The hunt for real black licorice often ends in disappointment—a waxy, brittle stick that snaps instead of bends, or a glossy rope packed with corn syrup that masks any actual licorice flavor. True black licorice lovers know the difference immediately: the deep, earthy bitterness of real licorice root extract, the warmth of aniseed, and a chew that yields slowly without gluing your teeth together.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve analyzed the ingredient lists, molasses content, and chew profiles of dozens of black licorice products to separate the genuine confections from the impostors that rely on starch, artificial flavors, and excessive sweeteners.
Whether you crave a soft molasses-based chew, a firm salted Dutch coin, or a hard candy that lasts, this guide breaks down the seven best contenders. Every pick here has earned its place as a top contender for the best black licorice available online today.
How To Choose The Best Black Licorice
Picking the right black licorice isn’t about grabbing the cheapest bag on the shelf. Real black licorice has a distinct chemical profile and texture that varies wildly by country of origin and ingredient quality. You need to know what you’re tasting.
Check the First Ingredient
The first listed ingredient tells you everything. If it’s wheat flour, corn syrup, or sugar, you’re eating a starch-based candy with licorice flavoring. If it’s molasses or licorice extract, you’re getting a traditional confection. Premium licorice uses molasses as the base, giving it that dark, complex sweetness and pliable texture.
Decode the Texture Profile
Licorice texture exists on a spectrum. Australian-style (like Darrell Lea) is soft and almost cake-like. Finnish-style is a smooth, glossy, and melts in your mouth. Dutch-style is firmer, often salted, with a noticeable chew. American-style ropes are often stretchy and waxier due to added starches. Know which chew you prefer before you buy.
Look for the Real Extract
Artificial “licorice flavor” is usually anise oil alone, which gives sweetness but none of the earthy, slightly bitter complexity of actual Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract. The best black licorice lists licorice extract or glycyrrhizin as an ingredient. Products that skip this are effectively anise candies in disguise.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panda Natural Soft Licorice 8-Pack | Premium | Pure 4-ingredient soft chew | 48 oz total / 4 ingredients | Amazon |
| Darrell Lea Family Size Soft | Mid-Range | Soft Australian molasses style | 20 oz / No palm oil / No HFCS | Amazon |
| SweetGourmet Finnska Soft | Mid-Range | Mild Finnish soft tubes | 32 oz / Smooth glossy chew | Amazon |
| Broadway Licorice Wheels | Premium | Bulk firm wheels, less sugar | 4.4 lb / Authentic licorice ingredient | Amazon |
| Gimbal’s Scottie Dogs | Premium | Dense anise-forward chew | 6 oz / Real licorice root / Gluten-free | Amazon |
| SweetGourmet Dutch Salted Coins | Mid-Range | Authentic salted Dutch chew | 1 lb / Firm, slightly salted | Amazon |
| Claeys Candies Hard Licorice | Budget | Classic hard candy, long lasting | 36 oz total / Fat-free / Individually wrapped | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Panda Natural Soft Licorice 8-Pack
Panda sets the gold standard for ingredient purity with a shockingly short list: molasses, wheat flour, aniseed oil, and licorice root extract. That’s it. No corn syrup, no palm oil, no artificial colors. The result is a pillowy-soft chew that tastes of deep molasses sweetness with a clean, anise-driven finish. The 48-ounce bulk pack (eight resealable 7-ounce bags) gives you serious value without sacrificing quality.
The texture is what separates Panda from the rest. It’s soft without being sticky, chewy without being tough. Each piece yields gently and doesn’t cling to your teeth. The flavor profile leans more toward molasses candy with a licorice and anise backbone—making it approachable for those who find traditional Dutch licorice too bitter, yet satisfying for purists who demand real extract.
Every review I analyzed circles back to the same observation: this is the best black licorice many tasters have ever had, and customers reorder on subscription cycles. The Non-GMO Project Verified and Kosher certifications add confidence for buyers who scrutinize labels. If you want one licorice that nails both purity and flavor, this is the standard.
Why it’s great
- Only four natural ingredients—no artificial anything
- Pillowy-soft texture that doesn’t stick to teeth
- Bulk 48-oz pack with resealable bags for freshness
Good to know
- Very soft texture may not appeal to those who prefer a firm chew
- Flavor is more molasses-forward than aggressively bitter licorice
2. Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice
Darrell Lea delivers the kind of licorice that reminds you what black licorice used to taste like before fillers took over. The molasses base from Australian sugar cane gives it a rich, old-fashioned sweetness that is worlds apart from the cloying high-fructose corn syrup found in mass-market ropes. The 20-ounce family size bag offers generous volume for the money, and the company’s commitment to removing palm oil (replaced with sunflower oil) is a meaningful differentiator for environmentally-conscious buyers.
The texture is where Darrell Lea truly shines. It’s soft and almost cake-like, not waxy or stretchy. Fans describe it as staying fresh-smelling and pliable even after the bag has been open for a while. The aniseed and licorice root extract combination delivers a steady, pronounced flavor that isn’t overwhelmed by sweetness—exactly what you want from a daily-driver licorice.
Customer feedback consistently praises the balance: strong enough for real licorice lovers but not so intense that it alienates casual fans. The absence of high-fructose corn syrup and palm oil makes it one of the cleanest mid-range options on the market. For a reliable, soft, molasses-based licorice that won’t break the bank, Darrell Lea is the pick.
Why it’s great
- Rich Australian molasses base, no HFCS or palm oil
- Soft, non-sticky texture that stays fresh in the bag
- Strong licorice root and aniseed flavor profile
Good to know
- Soft cake-like texture won’t satisfy fans of firm or salted licorice
- Not a good option for those seeking a low-sugar candy
3. SweetGourmet Finnska Soft Black Licorice
Finnish licorice occupies a unique space in the black licorice world—gentler and sweeter than its Dutch or Nordic cousins, but still unmistakably real. The Finnska Soft tubes are glossy, black, and melt-in-your-mouth soft with a mellow licorice flavor that wins converts even among self-described non-licorice fans. The 2-pound resealable bag holds approximately 90 pieces per pound, giving you a steady supply for snacking.
The texture difference is immediate. Unlike Australian soft licorice which has a slightly crumbly, cake-like bite, Finnska is smooth and almost gelatinous in its softness—it yields completely when chewed and dissolves gradually on the tongue. The flavor is sweet and mild, with none of the harsh bitterness that some Dutch-style licorices carry. This makes it an ideal entry point for someone who wants real licorice extract without the aggressive salt or ammonia-note that can put off new tasters.
Long-term customers report ordering this every six weeks for years, suggesting the flavor and freshness hold up over repeated purchases. The zip-lock stand-up pouch packaging helps maintain that quality. If you prioritize an ultra-soft texture and sweet, approachable flavor, Finnska is a standout that fills a specific niche no other product on this list quite matches.
Why it’s great
- Exceptionally smooth, melt-in-your-mouth soft texture
- Mild, sweet flavor accessible to new licorice fans
- Good bulk value with 32 oz in a resealable bag
Good to know
- Too mild for purists who want an aggressive licorice punch
- Texture may be too soft for those who prefer a firm chew
4. Broadway Licorice Wheels
Broadway Licorice Wheels are the serious bulk buy for the dedicated black licorice consumer. This 4.4-pound bag of wheels provides massive volume that undercuts the per-ounce cost of most smaller-brand competition. The wheels themselves are firm, solid-texture licorice—not soft like Australian or Finnish styles—with a chew that requires actual work. The ingredient list confirms real licorice is present, and the sugar content is noticeably lower than anise-based American products.
What sets Broadway apart is its authenticity. Reviewers who know the difference point out that this is one of the few US-available brands that uses actual licorice ingredient (glycyrrhizin) rather than relying purely on anise oil for flavor. The wheels may have minor cosmetic surface cracks, but the flavor profile and texture are consistent with high-end Dutch-style licorice at a fraction of the price. Many customers call it a less expensive alternative to their usual premium brand.
The only recurring issue is packaging—the plastic bag is not robust enough for the weight of nearly 5 pounds of candy, and some shipments arrive with tears or broken seals. Transfer the wheels to an airtight container immediately upon arrival, and this becomes an excellent, fresh-tasting bulk supply that will last any heavy licorice eater weeks.
Why it’s great
- Massive 4.4 lb bulk bag at a very low per-ounce cost
- Authentic licorice ingredient, not just anise flavor
- Less sugar than many US-based competitors
Good to know
- Plastic packaging is weak for the weight and may tear in transit
- Firm, solid texture may be too tough for soft-licorice fans
5. Gimbal’s Scottie Dogs All Natural Black Licorice
Gimbal’s Scottie Dogs are a love letter to old-fashioned American licorice made the right way. Shaped like Scottish terriers, these dense little chews pack a punch of pure anise and real licorice root extract without the chemical aftertaste that plagues many modern brands. The ingredient list is short and recognizable—comparable in purity to Panda, but with a completely different texture profile that is dense, chewy, and satisfyingly firm.
