Choosing a bag of licorice is more personal than you might think. The wrong choice can lead to disappointment: too sweet, not salty enough, or a texture that just isn't right. Especially when buying salty licorice online, it's difficult to gauge the precise flavour and firmness. This guide provides an overview of the key selection criteria and several concrete product recommendations, based on specifications and composition.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look for When Choosing Salty Licorice
To make an informed choice, it's helpful to focus on a few objective characteristics. These factors determine the taste, texture, and overall experience.
1. Salt Content and Flavour Intensity
The signature taste of salmiak licorice comes from ammonium chloride, also known as salmiak salt. The concentration of this ingredient determines the saltiness.
- Lightly salted to salty: Contains a moderate amount of ammonium chloride, often balanced with sugar.
- Double salt: Has a high percentage of ammonium chloride (sometimes up to nearly 10%), resulting in a very powerful and intense salty flavour that is not appreciated by everyone.
Check the ingredients list for the position and percentage of ammonium chloride to get an indication of the salt intensity.
2. Texture: Hard or Soft?
The texture of licorice is a crucial factor in the flavour experience.
- Hard salty licorice: These types of licorice, often shaped like bricks or bullets, are meant to be sucked on slowly. The flavour is released gradually.
- Soft licorice: These varieties are easier to chew and deliver an immediate, intense burst of flavour. The texture can range from chewy to almost melt-in-your-mouth.
The choice depends on personal preference: a long-lasting, subtle flavour release or a short, powerful flavour peak.
3. Ingredients and Allergens
The composition not only determines the taste but also whether the product is suitable for people with specific dietary needs.
- Binding Agent: Traditionally, gelatin (animal-based) is used. Increasingly, plant-based alternatives like gum arabic or modified starch are chosen. Products without gelatin may be suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Gluten: Licorice may contain wheat flour as a binding or filling agent, making it unsuitable for people with a gluten intolerance. Check the allergen information for gluten-free options.
- Sulphites: Gelatin can contain sulphites, an allergen that must be declared.
4. Brand and Origin
Brands like Venco licorice are known for their traditional recipes for Dutch licorice. Other brands, sometimes of foreign origin, offer a different interpretation of salmiak candy, for example, with a different balance between sweet and salty.
Our Recommendations for 2026
Based on the criteria above, we have selected three different types of salty licorice, each with unique properties.
1. Venco Double Salt Liquorice - 120 g
- Why this product: This is a classic in the double salt licorice category. With an ammonium chloride content of 9.9%, this product delivers a highly intense and pure salmiak flavour, just as many enthusiasts expect from traditional Dutch licorice.
- Pros:
- Very high ammonium chloride content (9.9%) for maximum salty flavour.
- Firm, chewy texture.
- Based on a traditional recipe from a renowned Dutch brand.
- Who is this for: For the seasoned licorice enthusiast seeking an uncompromising, extremely salty flavour experience. Less suitable for beginners or those who prefer a milder salty taste.
2. Heksehyl Salmiakdrop - 300 g
- Why this product: Heksehyl offers a different take on salmiak candy. It combines a sweet exterior with a powerful salmiak filling. This duality in flavour and texture makes it a distinctive product.
- Pros:
- Unique combination of a sweet coating with a salty salmiak filling.
- Contains wheat flour, which provides a specific, soft, and pressed texture.
- Large packaging (300 g) for extended enjoyment.
- Who is this for: For those who love a contrast between sweet and salty. Also a good choice if you find the pure taste of double salt licorice too intense. Note: contains gluten.
3. Napoleon Hard Liquorice Balls - 225 g
- Why this product: This hard salty licorice is designed for a long-lasting flavour experience. The hard outer shell dissolves slowly to reveal a core of salty salmiak powder. The individual wrapping makes it practical for on the go.
- Pros:
- Gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wider audience.
- Long-lasting flavour release due to its hard structure.
- Individually wrapped, which is hygienic and convenient for sharing or taking with you.
- Who is this for: Ideal for people who want to savour a single candy for a long time. An excellent option for consumers with a gluten intolerance or a vegan lifestyle who are still looking for a salty licorice taste.
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For? Explore Other Options
The world of licorice is bigger than just salty. If you prefer a milder taste or wish to explore the balance between sweet and salmiak further, a wide assortment is available. For lovers of honey, anise, or a less intense salmiak flavour, a different category might be a better match.
Check out our range of sweet licorice for more variety.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salty Licorice
1. What exactly makes salty licorice salty? The salty taste in licorice comes from ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl), also known as salmiak salt. This is a different type of salt from table salt (sodium chloride). The concentration of ammonium chloride determines how salty the licorice tastes.
2. Is double salt licorice suitable for everyone? No, the taste of double salt licorice is very intense and often considered extreme. It is an 'acquired taste'. If you are not used to salmiak, it is advisable to start with a milder salty or a sweet licorice.
3. What is the best way to store salty licorice? Store licorice in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Seal the packaging tightly after opening to prevent the licorice from drying out and becoming hard, or from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky. Refer to the packaging for specific storage instructions.
Recommendations and product information are current as of June 6, 2026. Specifications are subject to change by manufacturers. Always check the product packaging for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and allergens.
Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer
