The divide between mass-market licorice candy and authentic black licorice is wider than most shoppers realize. You either get a soft, molasses-rich chew with real licorice root extract and aniseed oil or a waxy, artificially flavored piece that delivers sweetness without depth. For true fans, the texture must hit a specific resistance — not too hard, not pasty — and the flavor must linger with that distinct, slightly salty bitterness that defines the category.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent years analyzing the ingredient decks, sourcing origins, and production methods that separate premium licorice from the grocery-store filler, focusing on the specific chew resistance, flavor strength, and clean-label criteria serious buyers demand.
This guide breaks down the most satisfying options available right now, from soft Australian-style blocks to Scandinavian gourmet jars and old-fashioned hard candies. Whether you prefer a mild entry point or an intense, sticky-sweet experience, here is the definitive list for finding the best black licorice candy that delivers real licorice taste with the texture you expect.
How To Choose The Best Black Licorice Candy
Picking the right black licorice candy comes down to three key factors: the type of sweetness, the chew texture, and whether the flavor comes from real licorice root extract or synthetic anise. Each variable changes the eating experience dramatically, and knowing your preference is the difference between a satisfying snack and a disappointing bag.
Texture Type: Soft Chew, Firm Block, or Hard Candy
The defining physical characteristic of any black licorice candy is its resistance when you bite. Australian-style licorice such as Darrell Lea is known for a soft, pliable chew that yields easily. Scandinavian varieties from brands like Lakrids by Bülow offer a firmer bite with a clean snap followed by a dense, slow-melting mouthfeel. Hard candy versions, like Claeys, dissolve slowly and deliver a concentrated flavor release over several minutes. Beginners should start with the soft Australian texture; connoisseurs tend to prefer the dense Scandinavian blocks for their complexity.
Ingredients: Real Licorice Root Extract vs. Artificial Anise
The single most important indicator of quality is whether the candy lists licorice root extract or glycyrrhizin as an ingredient. Genuine black licorice derives its characteristic flavor from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Many cheaper candies use artificial anise oil to mimic the taste — but anise lacks the earthy, slightly bitter undertones that define authentic licorice. Look for bags that explicitly state “licorice extract” or “licorice root extract” in the ingredient list. Also check for molasses as the first or second ingredient; real black licorice relies on dark molasses, not corn syrup or plain sugar, for its rich color and depth.
Sweetener Profile: Sugar, Sugar-Free, and Molasses Content
The sweetener base directly affects both the flavor direction and the candy’s texture. Traditional black licorice is sweetened with cane sugar and dark molasses, giving it a warm, slightly smoky sweetness. Sugar-free versions use maltitol or sorbitol, which can produce a cooling aftertaste and a firmer, sometimes grainier texture. Molasses-heavy recipes provide a deeper, more roasted flavor profile but also add stickiness and a denser chew. If you’re watching your sugar intake, a sugar-free option like Finnska Sugar-Free can work, but be prepared for a different mouthfeel and a slightly less complex taste compared to traditional molasses-based recipes.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrell Lea Soft Australian | Soft Chew | Everyday snacking | Non-GMO, no palm oil | Amazon |
| LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW No. 1 | Gourmet Block | Premium gifting | B Corp, gluten-free, rice flour | Amazon |
| Wiley Wallaby Classic Beans | Candy-Covered | Candy shell fans | Lower sugar, soft interior | Amazon |
| Finnska Soft Black | Finnish Soft | Mild, sweet flavor | ~90 pieces per pound | Amazon |
| Finnska Sugar Free | Sugar Free | Low-sugar diet | Soft, chewy, intense | Amazon |
| Claeys Hard Candies | Hard Candy | Long-lasting suck | Individually wrapped, fat-free | Amazon |
| Broadway Licorice Wheels | Bulk Wheels | Party size/value | 4.4 lb, less sugar | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice
Darrell Lea delivers exactly what the label promises: a soft, molasses-based chew that stays pliable for weeks without turning into a sticky brick. The 20-ounce bag is generous enough for long-term snacking, and the ingredient list — no palm oil, no high-fructose corn syrup, non-GMO — appeals to anyone scanning for clean labels. The flavor hits with a balanced blend of dark molasses and aniseed, avoiding the cloying sweetness that plagues cheaper alternatives. Reviewers consistently call out the texture as “just right,” neither too hard nor pasty, and the absence of any chemical aftertaste makes it easy to eat a handful in one sitting.
What sets this apart from the competition is the purity of its production method. Made in Australia since 1927, the company swapped palm oil for sunflower oil across its entire range, a move that matters for environmentally conscious buyers. The pieces stay fresh-smelling inside the bag, with a glossy finish that signals moisture content rather than wax coating. For daily eating — lunchboxes, road trips, office drawers — the Darrell Lea strikes the best balance between authentic licorice flavor, accessible texture, and conscientious sourcing.
