Real licorice lovers know the struggle: you buy a bag expecting that deep, rich molasses hit and a satisfying chew, only to find dry, waxy twists that taste faintly of artificial flavoring. The difference between mediocre licorice and the real deal comes down to a few key factors — the source of the licorice extract, the sweetener, and the texture. True Australian-style licorice is thicker, softer, and bolder than standard red or black twists, and it has a loyal following for a reason.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent years researching specialty confections, analyzing ingredient labels for hidden additives, and talking to candy makers about what separates premium licorice from the mass-market stuff.
Whether you’re stocking a candy bowl or hunting for a nostalgic treat that actually delivers, this guide breaks down the top contenders for the best australian licorice, with a focus on texture, ingredient purity, and authentic flavor.
How To Choose The Best Australian Licorice
Not all black licorice is created equal. Australian-style licorice is distinct from European licorice (often saltier and firmer) and American licorice (often loaded with corn syrup and artificial flavors). Here’s what separates a top-tier bag from a regrettable purchase.
Look for Real Licorice Extract
The core ingredient that gives black licorice its signature taste is Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract. Many mass-market candies use artificial anise oil alone to mimic the taste. Real extract provides a deeper, more complex flavor with a natural sweetness that doesn’t cloy. Check the label — real licorice extract should be listed near the top, not buried after artificial flavor.
Texture: Soft, Thick, and Chewy
True Australian-style licorice is defined by its thickness and soft, pillowy bite. It should not be rock-hard, waxy, or sticky. The best brands achieve a texture that yields easily to the teeth without crumbling. Avoid licorice that feels dry or brittle in the bag — that’s a sign of age or poor formulation.
Clean Ingredients: No Palm Oil, No HFCS
Premium licorice makers avoid palm oil (often linked to deforestation) and high fructose corn syrup. Instead, they use sunflower oil, molasses, or cane sugar. Also verify whether the product is vegetarian — real licorice should be gelatin-free. Many top Australian brands are also Non-GMO Project verified.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrell Lea Mixed Fruit | Fruit Mix | Best Overall | 20 oz, Non-GMO | Amazon |
| Wiley Wallaby Beans | Coated | Best Value | 21.15 oz, 3 Pack | Amazon |
| Panda Natural Black | Classic | Pure Ingredients | 22.5 oz, 4 ingredients | Amazon |
| LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW Sweet | Scandinavian | Gourmet Flavor | 5.3 oz, Vegan | Amazon |
| Townesend’s Treats Bites | Australian | Bold Flavor | 12 oz, Pillowy Texture | Amazon |
| SweetGourmet Finnska | Finnish | Soft Texture | 16 oz, Real Extract | Amazon |
| Australian Black 1.5 lb | Bulk | Economy Size | 24 oz, Real Extract | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice (Mixed Fruit)
Darrell Lea has been making licorice in Australia since 1927, and the Family Size Mixed Fruit bag is a crowd-pleasing entry point. Unlike standard fruit licorice that can taste syrupy and artificial, this blend uses real fruit juice for tangy green apple, strawberry, and mango notes. Reviewers consistently praise the soft, pliable texture — not too firm, not sticky — and the lack of high fructose corn syrup and palm oil is a clear win for ingredient-conscious buyers.
At 20 ounces, this is one of the larger bags in the mid-range tier, making it ideal for households or offices. The mixed fruit variety is a nice departure if you want something beyond straight black licorice, though some users noted an uneven distribution of mango pieces. The base sweetness comes from natural sugar rather than corn syrup, which allows the fruit flavors to come through clearly without an overload of sweetness.
Vegetarian-friendly and made with sunflower oil instead of palm oil, Darrell Lea checks the ethical and dietary boxes without compromising on taste. For a versatile, soft, fruity licorice that appeals to both kids and adults, this is the most balanced pick in the lineup.
Why it’s great
- Real fruit juice for natural flavor
- No palm oil or HFCS
- Large 20 oz bag for sharing
Good to know
- Mixed fruit, not black licorice
- Some pieces may be stickier than others
2. Wiley Wallaby Classic Black Gourmet Licorice Beans (3 Pack)
Wiley Wallaby brings an Australian-style soft licorice center encased in a light, crunchy candy shell — a format reminiscent of Good & Plenty but with a thicker, softer interior. The 3-pack delivers over 21 ounces total, making it a strong cost-per-ounce contender. The candy shell provides a satisfying initial crunch before giving way to a chewy, molasses-rich center that isn’t overly sticky or cloying.
Reviewers consistently compare these favorably to Good & Plenty, noting the milder licorice flavor and softer texture. The resealable bags help maintain freshness, which is important for a coated candy that can absorb humidity. This is a smart choice for anyone who wants a portable, snackable licorice treat that travels well without getting smashed or stuck together.
Wiley Wallaby markets these as having less sugar than some competitors, though the exact reduction varies by flavor. The plant-based ingredients and lack of artificial aftertaste make this a reliable everyday option. If you’re looking for pure black licorice flavor without a shell, this format may not be ideal, but for a fun twist on a classic, the beans deliver.
Why it’s great
- Crunchy shell plus soft chew
- Resealable 3-pack for value
- Less sugar than many competitors
Good to know
- Not a traditional licorice twist
- Mild flavor for pure black licorice fans
3. Panda Natural Soft Original Black Licorice (20 Bars)
Panda has been a Finnish icon since 1927, and their Natural Soft Original Licorice is the gold standard for ingredient minimalism. The recipe contains exactly four components: molasses, wheat flour, licorice root extract, and aniseed oil. No artificial colors, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup. Each individually wrapped bar is a compact, soft, intensely flavored piece that melts into a clean, molasses-sweet finish without any waxy coating or sticky residue.
The texture is notably soft and pliable straight from the wrapper, and the slow-cooking method produces a uniform chew that doesn’t harden or dry out quickly. The 20-bar pack provides 22.5 ounces total, and at roughly 100 calories per bar, it’s a portion-controlled treat. Fans of traditional Nordic licorice appreciate the balanced sweetness — salty finish is absent here, making it approachable for those who find salty licorice too aggressive.
Panda is Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, and fat-free. The flour base means it contains gluten, so it’s not suitable for celiacs, but for anyone seeking the purest expression of black licorice with zero filler ingredients, Panda is hard to beat. The packaging is unpretentious and functional, keeping each bar fresh until opened.
Why it’s great
- Ultra-clean ingredient list
- Individually wrapped for freshness
- Smooth, molasses-driven flavor
Good to know
- Contains wheat flour (not gluten-free)
- Mild flavor, not extra salty
4. LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW Sweet Black Licorice
LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW is a Copenhagen-based B Corp that has redefined premium licorice. The No. 1 Sweet Black Licorice is a smooth, Danish-style piece with a balanced sweetness from molasses and a clean anise finish. The texture is a happy medium — not as soft as Australian-style, not as firm as classic salty licorice — and reviewers describe it as a “Goldilocks” chew. Made with rice flour instead of wheat, it’s gluten-free and gelatin-free.
The jar packaging is compact and resealable, with a modern aesthetic that makes it gift-ready. At 5.3 ounces, it’s a smaller quantity than most competitors, reflecting the artisanal positioning. The B Corp certification adds credibility: the company uses renewable energy in its Copenhagen factory and sources responsibly. Reviewers who discovered this brand on trips to Scandinavia rave about the flavor authenticity.
This is an excellent choice for those who want a refined, less sugary licorice experience that doesn’t cause palate fatigue. The lack of sticky coating and the clean finish make it easy to eat several pieces without feeling overwhelmed. It’s more expensive per ounce than bulk options, but the quality is evident in every bite.
Why it’s great
- Gluten-free rice flour base
- B Corp certified sustainable
- Perfectly balanced sweet-bitter
Good to know
- Small jar (5.3 oz)
- Premium price per ounce
5. Townesend’s Treats Soft & Chewy Black Licorice Bites
Townesend’s Treats positions itself as a modern, playful take on Australian-style licorice, and the product delivers on that promise. These are thick, pillowy bites with a deep, bold black licorice flavor that licorice purists will appreciate. Reviewers describe the taste as intensely authentic — one piece is often enough to satisfy a craving — and the texture is notably soft without being mushy.
The 12-ounce bag is a solid mid-range size, and the bites are uniformly shaped, making them easy to portion out. The brand leans into the “imagined by a kid” backstory, but the flavor profile is serious: real licorice extract drives the taste, with no artificial aftertaste. Some users detected a slightly odd finish after the initial burst, which may be a matter of personal sensitivity to the extract intensity.
For those who find most mass-market black licorice too mild, Townesend’s bites offer the strongest flavor hit in this lineup. The thick cut ensures satisfying chew time. If you’re looking for a bag that prioritizes pure, unapologetic licorice punch over sweetness or novelty, this is your pick.
Why it’s great
- Very strong, authentic flavor
- Thick, pillowy texture
- No artificial aftertaste
Good to know
- Intense flavor may overpower some
- Small bag for the price
6. SweetGourmet Finnska Soft Black Licorice
Finnska is a Finnish-style black licorice that prioritizes a mild, sweet flavor profile and a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The 16-ounce bag contains roughly 90 pieces, making it one of the more generous options for the price. The pieces are pure black and shiny, with a softness that reviewers describe as almost creamy — some say it “melts” on the tongue rather than requiring aggressive chewing.
This is a safer bet for those new to black licorice, as the flavor is less aggressive than traditional salty Nordic licorice or the intense Australian-style extracts. However, long-time fans of Darrell Lea noted that Finnska is not as soft as they expected. The resealable zip-lock pouch is practical for storage, and the brand recommends keeping it at room temperature to maintain the ideal texture.
SweetGourmet delivers good value per piece, and the mild flavor makes it a crowd-friendly option for candy bowls. If you want a licorice that won’t dominate your taste buds and is easy to share, Finnska fills that role without breaking the bank.
Why it’s great
- Mild, approachable flavor
- 90 pieces per bag
- Glossy, smooth texture
Good to know
- Softer than some Finnish styles
- Not as intense as Australian-style
7. Emporium Candy Black Australian Licorice (1.5 lb)
Emporium Candy’s Black Australian Licorice is positioned as a bulk value option for those who go through licorice quickly. The 1.5-pound bag is packed with twisted pieces made with real licorice extract, delivering a bold flavor that Australian-style fans will recognize. Many reviewers appreciated the fresh, soft chew upon arrival, noting that it’s not hard or brittle like some economy licorice can be.
However, texture consistency appears to vary by batch. A small number of buyers reported pieces that were significantly harder than expected, bordering on difficult to chew. This suggests quality control may not be as tight as the premium brands. That said, the majority of reviews praise the taste and affordability, making it a worthwhile gamble for bulk buyers who prioritize volume over guaranteed consistency.
For parties, office candy bowls, or simply stocking the pantry, this bag offers the most licorice per dollar in the lineup. If you’re willing to accept some variability in chew, the real extract flavor profile is genuinely good. Just be prepared to sort through a few harder pieces if you’re unlucky with a batch.
Why it’s great
- Best value per ounce
- Real licorice extract flavor
- Large 1.5 lb bag
Good to know
- Texture can be inconsistent
- Some pieces may be quite hard
FAQ
What makes Australian licorice different from other black licorice?
Is all Australian licorice made in Australia?
Why is some black licorice harder than others?
Can I eat black licorice if I have high blood pressure?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best australian licorice winner is the Darrell Lea Family Size Mixed Fruit bag because it combines authentic Australian manufacturing, clean ingredients (no palm oil or HFCS), and a crowd-pleasing soft fruit flavor. If you want the purest black licorice experience with minimal ingredients, grab the Panda Natural Black 20-Bar pack. And for those seeking maximum bold flavor in a thick, soft bite, nothing beats the Townesend’s Treats Black Bites.