Joybuy Insights

Buying liquorice: how to choose Dutch liquorice without making the wrong choice

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.

Common pitfalls when buying liquorice

1. A large bag is not automatically better value

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.

2. “Fruit” does not always mean a fresh fruit flavour

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.

3. Vegan and gluten-free are not the same

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.

The key points to check

Texture: soft or hard liquorice?

Choose the texture based on how you like to eat your sweets:

  • Soft liquorice: ideal if you are looking for a sweet that is easy to chew. Venco Droptoppers and Harlekijntjes fall into this category.
  • Hard liquorice: designed to be sucked for longer or eaten slowly. Venco Katjesdrop and Venco Mint Drop have a firm bite.
  • Liquorice fruit sweets: combine liquorice with a fruity wine gum texture. Red Band Dropfruit Duos is an example.
  • Sour liquorice or wine gum: products such as Autodrop Sweet And Sour Cadillacs add a sweet-and-sour coating.

The term “soft” mainly describes the texture. It does not automatically mean a lower sugar content or a milder flavour.

Ingredients and dietary preferences

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:

  • Gelatine: not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
  • Liquorice root extract and ammonium chloride: help determine the distinctive liquorice flavour and salty or salmiak-like note.
  • Wheat or wheat flour: important to check if you avoid gluten.
  • Sulphites: may be listed as allergens, for example in some Venco products.
  • Natural colourings and flavourings: check the exact description on the packaging. According to the product information from various brands, vegetable and fruit concentrates are among the ingredients used for this purpose.

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.

Nutritional value and portion size

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.

Product choices for every type of liquorice lover

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Red Band Drop & Fruit Duo Sweets - 235 g

Red Band Drop & Fruit Duo Sweets - 235 g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

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.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
Venco Sweet Licorice Katjesdrop - 235 g

Venco Sweet Licorice Katjesdrop - 235 g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

A firm bite, an intense liquorice flavour profile and gluten-free product information. Not suitable for vegans because gelatine is listed.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent buyers
Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs - 280 g

Autodrop Vegan Cadillacs - 280 g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & highlights

280 g, three fruit flavours, soft gummies, vegan product information and no mention of any of the 14 main EU allergens.

Compare more Dutch liquorice

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions about buying liquorice

Which liquorice is suitable if I want to buy vegan products?

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.

How long does liquorice last once opened?

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.

What should I look for when searching for gluten-free liquorice?

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.