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What Is Licorice Candy?

Allison Boelcke
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,758
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Licorice candy is a confection with a shiny outer appearance and chewy texture that is traditionally flavored by the extract from the root of the licorice plant. The licorice plant grows in southern Asia and Europe and its roots contain a sweet substance known as glycyrrhizic acid. Glycyrrhizic acid is the main ingredient responsible for giving licorice a sweet flavor and it is widely considered to be approximately 50 times sweeter than sugar. Modern versions of the candy are often made with oil extracted from the anise plant, a Mediterranean plant that has a flavor similar to licorice.

Traditional licorice candy is also commonly referred to as black licorice. It is black in color and is usually made by combining licorice extract with a binder, such as cornstarch or gelatin, and adding it to a mold to give the candy a ridged texture. Once the liquid mixture dries, a thin wax is generally applied to the outside of the candy to give it a shiny appearance. Since this type of licorice uses actual licorice root extract for its flavor, it is thought to have a deeper, more distinctive taste compared to versions that use anise oil.

Even though it is typically packaged as licorice candy, the version that tends to be more common in modern times is often flavored with oil extracted from the seeds of the anise plant, rather than utilizing licorice extract. The candy may also be flavored with a combination of both licorice extract and anise oil. The United States tends to be the most likely to have versions of the candy that are made with anise oil rather than authentic licorice extract, depending on the availability of the extracts.

Licorice candy is also available in a red color that may come in a variety of specific flavors. This type of candy is usually marketed as a licorice product but does not usually contain any licorice flavoring or anise oil. Red licorice is often flavored with cherry or strawberry, but has the same ridged texture, chewiness, and shiny appearance as traditional licorice. Other common flavor variations of the candy include chocolate licorice, which is usually brown, and blue raspberry, which tends to have a bright blue hue.

Although most licorice candy tends to share the same ridged texture, shiny appearance, and chewiness, manufacturers may produce the candy in a variety of different shapes. Thin, hollow licorice ropes are one of the most common forms, as well as small bite-sized licorice pieces. The candy may also be shaped into wheels or made into thin strands that are peeled away from one another before eating.

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Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

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Discussion Comments
By anon1004481 — On Feb 21, 2021

Twizzlers are not licorice. You could call them "licorice-style candy", but they have about as much to do with real licorice as chocolate coins with real gold pieces.

By Chmander — On Mar 22, 2014

I think the reason why so many people dislike black licorice is because it's not very sweet, and it has a somewhat strong taste to it. I enjoy black licorice, but it's not hard to see why others don't. It really doesn't meet the expectations of what people consider to be candy; succulent, sweet and/or rich delicacies that have lots of flavor.

By Krunchyman — On Mar 22, 2014

@Viranty - You are spot on. Without a doubt, what you've been eating is red licorice, also known as Twizzlers. In fact, notice how the article even hints at it, where it mentions the cherry and strawberry flavors, as well as the rigid texture. Also, I've never been a big fan of black licorice either. It's not completely horrible like most people say it is, but overall though, I could do without it.

By Viranty — On Mar 21, 2014

Even though I've always been a big fan of licorice, I've only liked the red kind, and have never been a big fan of the black kind. Does anyone else feel the same way? On another note, even though the article doesn't mention this, can Twizzlers be considered red licorice? I have those all the time, so I'm generally curious.

Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
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