Why Does American 'Licorice' Taste Different from the Real Thing?

Is the taste of black licorice different in America than it is in Europe? If so, why?

Call to Action for Gut Feelings

Calling licorice black is an oxymoron. Licorice only comes in black, period. That's not to say that red, green, or yellow doesn't look tempting, but they are not actually licorice. Twizzlers, for instance, despite their red color, are not licorice.

Moreover, when it comes to American licorice, it's a case of fake licorice. These candies are primarily made with minimal licorice, if any, and an abundance of other substances like sugar, starch, gelatin, gum, flour, and other artificial flavorings. Interestingly, the US FDA only allows soft candies to contain a maximum of 3.1% of pure licorice. This difference starkly contrasts with the authentic European licorice.

European Licorice: Authentic and Flavorful

Italian licorice is the real deal. It is mild, subtle, and packed with flavor. Amarelli, a renowned Italian brand, produces tiny pellets of 100% pure licorice. Each pellet weighs just 0.5 grams or less, and it's recommended to use them sparingly. They are primarily sweetened with a very small amount of sugar, complemented with authentic flavorings such as mint, violet, lemon, chocolate, and anise. The anise is especially notable, as it's a traditional ingredient in licorice, giving it its characteristic taste.

Pure licorice has its own distinct flavor that is quite different from anise. Understanding this can help you discern the difference between authentic licorice and the often artificial and sweeter American version. The anise flavor you might find in US candy is more reminiscent of the anise-inspired licorice, making it a popular choice for those looking for that particular flavor, but it's not the same as the genuine article.

The American Licorice Spectrum

When it comes to American licorice, the term can be misleading. While many US candies are called "licorice," they often bear little resemblance to the authentic variety. These candies are typically soft, chewy, and loaded with artificial additives. The taste is often sweeter and less intense than genuine licorice, which is primarily flavored with anise and has a unique, slightly bitter undertone.

It's not uncommon for those who are used to the authentic taste of European licorice to be disappointed when trying American versions, particularly Twizzlers and similar candies. The taste and texture are significantly different, and the distinction lies in the quality and authenticity of the ingredients used.

The Authentic Experience

Experience the true taste of licorice by trying European brands like Amarelli or other authentic licorice from countries like Germany, Poland, or Turkey. These varieties offer a more traditional licorice flavor, which is less sweet and less artificial.

For a true licorice experience, look for products that emphasize pure anise and avoid excessive sugar and artificial flavors. This will bring you closer to the real licorice taste that more closely resembles European licorice.

Conclusion

While American licorice may taste similar due to its anise flavorings, it is fundamentally different from the genuine European licorice. The former is often an artificial, sugar-heavy confection that doesn't capture the subtle, nuanced taste of real licorice. Understanding the differences can help you appreciate both the authenticity and the joy of different licorice experiences.