An ingestible particulate composition comprises: a) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, amylmetacresol, cetylpyridinium chloride, hexitidine, hexylresorcinol, flurbiprofen, lidocaine, benzocaine, ibuprofen, paracetamol, pectin, menthol, and benzydamine; and b) one or more bioadhesive materials. Resulting particulate compositions have excellent flow characteristics, dust suppression, organoleptic properties and stability. They are highly suitable for administration direction into a patient's mouth, and ingested to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat.