Buying Licorice: A Practical Guide to Avoiding a Bad Purchase

Licorice is a quintessential Dutch treat. Whether you're a fan of intensely salty or prefer soft and sweet, the variety is enormous. But anyone trying to buy licorice online quickly discovers that the selection is overwhelming. Packaging makes all sorts of promises, but the contents can sometimes be disappointing. A "soft" licorice turns out to be rock-hard, or a "sugar-free" version has unexpected side effects.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you see through the marketing jargon. In this guide, we'll discuss the most common pitfalls and provide practical tips so you can find the exact licorice that suits your taste.

The Pitfalls of Ordering Candy Online

Before you fill your shopping cart, it's wise to be aware of a few common misconceptions. This will save you disappointment and money.

1. The "Sugar-Free" Surprise: Sugar-free licorice sounds like a guilt-free choice. However, sugars are often replaced with sweeteners like maltitol or xylitol (polyols). When consumed in excess, these can have a laxative effect. This is usually mentioned on the packaging, but in the fine print.
2. The Texture Gamble: The description "soft" or "hard" is subjective. What one person experiences as a pleasant, firm bite, another finds rock-hard. The ingredients list often provides a better indication than the product name.
3. Hidden Ingredients: Not all licorice is suitable for everyone. Many types contain gelatin (not vegetarian or vegan), wheat flour (not gluten-free), or a significant amount of salmiak, which is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.

What to Look For: Key Points for the Right Choice

You don't need to be a label expert to find the perfect licorice. Pay attention to the following three points, and you'll make a much better choice.

1. Flavour Profile: Sweet, Salty, or Salmiak?

The base of every licorice is the extract from the licorice root. The final taste is determined by what is added to it.

• Sweet licorice: This is primarily made with added sugar or glucose syrup for a mild, accessible flavour. Varieties like honey licorice add an extra soft, sweet touch.
• Salty licorice: This version contains salmiak salt (ammonium chloride). The amount determines the intensity. Lightly salted licorice is enjoyable for many, while double-salted licorice is truly for the seasoned enthusiast. Pay attention to the warning on the packaging if you have high blood pressure.

2. Structure: What Determines the Bite?

The texture of licorice is determined by the binding and gelling agents used.

• Hard licorice: Often contains gum arabic. This ingredient creates a firm structure, allowing you to suck on the licorice for longer.
• Soft and chewy licorice:Gelatin or (modified) starch is often used here. Gelatin provides a characteristic chewy texture, while starch results in a softer bite.
• Vegan and gluten-free licorice: If you're looking for vegan licorice, choose a variety without gelatin. For gluten-free licorice, it's important that the ingredients list does not include wheat flour. Brands like Oldtimers and Klepper & Klepper often offer options for this.

3. Special Requirements: Sugar-Free and Other Diets

More and more brands, such as Klene licorice, are offering varieties for specific dietary needs. With sugar-free licorice, it's good to know which sweeteners are used. Stevia and erythritol are popular choices. Always check the ingredients list if you have an allergy or intolerance.

Our Recommended Product Picks

To help you get started, we've highlighted a few popular choices and matched them with different preferences.

MATCH FOR: The Conscious Snacker

Klene Licorice Love - 90 g

Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for those who want to enjoy a salty licorice flavour without the sugar. The airy texture is surprising and different from traditional licorice.

How It Avoids the Trap

This product is clearly labelled as sugar-free. The packaging states that it contains sweeteners (polyols) and that excessive consumption can have a laxative effect. So, no surprises.

Key Advantage & Pros

Completely sugar-free with a salty taste. The resealable packaging is convenient for on-the-go.

MATCH FOR: The Salty Licorice Lover

Venco Top Licorice - 188 g

Why This Fits Their Persona: For those who love a classic, hard, and salty licorice. No frills, just the trusted taste of Venco licorice.

How It Avoids the Trap

This product delivers exactly what it promises: hard, salty licorice. You avoid the gamble of an unexpected texture. The ingredients confirm the firm structure.

Key Advantage & Pros

The convenient roll packaging makes it ideal for the car or a jacket pocket. A classic that won't disappoint.

MATCH FOR: The Sweet Tooth with a Soft Preference

Harlekijntjes Soft Honey Licorice - 300 g

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for those who love a soft, sweet licorice with an extra flavour dimension. The honey licorice is mild and accessible.

How It Avoids the Trap

The name "soft honey licorice" is an accurate description. The ingredients list, with gelatin and modified starch, confirms the soft, chewable texture.

Key Advantage & Pros

A soft and sweet flavour that isn't overpowering. Plus, your purchase supports the work of the CliniClowns foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Licorice

What's the difference between salty and double-salty licorice?

The difference lies in the amount of salmiak salt (ammonium chloride). Salty licorice contains a noticeable, but for most people pleasant, amount of salmiak. Double-salty licorice contains a significantly higher concentration, resulting in a very intense, sharp salty taste that is especially appreciated by experienced licorice lovers.

Is sugar-free licorice a better choice?

A "better" choice depends on your personal goals. Sugar-free licorice contains fewer calories from sugar, which can be beneficial. However, it's important to remember that the sweeteners used (polyols) can cause digestive issues like bloating or a laxative effect when consumed in excess. Therefore, always read the instructions on the packaging.

What's the best way to store licorice?

To keep licorice soft and flavourful, it's best to store it in a well-sealed bag or container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat can cause licorice to melt or become sticky, while exposure to air can dry it out and make it hard.