Joybuy Insights

Buying liquorice and sweets: how to choose online without surprises

Buying liquorice and sweets seems simple, until you discover that soft liquorice contains gelatine, a fruit gum may still contain gluten or a large bag of sweets is mostly sugar. Online, you often see terms such as “natural”, “gluten-free” or “vegan”, but these labels do not always tell you enough about the full composition.

This practical buying guide helps you compare Dutch liquorice, wine gums and other sweets by flavour, texture, contents, ingredients and allergens. That way, you can make a more informed choice when buying sweets online for yourself, for guests or as a liquorice gift.

Common pitfalls when buying liquorice and sweets

1. Confusing vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free

A product may be gluten-free but still contain gelatine or beeswax. That does not automatically make it vegan. Conversely, “vegetarian” says nothing about gluten. Always check the ingredients list and allergen information on the product page and packaging.

For example:

  • Gelatine is usually of animal origin and is not suitable for a vegan diet.
  • Wheat flour or wheat starch may contain gluten.
  • Sulphites must be declared when they are relevant as an allergen.
  • A product without one of the 14 major EU allergens is not the same as a product suitable for every food intolerance.

2. “Soft” says little about the exact texture

Soft liquorice can be chewy, mousse-like or firm. Fruit gum and wine gums also vary considerably in texture. So check the product description, type of sweet and ingredients. Gelatine, modified starch and glucose-fructose syrup can all affect the texture.

3. A large pack is not always better value

A 365-gram bag of sweets may look appealing, but compare the weight and price per pack. Also pay attention to the recommended serving size. Some products state, for example, that 25 grams contains approximately five sweets. This makes it easier to compare one bag fairly with a smaller pack.

Which features should you check?

Flavour and texture

First decide what you fancy:

  • Soft liquorice: ideal if you are looking for a mild, easy-to-chew texture.
  • Sweet liquorice: often flavoured with aniseed, liquorice root or caramel notes.
  • Salty liquorice: recognisable by ammonium chloride, also known as salmiak salt.
  • Liquorice and fruit: combines a liquorice base with fruit gum, sourness or a hard coating.
  • Wine gums and fruit gum: usually fruity, with a soft or elastic texture.

Ammonium chloride is usually clearly listed in the ingredients. A higher percentage does not automatically mean a flavour everyone will enjoy; it mainly indicates that the salty or spicy note may be stronger.

Ingredients and dietary requirements

If you are looking for vegan sweets, check for gelatine, beeswax and other ingredients of animal origin. The product information for Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs states that they have a vegan composition and gluten-free ingredients. According to the product information, Venco Jubes are suitable for vegans.

Be aware of the difference between these other popular choices:

  • Venco Droptoppers Soft and Sweet contains gelatine and beeswax and, according to the product information, is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
  • Venco Tikkels Drop & Fruit contains gelatine and lists gluten from wheat.
  • Harlekijntjes Soft Sweet Licorice contains wheat flour and gelatine.
  • Autodrop Crazy Licorice Fruit Double Deckers contains pork gelatine.

A product can therefore be gluten-free without being vegan. If you have an allergy or follow a strict diet, always check the latest packaging. Recipes and packaging can change.

Nutritional value and serving size

Sweets are intended as a treat. The nutritional value per 100 grams provides a useful basis for comparison, but the actual serving determines how much sugar and energy you consume. For example, Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs list 338 kcal and 62 grams of sugars per 100 grams. For the Sweet and Sour Cadillacs, the figures are 343 kcal and 61 grams of sugars per 100 grams.

Also check:

  • the net weight;
  • the amount of sugar per 100 grams;
  • the salt content of salty liquorice;
  • the recommended or stated serving size;
  • the best-before date on the packaging.

Recommended choices by type of buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs - 280 g

Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs - 280 g

Why it suits this profile: The fruity strawberry, blackcurrant and cherry flavours make this an approachable choice when you want to try a range of flavours. According to the product information, these sweets are vegan and gluten-free.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states the dietary features and ingredients, so you do not have to judge whether a product is vegan and gluten-free based only on prominent claims on the front.

Key benefit & highlights

280 grams, three fruit flavours, natural colours and flavourings according to the product description, and a stated serving size of 25 grams.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Venco Jubes - 235 g

Venco Jubes - 235 g

Why it suits this profile: This soft liquorice combines sweet and salty notes. According to the product information, it is suitable for vegans and free from the 14 major EU allergens.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Relevant ingredients such as liquorice root extract and ammonium chloride are listed. This makes it easier to gauge the flavour intensity than by relying on the product name alone.

Key benefit & highlights

235 grams, soft texture, sweet and salty flavour and, according to the product information, suitable for vegans and gluten-free.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intense flavour fans
Venco Mint Drop - 235 g

Venco Mint Drop - 235 g

Why it suits this profile: This hard liquorice with mint and herbal flavours is designed for those who enjoy a distinctive, refreshing taste and a firm texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that this is hard liquorice. This prevents a disappointing purchase if you are actually looking for soft liquorice or fruit gum.

Key benefit & highlights

235 grams, liquorice root extract, ammonium chloride, mint and herbal flavouring; according to the product information, gluten-free.

Suitable for: Liquorice and fruit lovers
Red Band Dropfruit Duos - 365 g

Red Band Dropfruit Duos - 365 g

Why it suits this profile: The combination of liquorice and wine gum is ideal for families, guests or a sweet bag with different textures. According to the product information, it is gluten-free.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The mix is described as liquorice and wine gum in one sweet. So you know in advance that you are not buying a bag containing only sweet fruit gum or only salty liquorice.

Key benefit & highlights

365 grams, soft texture, a combination of liquorice and fruit and, according to the product information, none of the 14 major EU allergens.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Storing and using liquorice and sweets

Store liquorice and sweets according to the instructions on the packaging: in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal an opened bag of sweets securely to help prevent drying out, moisture and contamination. Do not use a pack if it is damaged, and check the best-before date before buying if you are putting together a stock of sweets or a liquorice gift.

Frequently asked questions about buying sweets online

What should I look for when buying vegan sweets?

Check the full ingredients list, not just the front of the pack. Pay particular attention to gelatine, beeswax and other ingredients of animal origin. Also check the latest packaging, as recipes can change.

Is gluten-free confectionery always suitable if I have an allergy?

No. “Gluten-free” refers to gluten and does not automatically say anything about other allergens or intolerances. Check the allergen information and, if you have a severe allergy, contact the manufacturer when the information is unclear.

How long does an opened bag of sweets stay fresh?

This varies by product and storage conditions. The date on the packaging is the key reference. Once opened, the quality is usually maintained for longer if you seal the bag properly and store the sweets in a dry place. Look out for changes in smell, colour, texture or packaging.