If your benchmark for black licorice is a mild, approachable chew that satisfies without overwhelming bitterness, this is the bag to buy first. It works as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings where not everyone is a hardcore licorice purist, yet it still retains the real root-extract taste that separates genuine licorice from imitation candy.
Why it’s great
- Soft, stays fresh, no sticky mess
- Clean ingredients — no palm oil or HFCS
- Generous 20-ounce bag at a reasonable value
Good to know
- Some purists may find it too mild compared to Scandinavian styles
2. LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW No. 1 Sweet Black Licorice
This is the licorice that converts skeptics. Produced in Copenhagen using refined Scandinavian methods, the No. 1 Sweet Black has a unique texture — reviewers call it “Goldilocks licorice” — that is firm enough to offer resistance but not so dense that it fatigues your jaw. The flavor is a clean, balanced dance between molasses sweetness and natural anise, with none of the harsh, medicinal bite that low-quality black licorice sometimes carries. The 5.3-ounce resealable jar is stackable and gift-ready, and the B Corp certification signals serious attention to ingredient sourcing and renewable energy in production.
Made with rice flour instead of wheat, it is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, expanding its reach to guests with dietary restrictions. The pieces arrive glossy and separate, and the packaging preserves freshness well between snacking sessions. Buyers who discovered this brand on trips to Copenhagen consistently rate it as the best they have ever eaten, and the price per ounce reflects the artisan craftsmanship — each piece feels intentionally engineered rather than mass-extruded.
If you are shopping for a gift for a licorice enthusiast — or want to taste what the Nordic licorice tradition actually tastes like at its best — this jar earns its spot. It is not the cheapest option, but the eating experience justifies the premium for anyone who values texture precision and clean flavor without the sticky residue common to cheaper candy.
Why it’s great
- Perfect “Goldilocks” chew — not too soft, not too hard
- B Corp certified, gluten-free, vegan
- Clean, balanced flavor with no aftertaste
Good to know
- Smaller jar size and premium cost per ounce
3. Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Licorice Beans, 3 Pack
Wiley Wallaby takes the soft Australian-style licorice interior and encloses it in a light, crunchy candy shell, creating a hybrid that bridges the gap between a traditional licorice chew and a candy-coated confection. The black beans deliver a mild anise flavor that stays approachable even for those who do not typically love black licorice, and the shell adds a satisfying initial crunch before the soft interior melts in. Compared to Good & Plenty, these beans have a softer core and a less artificial taste, earning consistent five-star reviews for texture and flavor balance.
The 3-pack provides three resealable bags, which helps with portion control — an important feature given how easy these are to eat mindlessly. The recipe uses plant-based ingredients and has less sugar than standard licorice candy, appealing to snackers trying to cut back without sacrificing flavor. Each piece is shorter and rounder than traditional licorine sticks, making them easier to portion into small handfuls. The candy shell does not overpower the licorice flavor; it merely adds a textural contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
If you enjoy the concept of Good & Plenty but wish the licorice flavor were more authentic and the texture softer, the Wiley Wallaby beans are the direct upgrade. They work well for party bowls, movie snacks, and anywhere you want the licorice experience with the added appeal of a candy shell that prevents the pieces from sticking together in the bag.
Why it’s great
- Unique crunchy shell with soft interior
- Lower sugar than standard licorice candy
- Resealable bags for portion control
Good to know
- Milder flavor may not satisfy hardcore purists
4. SweetGourmet Finnska Soft Black Licorice
Finnska offers a distinctly mild and sweet take on black licorice, making it an excellent entry point for those who find traditional Scandinavian licorice too salty or intense. The pieces are glossy, pure black, and cut into easy-to-chew shafts that dissolve with a smooth, almost creamy feel on the tongue. The resealable zip-lock pouch holds approximately 90 pieces per pound, giving you a long-lasting supply that stays fresh when stored at room temperature. Many buyers treat this as their go-to daily licorice, eating 10 pieces to satisfy a sweet tooth without resorting to cake or cookies.
The flavor profile leans heavily on a gentle molasses sweetness with a light anise finish, avoiding the heavy salt-ammonium chloride punch common in Finnish salmiakki styles. This makes Finnska more widely accessible — it is the licorice you can serve to a mixed group without warning them first. The texture is reliably soft, though some reviewers note it can firm up slightly in non-airtight containers, so the resealable bag is essential for maintaining the right consistency. Compared to Darrell Lea, the Finnska is slightly denser and less sticky.
For anyone seeking a non-intimidating bag of black licorice that still uses real licorice extract and delivers consistent quality, the Finnska Soft is a strong choice. It is also a good value for the quantity, providing a large number of pieces per bag at a mid-range cost.
