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.
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:
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.
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.
First decide what you fancy:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
280 grams, three fruit flavours, natural colours and flavourings according to the product description, and a stated serving size of 25 grams.
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.
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.
235 grams, soft texture, sweet and salty flavour and, according to the product information, suitable for vegans and gluten-free.
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.
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.
235 grams, liquorice root extract, ammonium chloride, mint and herbal flavouring; according to the product information, gluten-free.
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.
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.
365 grams, soft texture, a combination of liquorice and fruit and, according to the product information, none of the 14 major EU allergens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.