What is it about black licorice that makes people either passionately love it or quickly spit it out? That deep, earthy, slightly anise-flavored candy sparks strong feelings! For those of us who crave that unique taste, finding the *perfect* black licorice can feel like a quest. The grocery store aisle often presents a confusing jumble of brands, textures, and sweetness levels. Should you choose the soft, chewy ropes or the hard, brittle bites? Do you want intense Dutch flavor or something milder?
This very division—the love/hate relationship—is why diving deep into the world of black licorice is so necessary. Too many times, a disappointing, flavorless, or overly salty piece ruins the experience. We want to avoid those candy casualties! This guide cuts through the confusion. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which black licorice varieties suit your taste buds best, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer.
Ready to explore the dark, delicious side of the candy world? Let’s unwrap the best black licorice candies available today and discover which one deserves a permanent spot in your pantry.
Top Black Licorice Candy Recommendations
- Contains one (1) 16-ounce bag of TWIZZLERS Twists Licorice Flavored Chewy Candy
- A perfect movie marathon treat and classic everyday licorice style chewy snack that provides long-lasting goodness
- Low fat, kosher certified, licorice flavored candy in a bag sealed for sweet freshness
- Use TWIZZLERS candy for filling birthday and retirement party dessert tables or bridal and baby shower candy dishes
- Chewy TWIZZLERS Twists candies with the "Twist You Can't Resist" to enjoy as Christmas, Valentine's Day, Halloween and Easter candy
- BLACK LICORICE - These thick, delicious chunks of black licorice candy are soft, chewy, and full of flavor in every bite!
- SIMPLY DELICIOUS – Our Australian-style licorice is made with plant-based ingredients and wholesome flavors, bursting with bold taste for a sweet treat you’ll enjoy.
- ON-THE-GO – Perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet snack! A resealable bag keeps your favorite pieces fresh for munching on the go.
- MADE BETTER – All the fun of licorice with less sugar, so you can snack a little smarter without missing out on the treat.
- VARIETY CANDY – Mix it up! Our Australian-style licorice comes in an assortment of exciting flavors and licorice beans for a fun and flavorful candy adventure.
- This is a one pound (16 oz) bag of fresh-from-the-factory Black Licorice goodness!
- Official, genuine Jelly Belly jelly beans
- True-to-life black licorice flavor that is as delicious as it is classic
- Peanut-free, OU Kosher, Fat-free, Gluten-free and Dairy-free, with only four (4) calories per bean
- The bag is resealable for optimal freshness and longevity
- Pair this deliciously rewarding black licorice with other pantry snacks like salty popcorn or trail mix
- Celebrate sweet moments with a Red Vines black licorice chew, a nostalgic candy loved for generations
- The iconic Red Vines candy jar is also available filled with Original Red flavor licorice sweets
- Share these soft & chewy candy twists at the office, a party, a BBQ, or at home with family & friends
- All Red Vines candies are fat free and Kosher certified, so satisfy your sugar cravings with a smile!
- Panda Licorice is one of the leading all natural confection items in the US
- ORIGINAL BLACK LICORICE: Darrell Lea Original Black Licorice is made with dark molasses from Australian sugar cane, licorice root extract, and aniseed
- MAKES IT BETTER: Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is crafted without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup. It’s vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, with the signature soft and chewy texture you love. Available in Strawberry, Black, Mixed Fruit, Mango, Pink Lemonade, Raspberry, and Cinnamon flavors
- ONLY THE GOOD STUFF: Made for sharing or savoring solo, Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is perfect for lunchboxes, office snacks, road trips, sporting events, celebrations, holidays, and everyday indulgence
- PALM OIL FREE: Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, contributes to deforestation, wildlife loss, and increased carbon emissions. That’s why Darrell Lea has replaced palm oil with sunflower oil across its entire range
- MADE IN AUSTRALIA: Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating some of Australia’s freshest licorice and finest confectionery. We’ve been inventing, challenging, and perfecting our recipes for nearly 100 years
- Country Of Origin: Italy. Distributed and Repackaged by SweetGourmet PA 18974
- Considered as an International Favorite! Black licorice in a fun wheel shape.
- Free From Fat - GMO Free - Natural Colors - No Artificial Flavors - FIRM TEXTURE.
- Net Wt.: 1Lb. Approximately 46 wheels per pound. Packed in resealable Zip-Lock Stand Up Pouches.
- These SweetGourmet wheels provide a wonderful licorice taste sensation for the black licorice lover. These wheels can also be pulled apart and turned into laces for your decorating needs.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Navigating the World of Black Licorice Candy
Black licorice is a candy with a strong, unique flavor. Some people love it; others strongly dislike it. If you are looking to buy the best black licorice, this guide will help you choose wisely. We break down what makes a great piece of candy.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for black licorice, several features matter most. These details determine your enjoyment.
