Buy Liquorice: How to Choose Dutch Liquorice That Suits Your Taste

Buying liquorice seems simple, until you have to choose between sweet liquorice, salty liquorice, salmiak liquorice, a liquorice mix or a sugar-free variety. A large bag, moreover, tells you little about the flavour intensity, texture and ingredients. With these practical selection points, you can avoid a bad buy and more easily find the right Dutch liquorice for you.

Common Pitfalls When Buying Liquorice

1. Eye-catching packaging says nothing about the flavour

Terms like “extra strong”, “authentic” or “artisanal” are not always enough to compare one product with another. Instead, look at the ingredients list. Ammonium chloride, also known as salmiak, partly determines how salty or sharp the liquorice tastes. The percentage varies from product to product.

For example, Venco Double Salt Liquorice contains 9.9% ammonium chloride according to the product information. That is a concrete point of comparison for fans of distinctly salty liquorice. A milder variety may contain less salmiak and place more emphasis on sugar, honey, aniseed or mint.

2. “Sugar-free” does not automatically mean you can eat unlimited amounts

Sugar-free liquorice often uses sweeteners such as maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol or steviol glycosides. Some products carry a warning on the label that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. So check not only the sugar content, but also the type of sweetener and the recommended serving size.

For instance: Klene Sugarfree Salty Ovals states 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams and uses maltitol and steviol glycosides. Fisherman’s Friend Salmiak Sugar-Free lists sorbitol and 86 grams of polyols per 100 grams. These are relevant differences if you are consciously choosing sugar-free liquorice.

3. Don’t assume “vegan” and “gluten-free” based on instinct

Liquorice often contains gelatine, beeswax, wheat or other ingredients that matter to certain buyers. A product without the 14 main EU allergens is not automatically vegan. Always check the full product details and the packaging.

Oldtimers Hindeloopers Diamonds is described in the product information as vegan, gelatine-free and gluten-free. Venco Double Salt Liquorice, on the other hand, contains gelatine and beeswax. Venco Black Whites Hard Salt lists wheat and gluten. The ingredients list is therefore more important than the name or colour of the packaging.

The Key Points to Compare

Flavour: sweet, salty, salmiak or mint

• Sweet liquorice: often suitable if you are looking for a rounder flavour with aniseed, honey or molasses.
• Salty liquorice: typically contains more ammonium chloride and has a distinctly salty impression.
• Salmiak liquorice: recognisable by the combination of liquorice, salt and a sharp, tingling taste.
• Mint liquorice: combines liquorice with a fresher mint accent.
• Liquorice mix: handy if you want to try several flavours and shapes in one bag.

Bear in mind that “mild” and “strong” are subjective descriptions. Where possible, compare the ingredients and look at the product description.

Texture: soft, hard or firm

The texture determines how you eat the liquorice:

• Soft liquorice is suitable for those who like to chew and appreciate different structures in a mix.
• Hard liquorice lasts longer in the mouth and often has a firm, compact bite.
• Firm liquorice with gum arabic can have a chewier texture without gelatine.
• A product with a hard outer shell and a soft centre, such as Venco Tikkels Drop & Mint, offers two textures in one sweet.

Store liquorice sealed, in a dry place and out of direct sunlight. Moisture can alter the texture, and packaging that does not close properly after opening can become sticky more quickly.

Weight, serving size and ingredients

Don’t compare the price by bag alone. Look at the net weight, the nutritional values per 100 grams and the serving size. A 440-gram pack, such as Venco Soft Sweet Liquorice Mix, is practical for sharing or regular use. A bag of 90 to 120 grams is better when you want to try a flavour first.

Also check:

1. Whether gelatine, beeswax, honey or milk derivatives are present.
2. Whether wheat or gluten is listed.
3. Whether sweeteners are used.
4. Whether there is a warning about excessive consumption on the label.
5. Whether the best-before date and storage advice are clear.

Our Recommendations by Type of Liquorice Buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Klene Mint Licorice - 210 g

Why this suits the profile: The 210-gram pack offers an accessible introduction to firm, mildly sweet mint liquorice for home or on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions a mildly sweet flavour and firm texture, so the choice does not have to be based on marketing language alone.

Key benefit & highlights

210 grams, firm texture, mildly sweet mint flavour and, according to the product information, none of the 14 main EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Venco Sweet Licorice Katjesdrop - 235 g

Why this suits the profile: This hard sweet liquorice is intended for those looking for a distinct liquorice and aniseed flavour with a firm, chewy texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions the texture, aniseed and 5.4% liquorice root extract. Gluten-free is also listed as a product feature.

Key benefit & highlights

235 grams, hard chewy texture, pronounced liquorice and aniseed flavour and gluten-free according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users

Klene Sugarfree Salty Ovals - 110 g

Why this suits the profile: A compact bag for those specifically looking for sugar-free salty liquorice and who want to reseal the pack after opening.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams and lists sweeteners. This allows you to verify the choice rather than simply relying on the word “sugar-free”.

Key benefit & highlights

110 grams, salty oval shape, resealable bag and none of the 14 main EU allergens according to the product information.

Suitable for: Vegan and gluten-free shoppers

Oldtimers Hindeloopers Diamonds - 235 g

Why this suits the profile: The product information states a vegan and gluten-free composition with a mildly salty flavour and firm texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The mention of gum arabic, gelatine-free, vegan and gluten-free makes it easier to compare ingredients and dietary requirements side by side.

Key benefit & highlights

235 grams, mildly salty flavour, firm texture and, according to the product information, vegan and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Liquorice

Which liquorice suits someone who likes a salty flavour?

Look for salmiak or ammonium chloride in the ingredients list. Venco Double Salt Liquorice contains 9.9% ammonium chloride according to the product information and therefore has a distinct profile. For a milder choice, you could consider a product with a lower stated percentage or a description such as “mildly salty”.

Is sugar-free liquorice always suitable as an alternative?

Not automatically. Sugar-free liquorice often contains polyols or other sweeteners. Check the nutritional information table and warnings on the packaging. Products can also differ in flavour, texture and the amount of sweetener used.

How long does liquorice keep after opening?

The best-before date is on the packaging. Store the bag in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and well sealed. A resealable pack helps protect against moisture, but always check the smell, texture and best-before information before consuming.