A Comprehensive Guide to the World's Finest Licorice Brands

As a licorice fanatic, I’ve ventured into the delightful world of licorice from countries that truly know how to craft this unique candy. Licorice is more than just a treat; it’s a sensory experience that can cater to all your taste buds. Whether you're in the United States or any country that may not specialize in licorice, there's a world of flavors waiting for you to explore.

If you're a fan of real licorice[1], you'll find that the licorice from the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Iceland, Italy, and Britain stands out. Each of these countries has its own unique twist on this beloved candy. From hard to soft, and even gummy, licorice can be enjoyed in various forms, each offering a distinct flavor profile.

Types of Licorice Candy

When it comes to licorice candy, you have several options to choose from. Whether you enjoy it straight, with a mix of flavors, or in toffee form, the variety is endless. Some common types include:

Hard Licorice: These can be either chewy or crunchy, offering a satisfying texture. Soft Licorice: Usually gummy, this type of licorice is often chewy and can be coated in chocolate or other flavors. Gummies: Theselicorice candies are often softer and can come in various shapes and sizes.

Flavor Profiles

The flavor profile of licorice can range from sweet to sweet with a hint of saltiness, or even very salty. This can be influenced by the addition of various ingredients:

Salmiak: This is ammonium chloride, which gives licorice a unique, salty flavor that many American palates find hard to appreciate. Anise Oil or Herbs: These add a licorice flavor that many people prefer over strong salmiak. Pure Licorice: For those who like a natural and sweet taste, pure licorice with no added sugar is a popular choice. Sugar-Free Options: Licorice can also be made without sugar, instead using sweeteners like malitol, sorbitol, or even stevia. These can help avoid digestion issues for some individuals. Organic Licorice: Many brands now offer organic licorice, which is great for health-conscious consumers.

Top Licorice Brands

Here are some of the top licorice brands that I highly recommend based on my personal preferences:

From the Netherlands

KH: This brand offers licorice with a slight, but enjoyable amount of salt, such as the Munt Drop and Dubbel Zoute.

From Germany

Haribo: Renowned for their Pontefract Cakes, which are a must-try for licorice enthusiasts. Jahneke: This brand offers a range of high-quality licorice, including the Salmiak Drops and Salz-Lakriz.

From Iceland

Sambo: A favorite among Americans, the Gammeldags Lakrids is a must-try.

From Italy

Amarelli: Their Spezzata are little hard and crunchy pure licorice candies that are loved by many.

From Sweden

Lakerol: The Licorice Seasalt is a unique and tasty option that many enjoy.

While I haven’t tried licorice from Finland, some brands are highly regarded, and I’ve tasted Finnish licorice once and found it delightful. If anyone knows of any good Finnish brands, I’d love to try them!

Unusual Licorice

I also came across an interesting brand called Witches Stick, a toffee-like licorice that I found impossible to resist. However, I had to stop buying them due to their irresistible nature.

Conclusion

There are many more varieties of licorice to explore, each with its unique taste andtexture. Whether you prefer a sweet, salty, or even an unconventional flavor, there's a licorice out there for everyone. So, next time you crave a candy that's both satisfying and unique, give licorice a try and see which variety you fall in love with.

1: The term "real licorice" refers to liquorice, which contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that gives it a strong, sweet flavor.