Texture and Consistency
- Chewiness: Good licorice should offer a satisfying chew. It should not be too hard or too crumbly. Some prefer a softer, almost gummy texture, while others like a firmer bite.
- Snap: Some high-quality varieties offer a slight “snap” when you first bite into them, indicating fresh ingredients.
Flavor Profile
- Anise vs. Molasses: The core flavor comes from anise oil, which tastes similar to black jelly beans. Some brands use a lot of molasses, which adds a deep, slightly sweet, earthy taste. Decide which balance you prefer.
- Sweetness Level: Is it intensely sweet, or does it lean toward a more savory, authentic licorice root taste?
Shape and Presentation
- Ropes vs. Coins: Licorice comes in many shapes—long ropes, small pastilles (coins), or filled centers. Choose the shape that suits how you like to eat candy.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
The ingredients list tells the real story of your candy. High-quality licorice relies on a few key components.
The Flavor Source
- Licorice Root Extract: This is the most important ingredient for authentic flavor. Brands using real extract usually taste better.
- Anise Oil: This oil provides that distinct, sharp flavor many people associate with licorice.
The Body and Sweeteners
- Flour or Starch: Wheat flour or cornstarch gives the candy its structure and body.
- Molasses: This thick, dark syrup adds color, moisture, and a complex sweetness.
- Sugar: Used to balance the bitterness of the root and the intensity of the anise.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all black licorice tastes the same. A few factors greatly impact the final product.
Quality Boosters
- Natural Ingredients: Candies using natural coloring (like vegetable carbon or caramel color) and real extracts generally taste richer.
- Slow Processing: Slower cooking methods often result in a chewier, less brittle candy.
Quality Reducers
- Artificial Flavoring: If a brand relies heavily on artificial anise flavoring, the taste can seem harsh or chemical.
- Too Much Corn Syrup: Excessive use of cheap syrups can make the candy overly sticky or mushy instead of chewy.
- Staleness: Licorice loses its best texture when it dries out. Always check the “best by” date.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to eat your licorice affects your purchase.
For Snacking
If you plan to eat it by the handful, look for softer ropes or small, individually wrapped pieces. You want something easy to grab and chew immediately.
For Gifting or Sharing
Premium brands, often found in tins or decorative boxes, make excellent gifts. These usually feature very rich, complex flavors. If you share, try to find a variety pack that mixes licorice shapes.
For Baking or Topping
If you crush the candy to top ice cream or use it in baking, consistency is key. Firm, drier licorice works best because it crumbles nicely without getting too sticky.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Black Licorice Candy
Q: Is black licorice actually good for you?
A: In small amounts, licorice root extract contains compounds that might help with digestion. However, eating too much can raise blood pressure, so it is best treated as a sugary treat.
Q: Why does black licorice taste so different from red licorice?
A: Red licorice usually gets its flavor from fruit extracts like strawberry or cherry. Black licorice gets its flavor from anise oil and real licorice root, which are completely different flavors.
Q: How should I store my black licorice?
A: Store it in an airtight container at cool room temperature. Avoid heat, which makes it melt and stick together. Refrigeration can sometimes make it too hard.
Q: What is the main difference between Dutch and Swedish licorice?
A: Dutch licorice is often saltier and uses more ammonium chloride, giving it a sharp, savory taste. Swedish licorice tends to be sweeter and uses more molasses.
Q: Can I freeze black licorice?
A: Yes, you can freeze it to keep it fresh for a long time, but let it thaw slowly before eating. Freezing helps keep very soft varieties firm.
Q: What does “salmiak” mean on a licorice package?
A: Salmiak refers to ammonium chloride, which is a salty flavoring used heavily in Northern European licorice. It makes the candy very salty, not sweet.
Q: How can I make hard licorice softer?
A: Place the hard pieces in a microwave-safe bowl with a small, damp paper towel for about 10 to 15 seconds. The moisture helps soften the candy.
Q: Are all black licorice candies vegan?
A: Most are, as they use flour and sugar. However, always check the label to make sure no gelatin or animal-derived ingredients were used for texture.
Q: What is the best way to introduce someone new to black licorice?
A: Start them with a very sweet, molasses-heavy variety, like a soft, American-style rope. Avoid salty or very strong European types first.
Q: Are there natural black food colorings for licorice?
A: Yes. High-quality brands often use activated charcoal or caramel coloring derived from burnt sugar to achieve the dark black color, rather than artificial dyes.