regulations Canada.and are therefore suited for persons with gluten intolerance.

All Ricola products are considered lactose free according to Health Canada regulations and are suitable for persons with lactose intolerance.

We have no direct sales or factory sales outlets open to individuals for retail purposes. Our Ricola herb products are only available to purchase through our recognized sales partners.
Our sales partners only sell products to the wholesale trade in the relevant country and have no direct retail outlets.

Our advertising strategy is restricted to our activities primarily through TV advertising, radio, posters, the Internet, etc. Therefore, we only agree sponsoring commitments that are 100% in keeping with our brand values and are part of a fixed budget. The only exceptions are associations and events located in the vicinity of our company headquarters in Laufen (BL).

Due to the overwhelming number of requests we receive in connection with fundraisers, club events, private celebrations, etc., unfortunately it is not possible for us to provide free samples and/or advertising materials for every occasion.

Ricola herb drops are sensitive to moisture. If they are incorrectly stored, or after the pack is opened, moisture can cause the drops to crystallize on the surface. This is indicated by a milky or dull color. Heavy crystallization changes the surface significantly and may cause cracks to appear. This is accompanied by an almost complete loss of flavor. Ricola herb drops that appear milky or dull can still be enjoyed until the "best-before" date. We recommend storing Ricola products in a cool, dry place (not in the refrigerator) and consuming the herb drops soon after the pack is opened.

All of our bagged cough, throat and vitamin C drops sold in Canada are kosher (Ricola Kosher Certificate (PDF-Download)). Our drops that are sold in sticks are not.