Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
Buying liquorice seems simple, until you have to choose between soft liquorice, salty liquorice, mint liquorice, sugar-free liquorice and a large liquorice mix. Packaging often emphasises flavour, tradition or a special addition. Yet those words don't always tell you about the texture, sugar content or ingredients that matter to you.
So pay close attention to the label. That way, you can avoid a bag of liquorice that's too sweet, too hard, unsuitable for your dietary needs or likely to dry out quickly.
Sugar-free liquorice typically contains sweeteners such as maltitol, erythritol or steviol glycosides. Some products also state that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. So check not only the sugar content, but also the amount of polyols and any recommended warnings on the packaging.
There is no universal standard for soft liquorice or firm liquorice. A soft Italian liquorice can feel very different to a soft Dutch liquorice made with gelatine, starch or gum arabic. Look at the product description and ingredients. Gum arabic, for example, is often used for a firmer texture.
Liquorice with honey, mint liquorice and liquorice with eucalyptus each have a different flavour profile. However, the amount of the special ingredient can be limited. Klene Pure Liquorice with Real Honey contains 15.8% honey according to the product information, while Venco Honey Licorice lists 0.3% honey. So a honey reference on the front doesn't automatically mean honey is the main flavour.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 grams. In the selected products, the sugar content ranges from 0 grams in various sugar-free varieties to 58 grams in Harlekijntjes Soft Sweet Licorice. Sugar-free liquorice isn't automatically low in calories: Klene Sugar-Free Mint Licorice contains 209 kcal per 100 grams according to the product information, and Oldtimers Sugar-Free Liquorice Rocks lists 0 grams of sugar.
Also look out for:
Soft liquorice is made using glucose or sugar syrup, starch and gelatine, among other ingredients. Harlekijntjes Soft Sweet Licorice, for example, contains gelatine and wheat flour. Italiano Soft Sweet Licorice Stick has an extra-soft texture and contains wheat flour.
If you're looking for a firmer liquorice, look for gum arabic or a product description that says "firm". Oldtimers Ship Buttons lists gum arabic and has a firm texture according to the product information. This product is also described as vegan, gelatine-free and gluten-free.
Always check the current packaging, especially when buying online. Look out for wheat, gluten, sulphites, gelatine and beeswax. Some products contain none of the 14 major EU allergens, while others list wheat or sulphites.
A notable example is Venco Droptoppers Crackling & Soft. The product information states it is gluten-free, but also lists wheat flour in the ingredients and gluten in the allergens. If the information is contradictory, it's wise to ask the packaging or the seller for clarification before ordering.
Why this fits the profile: The 300-gram bag is ideal for sharing at home or keeping for several days. The description mentions a soft, mild and sweet flavour.
The texture and nutritional values are clearly described: 58 grams of sugar and 330 kcal per 100 grams. So you know what you're buying rather than relying solely on "soft".
300 gram content; soft and sweet flavour; product information lists 4.8% liquorice root.
Why this fits the profile: Ideal for those who care about a short ingredients list, a firm bite and specific dietary requirements.
The product information explicitly states vegan, gelatine-free and gluten-free. Do check these properties again on the current packaging.
235 grams; 18.2 grams of fibre per 100 grams; gum arabic and liquorice root extract.
Why this fits the profile: A compact choice for on the go or at the office, with a firm texture, mild liquorice flavour and mint aroma.
The label states 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams and at the same time warns against excessive consumption. So "sugar-free" isn't the only criterion.
100 grams; 209 kcal per 100 grams; resealable bag; none of the 14 major EU allergens listed.
Why this fits the profile: The combination of crunchy and soft varieties works for anyone who doesn't want a single fixed texture.
The product description mentions the texture mix and the sugar content of 64 grams per 100 grams. So you can better judge the sweetness in advance.
215 grams; combination of crunchy and soft liquorice; natural liquorice root extract listed.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
You can buy Dutch liquorice online by first filtering by brand, flavour, texture, weight and dietary requirements. Then check the full ingredients list and allergen information on the product page or packaging.
Look for products with 0 grams of sugar per 100 grams, such as various Klene and Oldtimers varieties. However, pay attention to the sweeteners and polyols used. "Sugar-free" says nothing about an unlimited portion.
Store liquorice in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal an opened bag tightly. A resealable packet helps maintain the texture for longer, but always check the best-before information on the packaging.
