Every year, billions of people experience the common cold, with adults catching it 2–3 times annually and children even more frequently. While fruits are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, not all are ideal when you have a cough or cold. Certain fruits can irritate a sore throat, trigger coughing, or increase mucus production, making recovery slower and more uncomfortable. Knowing which fruits to limit or avoid can help ease symptoms and support healing. In this blog, we highlight eight common fruits that may worsen cough or cold symptoms and explain why moderation is important.
8 Fruits to Avoid During Cough and Cold
When dealing with cough and cold, your diet can play an important role in either easing or worsening symptoms. While fruits are generally healthy, some may irritate the throat, increase mucus, or prolong recovery. Knowing which fruits to limit during this time can help reduce discomfort and support faster healing.
Here are 8 common fruits you should avoid or consume in moderation when experiencing a cough and cold.
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus Fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits provide vitamin C, which supports immunity, but their acidic nature can be harsh on the throat. During a cough and cold, this acidity may cause irritation or trigger more coughing. It is better to limit citrus intake when you have throat discomfort and choose gentler fruits that are less likely to aggravate symptoms.
2. Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and contains bromelain, an enzyme sometimes thought to help with mucus. However, its slightly acidic nature can irritate a sore throat, causing burning or discomfort in some people. The fruit also has a cooling effect that may aggravate congestion. While not harmful for everyone, those with a cough and cold often find that pineapple worsens throat irritation. If you notice increased discomfort after eating it, it is better to limit or avoid it.
3. Banana
Bananas are nutritious and provide quick energy, but during a cough and cold, they may not suit everyone. Some people feel that bananas increase mucus, making the throat feel heavier and prolonging congestion. Eating bananas at night or in cool weather can sometimes worsen throat irritation. However, this effect varies from person to person. If you notice more phlegm or discomfort after eating bananas, it is best to reduce intake until recovery.
4. Grapes
Grapes are refreshing and hydrating, but they can sometimes increase mucus in the throat, which may trigger coughing in sensitive individuals. Eating grapes in excess during cough and cold might make throat congestion feel worse. Still, grapes are not harmful for everyone, and some may tolerate them well. If you experience more throat irritation or coughing after eating grapes, try limiting them until you recover. Moderation and observing your body’s response is the best approach.
5. Watermelon
Watermelon is high in water content and naturally cooling, which is refreshing in summer. However, during cough and cold, its cooling effect may irritate the throat and make congestion more uncomfortable. Some people also report increased sensitivity after eating it while sick. This does not affect everyone equally, but if you feel your symptoms worsen after consuming watermelon, it is safer to avoid it temporarily and resume once your cough or cold improves.
6. Pears
Pears are sweet, hydrating, and generally healthy, but they are considered cooling fruits in traditional practices. Eating pears in excess during cough and cold may make the throat feel more sensitive and worsen irritation. For some people, this can also increase coughing. Since effects vary, it may not be necessary to avoid pears entirely. However, if you feel your symptoms worsen after eating them, limiting or skipping pears until recovery may be more comfortable.
7. Mangoes
Mangoes are delicious and full of nutrients, but during cough and cold they may not suit everyone. Some people feel that mangoes increase phlegm production, especially when eaten chilled or with cold milk, which can worsen throat congestion. However, this response can vary. If mangoes cause more coughing or irritation for you, it’s best to avoid them until you feel better. Eating mangoes at room temperature in moderation may be tolerated once symptoms improve.
8. Papaya
Papaya supports digestion and provides many nutrients, but its cooling nature may not always be ideal during a cough and cold. For some individuals, eating papaya while sick may increase throat sensitivity or discomfort, though this is not true for everyone. Since tolerance differs, the safest approach is to notice how your body reacts. If papaya worsens your cough or throat irritation, it is better to limit it until recovery. Otherwise, small amounts may be fine.
During a cough or cold, certain fruits, especially those high in acidity or natural sugars, may irritate the throat or increase mucus in some people. You do not need to avoid all fruits, but it is better to choose those that are gentle, hydrating, and soothing. Focus on fruits that support immunity and recovery without worsening symptoms, and limit those that can cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons should be avoided during cough and colds as they may increase mucus production.
Spicy and fried foods, dairy products, sugary foods, and caffeinated beverages are some foods to avoid during a cold recovery.
Eating fruits rich in vitamin C, like strawberries, kiwis, and pineapple,s can improve the immune system, but cannot entirely prevent colds.
Bananas are soothing for the throat and can be eaten during a cough. They are one of the best foods for a cough due to their soft consistency.
Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps support the immune system. However, their sweetness may increase mucus production, so they are not the best fruit to eat during a cough or cold.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 16). About Common Cold. Common Cold. https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
- KS, S. K. (n.d.). CATCHING THE COMMON COLD. Retrieved September 12, 2025, from https://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/5723/1/6FF.%20Ask%20A%20Question_Cold.pdf