Buy liquorice online: how to choose sweet, salty or sugar-free liquorice

Buying liquorice seems simple, until you have to choose between salmiak liquorice, salty liquorice, sweet liquorice, a liquorice mix or sugar-free liquorice. Packaging often uses words like “traditional”, “artisanal” or “intense”, but those terms tell you very little about the ingredients, allergens or nutritional values.

When you order liquorice online, these are the main pitfalls to watch out for:

• Sugar-free doesn’t automatically mean low in carbohydrates. Sugar-free varieties often contain polyols, such as maltitol. The label can therefore still show a significant amount of carbohydrates.
• A product with liquorice or salmiak isn’t always suitable for every diet. Gelatine, wheat, gluten, milk traces or beeswax can be present. Always check the actual product packaging.
• A large bag isn’t necessarily better value. A liquorice mix can contain many different flavours, but also plenty of varieties you might not enjoy. Look at the weight, the composition and the portion size.

What to look for when buying liquorice

1. Flavour intensity and texture

Sweet liquorice usually contains sugar, glucose or fructose syrup and liquorice root extract. Salty liquorice and salmiak liquorice get their characteristic taste from ammonium chloride, also known as salmiak salt. The percentage of this varies from product to product.

Also pay attention to the texture:

• Soft liquorice: ideal if you enjoy chewing and want different flavours in a liquorice mix.
• Hard liquorice: lasts longer in the mouth and is often handy for on the go.
• Salty or double salty liquorice: designed for fans of a distinct salmiak flavour.
• Liquorice with filling or coating: can taste sweet at first, then reveal a salty centre.

A product description gives you an initial idea, but the ingredients list provides the most reliable information.

2. Sugar, polyols and nutritional values

Compare the nutritional values per 100 grams. Candyman Salmiak Knots, for example, contains 71 grams of sugars per 100 grams according to the product information. Venco Black Whites Hard Salt lists 92 grams of sugars per 100 grams. These are significant differences if you’re comparing several types of liquorice online.

With sugar-free liquorice, sugar is often replaced by sweeteners. Klene Sugarfree Liquorice Hearts states 0 grams of sugars and 57 grams of polyols per 100 grams according to the product information. If consumed in excess, polyols can have a laxative effect, so always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Also check the salt content. The amount of “salt” on the label is not the same as the amount of ammonium chloride. Both pieces of information can help you compare products, but they don’t tell you everything about how salty the liquorice tastes.

3. Allergens and lifestyle choices

If you’re looking for vegan, gluten-free or gelatine-free liquorice, you need to look beyond the front of the bag.

Check in particular:

• Gelatine or collagen: found in some soft liquorice and liquorice mixes.
• Wheat and gluten: present in, for example, liquorice laces and certain soft varieties.
• Milk or possible milk traces: can vary from pack to pack.
• Beeswax: sometimes used as a glazing agent and doesn’t fit every vegan choice.
• Liquorice and salmiak: mentions on the packaging are important for personal dietary choices.

Napoleon Hard Liquorice Balls is described in the product information as gluten-free and vegan. Oldtimers Hindeloopers Diamonds is listed as vegan, gelatine-free and gluten-free. Always check the current label before ordering, especially if you have an allergy or intolerance.

Our recommendations by type of liquorice buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Klene Small Pocket Money Liquorice - 210 g

Why this fits the profile: The 210-gram bag contains a mix of sweet and salty liquorice, making it an accessible choice if you want to try different flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the weight, the mix and the nutritional values, so you don’t have to rely solely on the packaging.

Key benefit & highlights

210 grams, a combination of sweet and salty liquorice, and according to the product information free from the 14 major EU allergens.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

Oldtimers Hindeloopers Diamonds - 235 g

Why this fits the profile: This mildly salty liquorice has a firm texture according to the product information and suits fans of a distinct but less sharp salmiak flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly mentions the flavour profile, texture and ingredients. Vegan, gelatine-free and gluten-free properties are also listed.

Key benefit & highlights

235 grams, mildly salty flavour, 14.9 grams of fibre per 100 grams according to the product information, and no gelatine or gluten listed.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users

Klene Sugarfree Double Salted Dices - 110 g

Why this fits the profile: The compact resealable bag is practical for on the go. This variety is aimed at fans of extra salty, sugar-free liquorice.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 0 grams of sugars per 100 grams and also indicates that polyols are present. This helps you avoid confusing sugar-free with unlimited eating.

Key benefit & highlights

110 grams, 0 grams of sugars per 100 grams according to the label, resealable packaging and a stated salt value of 0.21 grams.

Suitable for: Vegan and gluten-free liquorice buyers

Napoleon Hard Liquorice Balls - 225 g

Why this fits the profile: The individually wrapped hard liquorice balls are ideal for taking with you or sharing. According to the product information, they are vegan and gluten-free.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information mentions the dietary characteristics and the portion format. If you have an allergy, still check the packaging of the delivered batch.

Key benefit & highlights

225 grams, hard texture, individually wrapped, natural flavours and colours according to the product information.

Frequently asked questions about buying liquorice online

Which liquorice is suitable if I want to combine sweet and salty flavours?

Choose a liquorice mix with several types, such as Venco Mixed Liquorice Assortment or Klene Small Pocket Money Liquorice. Check the ingredients beforehand, as a mix can contain gelatine, wheat, sulphites or other allergens.

Is sugar-free liquorice a suitable choice without sugar?

Sugar-free liquorice contains little or no sugar according to the label, but often does contain sweeteners such as maltitol. So check the amount of polyols and follow the warning on the packaging about excessive consumption. Klene Sugarfree Liquorice Hearts and Klene Sugarfree Salty Ovals also carry a warning for people with high blood pressure due to the liquorice content.

What should I look out for with Dutch liquorice containing salmiak?

Pay attention to the percentage of ammonium chloride, the amount of liquorice root extract, the texture and the salt content. Venco Double Salt Liquorice states 9.9% ammonium chloride according to the product information. If you prefer a less intense flavour, look instead at mildly salty liquorice, such as Oldtimers Hindeloopers Diamonds.