Why it’s great
- Mild, sweet flavor great for beginners
- Large quantity — approximately 90 pieces per bag
- Smooth, glossy texture that melts in your mouth
Good to know
- Not as soft as some other brands; firmness varies slightly
5. Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag
For those managing sugar intake without wanting to abandon licorice entirely, Finnska’s sugar-free version delivers a surprisingly authentic flavor. The pieces are soft and chewy with a concentrated black licorice taste that reviewers describe as “intense” and “unbelievably authentic” given the absence of sugar. The sweetness comes from maltitol, which provides a close approximation to the mouthfeel of sugar-sweetened licorice, though some users note a slight cooling aftertaste typical of sugar alcohols. The 1-pound bulk bag is practical for regular consumption, and the resealable option helps maintain moisture.
Texture consistency is the main variable here: the pieces tend to be stickier than sugared versions, and they can harden if left out of an airtight container. A minority of buyers found the pieces too soft or lacking the firm chew they prefer, but the majority report a satisfying mouthfeel that holds up to daily snacking. The flavor depth is commendable for a sugar-free product, with real licorice extract providing the earthy backbone that artificial anise cannot mimic. Weight accuracy has been flagged by some users — bags sometimes register slightly under the stated 16 ounces — but the flavor compensates for the minor discrepancy.
This bag works well for diabetics, keto snackers, or anyone cutting refined sugar who still craves the sensory punch of real black licorice. Pair it with the sugar-sweetened version from the same brand if you want to mix textures across the week.
Why it’s great
- Authentic licorice flavor without sugar
- Soft, satisfying chew for a sugar-free candy
- Bulk size good for regular consumption
Good to know
- Sticky texture; hardens if not stored airtight
- Some weight discrepancy in packaging
6. Claeys Candies Licorice Old Fashioned Hard Candy, 6-Pack
Claeys takes black licorice back to its roots with a traditional hard candy format that dissolves slowly, releasing flavor over several minutes rather than delivering a quick chew. Each individually wrapped piece is fat-free and relatively low in calories, making it a guilt-free option for those who simply want a long-lasting taste without adding volume to their sugar intake. The flavor uses both natural and artificial anise, producing a clean, straightforward licorice taste that avoids the waxy coating common to cheaper hard candies. The 6-pack bundles six 6-ounce bags, providing a substantial pantry stock for licorice fans.
Reviews consistently praise the nostalgic quality of these candies — they remind many buyers of the hard licorice pieces they enjoyed as children. The individually wrapped packaging is a practical advantage for office desks, car consoles, and travel bags, as the pieces do not stick together or require refrigeration. The candy has a smooth, glass-like finish that fractures cleanly when bitten, though most users prefer to let it dissolve slowly for the full flavor experience. Made in the USA with no artificial colors, the Claeys hard candy fills a specific niche that soft-chew alternatives cannot match.
If your preferred licorice format is a hard candy that keeps your mouth busy between meals, the Claeys 6-pack is the most reliable option in this category. It is also a smart choice for party favor bags or for anyone who wants to leave licorice treats out at room temperature without worrying about them melting or hardening.
Why it’s great
- Old-fashioned hard candy with slow dissolve
- Individually wrapped for portion control and portability
- Made in the USA, no artificial colors
Good to know
- Flavor uses both natural and artificial anise
- Not suitable for anyone seeking a soft chew texture
7. Broadway Licorice Wheels, 4.4 lb
Broadway Licorice Wheels are the heavy-duty value option, delivering 4.4 pounds of classic wheel-shaped licorice in a single bag. The licorice has a firm, dense texture that rewards slow chewing, with a flavor profile that uses real licorice and less sugar than many competitors, giving it a more authentic, slightly bitter edge that purists appreciate. The wheels come as factory seconds, meaning occasional shape defects — but the weight is accurate, and the quality is consistent with higher-priced brands. The pieces hold up well when pulled apart, making them ideal for sharing or for anyone who enjoys tearing off sections rather than biting into a whole piece.
Packaging is the primary weak point: several buyers report that the plastic bag can arrive torn or weakened, compromising freshness over long-term storage. Transferring the wheels to an airtight container immediately is strongly recommended. Despite this, the licorice inside is reliably fresh and well-flavored, with no staleness reported. For the volume delivered, this is the cheapest path to a large quantity of authentic black licorice, and the firm texture appeals to those who find soft Australian styles too yielding.
If you go through black licorice quickly — a household of dedicated fans, a concession stand, or party prep — the Broadway Wheels offer the best cost-to-volume ratio in this list. Just have a proper storage container ready before the bag arrives.
Why it’s great
- Massive 4.4 lb bag — best value per pound
- Firm, authentic texture with real licorice taste
- Less sugar than many competitors
Good to know
- Packaging is weak; transfer to airtight container
- Factory seconds may have shape irregularities
FAQ
Is licorice extract different from anise oil in black licorice candy?
Why does some black licorice candy taste salty or medicinal?
How should I store black licorice candy to keep it fresh?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best black licorice candy winner is the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice because it nails the balance between authentic licorice depth, pliable softness, and clean-label ingredients at a generous volume. If you want a premium gourmet experience with a perfect Goldilocks chew, grab the LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW No. 1. And for a sugar-free alternative that still packs real licorice flavor, nothing beats the Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice.