Victory V

Victory V Lozenges – The Bold, Bitter-Sweet British Original

Victory V lozenges are not for the faint of palate. They’re not your dainty lemon drops or soft-centred fruit chews. No, these are bold, bitter, and gloriously peculiar little relics of British resilience—conceived in an era when sweets were less about sugar highs and more about standing upright in a cold fog with your collar turned up. They’re as nostalgic as wartime ration books and as evocative as the rattle of an old tin on the mantelpiece. And at Duncan’s Sweet Shop, we wouldn’t dream of being without them.

A Sweet with a Past – And Quite the Kick

The story of Victory V lozenges begins in Nelson, Lancashire, where in 1864 the Thompson family created a lozenge with a flavour profile that has divided generations. Originally infused with licorice, chloroform, and ether—yes, really—they were designed as a pick-me-up for tired throats and weary workers. Today, the recipe has mellowed slightly, but the essence remains: uncompromising, aromatic, and utterly distinctive. The kind of lozenge that doesn’t ask politely—it marches in, salutes your tastebuds, and leaves an impression.

What Do Victory V Lozenges Taste Like?

Imagine the scent of a Victorian apothecary blended with aniseed, menthol, and something that feels like it might wake the dead. That’s the Victory V. They’re not sweet in the conventional sense—more a deep, medicinal warmth that builds, lingers, and clears its throat in your throat. It’s the kind of taste people either crave like an old friend or recoil from like cold cod liver oil. There’s no middle ground—and therein lies the charm.

Why the V?

The name is no accident. The "V" stood—and still stands—for victory. A morale-boosting treat that became synonymous with British tenacity during the war years, Victory V lozenges were more than just sweets; they were stiff upper lips, sugared and pressed into lozenge form. Even now, their name conjures images of ration cards, enamel advertising signs, and a time when flavour was bold because life demanded it.

The Look, the Tin, the Ritual

Presented in their iconic orange and brown packaging, these lozenges feel more like a remedy than a treat—and perhaps that’s the point. They’re often found in classic tins, the sort rattled in glove compartments or shared silently between grandparents and grandchildren on long country walks. The ritual of taking a Victory V is half the experience: unwrap, steel yourself, place on tongue, await revelation.

Are Victory V Lozenges Still Made Today?

Yes, and thank goodness for that. Though the original formula with chloroform is long gone (thankfully replaced with more regulation-friendly ingredients), they are still manufactured for the British market and still very much in demand. Stocked with pride at Duncan’s Sweet Shop, these lozenges remain a cult classic among those who appreciate sweets with a little more backbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Victory V lozenges suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. The modern recipe no longer contains animal-derived ingredients, making them suitable for vegetarians. Always check packaging for the latest allergen and dietary information.

Do Victory V lozenges contain menthol?

They do indeed. Menthol gives them that characteristic vapour-like intensity that clears the senses and freshens the throat. A proper winter essential.

Can I still buy Victory V lozenges in the UK?

Absolutely. Despite their old-fashioned reputation, Victory V lozenges are still available through traditional sweet shops like ours, online retailers, and select high street stockists.

What’s the difference between Victory V lozenges and regular cough drops?

Regular cough sweets are medicinal. Victory V lozenges are cultural. They’re a bridge to the past, a rite of passage, a lesson in taste bud toughness. You don’t just suck one—you commit to it.

Thoughts on Victory V Lozenges

To the uninitiated, they may seem baffling. But to those in the know, Victory V lozenges are a treasured relic—proof that flavour doesn’t have to be sweet to be satisfying. They are complex, challenging, and completely unforgettable. Much like Britain itself. And if that isn’t worth popping into your sweet tin, we don’t know what is.