Are you looking to buy mint liquorice, but can't decide between firm Dutch liquorice, salmiak mint drops or sugar-free mint liquorice? The difference isn't just in the packaging. Flavour intensity, texture, sugar content and ingredients all determine whether a bag of mint liquorice truly matches your preferences.
Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:
First, check the ingredients and the description. Liquorice with mint can take several flavour directions:
For example: Venco Mint Drop contains, according to the product information, 3.5% liquorice root extract and 2.1% ammonium chloride. Venco C Mints uses a similar combination with mint and herb flavours. Anta Dropmint Menthol combines liquorice root with natural menthol and lists natural flavourings.
Bear in mind that a brand's claim about taste or effect is not a fixed fact. Treat such information as a description from the manufacturer and always check the label on the packaging.
When you buy regular mint liquorice, you'll often see a significant sugar content. Anta Dropmint Menthol lists 68g of sugar per 100g, while Mentos Dropmint Balls contains 69g of sugar per 100g. Venco Mint Drop lists 44g of sugar per 100g.
With sugar-free mint liquorice, sugar is usually replaced by sweeteners. Klene Sugar-Free Mint Licorice contains, according to the product information, maltitol syrup and steviol glycosides, with 0g of sugar per 100g. Smint Blackmint uses sorbitol and sucralose among other ingredients, and also lists 0g of sugar.
Always check the warning on the packaging for polyols. Smint Blackmint and Klene Sugar-Free Mint Licorice state that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect. If you need to avoid aspartame or phenylalanine, it's important to read the label extra carefully. Smint White Peppermint states that it contains aspartame and is a source of phenylalanine.
A bag is great for sharing at home, while a tin, roll or individually wrapped sweets can be more practical for your bag, coat pocket or desk.
Also check the allergen information:
The EU allergen declaration helps with comparison, but the packaging of the product you receive remains the definitive guide. Recipes and packaging can change.
Why this suits the profile: The 210-gram bag is ideal for keeping at home or sharing with others. The mild, sweet flavour is accessible for anyone trying mint liquorice for the first time.
The product information describes the flavour as mild and the texture as firm. This means you know what to expect in advance, unlike with an unspecified mint mix.
210 grams, firm liquorice, mild sweet flavour and none of the 14 major EU allergens according to the product information.
Why this suits the profile: This choice combines liquorice root with menthol and comes individually wrapped. That suits fans of a clear, fresh note who want something easy to take with them.
The product description specifies natural menthol, liquorice root and individual wrappers. So you don't have to guess about the flavour or how easy it is to portion.
275 grams, individually wrapped, gluten-free and vegan according to the product information; listed sugar content is 68g per 100g.
Why this suits the profile: The two compact tins are practical for your bag, coat pocket or desk. The flavour combines mint with a hint of liquorice, and the product contains no sugar according to the nutritional information.
The packaging is small and resealable, while the ingredients clearly list sweeteners. So the size is designed for regular carrying, and you can make an informed choice about sugar.
70 grams, two tins, 0g of sugar per 100g and none of the 14 major EU allergens according to the product information.
Why this suits the profile: The mix contains several types of liquorice with mint and salmiak. That suits anyone who doesn't want the same shape or filling every time.
The product information names the different types of liquorice and lists wheat as an allergen. This means you can assess both the variety and the ingredients in advance.
225 grams, mix of salmiak and mint, different textures and, according to the description, packaging made with up to 50% plant-based plastic.
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.
Look for products labelled sugar-free and check which sweeteners have been used. Klene Sugar-Free Mint Licorice and Smint Blackmint list 0g of sugar per 100g. That doesn't mean you can eat unlimited amounts: check the warning about polyols on the label.
Mint liquorice usually combines mint with liquorice root, herbs or ammonium chloride. Peppermint sweets are generally focused on a fresh, minty flavour. Products like King Peppermint Drops and Smint White Peppermint fall more into the category of mint sweets than traditional Dutch liquorice.
Store mint liquorice according to the product information in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and moisture. Seal a bag or pack tightly. Individually wrapped liquorice and tins are handy when you want to carry or share the product over a longer period.