Buying liquorice sounds simple, until you have to choose between sweet liquorice, soft liquorice, hard liquorice, liquorice fruit sweets and liquorice with fruit flavour. Terms such as vegan, gluten-free and natural colourings and flavourings can also be confusing. The packaging catches your eye, but it does not always tell you straight away whether a product suits your preferences.
That is why it is important to pay particular attention to the ingredients, texture, flavour combination and pack size. This helps you avoid buying a large bag that turns out to be too salty, too hard or simply too sweet.
A 300 or 365 g pack may look appealing, but the price per 100 g can be higher than that of a smaller bag. So compare the pack size and price per kilo. A larger pack is particularly useful if you already know you like the flavour or if you are sharing the liquorice with several people.
Liquorice fruit sweets or liquorice with fruit flavour often combine a sweet wine gum with liquorice. This can taste fruity, but the intensity varies from one product to another. Check whether it is a duo sweet, a mix or a sour sugar coating.
A product can be gluten-free and still contain gelatine. Gelatine comes from animals, so it is not suitable for a vegan diet. Conversely, a vegan label does not automatically tell you anything about gluten; always check the product description and ingredients list.
Pay attention to allergen information, too. This can change from one pack to another. For the latest information, always check the label on the product you receive.
Choose the texture based on how you like to eat your sweets:
The term “soft” mainly describes the texture. It does not automatically mean a lower sugar content or a milder flavour.
Look at the first ingredients on the list. Sugar, glucose syrup and glucose-fructose syrup are found in many liquorice and confectionery products. For specific preferences, these ingredients are particularly relevant:
A brand claim about flavour or recipe is no guarantee that everyone will experience the product in the same way. Use the verifiable information on the label as your starting point.
Liquorice and sweets generally contain a lot of carbohydrates and sugars. Nutritional values are usually listed per 100 g, while a portion is much smaller. For some varieties, Autodrop gives a portion size of 25 g, for example. This makes it easier to compare products fairly.
Also compare the salt content, especially for salty liquorice, mint liquorice and salmiak. Nutritional values do not tell you everything about the flavour, but they do provide an objective point of comparison.
Why it suits this profile: An approachable mix for anyone who wants to combine liquorice and wine gum without immediately choosing a pronounced salmiak flavour. The pack contains 235 g and the sweets have a soft bite.
The product information clearly states that it combines liquorice and wine gum, has a soft texture and contains natural colourings and flavourings. This means you know what you are buying in advance.
235 g, a soft bite, a combination of sweet and sour flavours and, according to the product information, free from the 14 main EU allergens.
Why it suits this profile: Ideal for lovers of firm, sweet liquorice with a distinctive liquorice flavour. The product information states that it contains 5.4% liquorice root extract and has a hard, chewy texture.
The texture and quantity of liquorice root extract are clearly stated. The product information also says it is gluten-free, while gelatine and sulphites are listed.
A firm bite, an intense liquorice flavour profile and gluten-free product information. Not suitable for vegans because gelatine is listed.
Why it suits this profile: A practical choice for anyone looking for vegan liquorice-style fruit sweets without gelatine. The three fruit varieties are strawberry, blackcurrant and cherry.
The product information states that it is vegan and gluten-free, as well as containing natural colourings and flavourings. This means two highly sought-after features can be checked in advance.
280 g, three fruit flavours, soft gummies, vegan product information and no mention of any of the 14 main EU allergens.
For a soft, sweet mix, you can also take a look at Venco Droptoppers Soft and Sweet. It includes soft liquorice, liquorice pyramids and fruity liquorice, but lists gelatine and is therefore not vegan. If you are looking for a vegan, soft and mildly salty variety, compare Venco Jubes.
For a fresh, hard flavour, Venco Mint Drop is an option. Its product information lists liquorice root extract, ammonium chloride and thyme oil, among other ingredients. Always check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before each purchase.
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.
First, look for an explicit vegan label, then check the ingredients. Gelatine, beeswax and other ingredients of animal origin can make a product unsuitable. Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs and Venco Jubes are listed as vegan in the supplied product information.
The best-before date is shown on the packaging. Store liquorice according to the product information in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Seal the bag properly after opening. This helps prevent the sweets from drying out and sticking together as quickly.
Check for a “gluten-free” statement and read the allergen information. According to the product information, Harlekijntjes Soft Sweet Licorice contains wheat flour and gluten, while several Venco and Autodrop varieties are listed as gluten-free. Always check the current label, particularly if you have an allergy or intolerance.