The texture is the defining characteristic: Scottie Dogs are not soft like Panda or Darrell Lea. They are stiff, sticky, and dense, forcing you to slow down and savor each piece. Multiple reviewers specifically call out the medium-hardness as perfect—it provides resistance without being tooth-breakingly tough. The gluten-free designation is a major plus for buyers with dietary restrictions, as many licorice brands rely on wheat flour as a primary ingredient.
The small 6-ounce bag is the main limitation—it disappears quickly, especially considering the high price per ounce. However, the flavor concentration and satisfying chew mean a few pieces go a long way. If you value a dense, anise-forward chew that tastes like 1950s counter candy, Gimbal’s Scottie Dogs deliver an experience you won’t find elsewhere on this list.
Why it’s great
- Dense, chewy texture that makes you slow down and savor
- Real licorice root and pure anise with no chemical flavor
- Certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions
Good to know
- Small 6 oz bag with a high per-ounce cost
- Very sticky and dense—not suitable for soft-licorice fans
6. SweetGourmet Premium Dutch Licorice, Salted Coins
For anyone who craves authentic Dutch-style licorice—the kind you’d buy from a market stall in Amsterdam—SweetGourmet’s Salted Coins deliver the real experience. These firm, coin-shaped pieces are made with sugar and licorice extract in Holland and offer a savory-sweet profile thanks to the addition of salt. The texture is noticeably firmer than any of the Australian or Finnish options on this list, with a satisfying chew that rewards persistence.
The salt addition is what makes or breaks this licorice for different palates. Fans describe it as “just the right amount of salt”—enough to cut through the sweetness and create complexity, but not so much that it becomes briny or overwhelming. The 1-pound resealable stand-up pouch packaging is practical for keeping the coins fresh between snacking sessions, and the fat-free, non-GMO credentials add nutritional peace of mind.
There is one significant warning to note: a minority of customers report a strong, unpleasant odor and taste, describing it as “urine-like” or “chemical.” This appears to be a batch-specific issue rather than a general quality problem, but it means buying from a vendor with good return policies is advisable. If you get a fresh batch, the flavor is excellent—chewy, savory, and complex.
Why it’s great
- Authentic Dutch-style firm texture with genuine licorice extract
- Salted flavor profile adds complexity and cuts sweetness
Good to know
- Minority of batches may have an unpleasant chemical smell
- Firm salted chew is not for everyone—polarizing flavor
7. Claeys Candies Old Fashioned Hard Licorice
Claeys Candies offers a completely different licorice experience: hard candy, not chewy. These individually wrapped pieces deliver a slow-dissolving flavor release that lasts much longer than any soft licorice piece. The 6-pack configuration (six 6-ounce bags for a total of 36 ounces) makes this an excellent pantry-stocking option for fans who want a long-lasting, fat-free treat that won’t go stale quickly.
The flavor profile is naturally and artificially flavored, with a sweet anise base that reminds older tasters of the candy they had as children. It’s not the deep, earthy flavor of licorice root extract—it’s a cleaner, brighter anise sweetness that appeals to a broader audience. Being individually wrapped, these are perfect for office desks, car cupholders, or sharing situations where hygiene matters.
The obvious trade-off is that this is not a chewy licorice at all. If you buy Claeys expecting a soft or firm chew, you will be disappointed. But as a hard candy option within the black licorice category, it has no direct competitor on this list. It fills the gap perfectly for anyone who wants licorice flavor in a format that lasts 10-15 minutes per piece.
Why it’s great
- Long-lasting hard candy format—each piece lasts 10+ minutes
- Individually wrapped for sharing and portability
- Good bulk value with 36 oz total across six bags
Good to know
- Not a chewy licorice—completely different texture experience
- Flavor uses artificial notes, not pure licorice root extract
FAQ
What is the difference between licorice extract and anise oil in black licorice?
Why does some black licorice have a salty or ammonia-like flavor?
Is black licorice gluten-free?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best black licorice winner is the Panda Natural Soft Licorice 8-Pack because it combines uncompromising four-ingredient purity with a pillowy texture and deep molasses flavor that satisfies both purists and newcomers. If you want a soft Australian molasses style for everyday snacking without break the bank, grab the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft. And for bulk buyers who prefer a firm, authentic chew with less sugar, nothing beats the Broadway Licorice Wheels.