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If you’re searching for the best black licorice, you’ll find a mix of classic twists, soft gourmet-style chews, and a few cleaner-label options in this roundup. Some are made for people who love a traditional licorice flavor, while others lean into softer textures or ingredient-conscious recipes. Whether you prefer a family-size bag for sharing or a smaller pack for trying something new, there’s a good chance one of these will fit your taste.
When selecting from this list, pay attention to the texture, ingredient profile, package size, and overall rating. Some black licorice candies are soft and chewy, while others are more traditional twists or bars. If you care about dietary preferences, look for options that are gluten free, vegan, non-GMO, or made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup. Also consider whether you want a single bag, a jar, or a multi-pack for better value.
Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| Wiley Wallaby Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists | Best Overall | Buy |
| Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice | Best Value | Buy |
| Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice 4 Ingredients | Best Clean-Label Option | Buy |
Best Black Licorice
1. Best Overall: Wiley Wallaby Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists
- BLACK LICORICE - These thick, delicious chunks of black licorice candy are soft, chewy, and full of flavor in every bite!
- SIMPLY DELICIOUS – Our Australian-style licorice is made with plant-based ingredients and wholesome flavors, bursting with bold taste for a sweet treat you’ll enjoy.
- ON-THE-GO – Perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet snack! A resealable bag keeps your favorite pieces fresh for munching on the go.
Wiley Wallaby Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists is a strong all-around pick for shoppers who want a soft, chewy style of black licorice. With a 4.6 rating and a 24-ounce pack, it offers a larger format that works well if you already know you like this style of candy.
Its “classic gourmet” and “Australian” positioning makes it an appealing option for fans of softer licorice texture. The twist shape also gives it a familiar look and feel that many candy lovers expect from black licorice.
If you want a popular option with solid customer feedback and a generous package size, this one stands out as a dependable choice in the category.
Pros
- Soft and chewy texture
- Larger 24-ounce package
- Strong 4.6 rating
Cons
- May be too large if you only want to try a small amount
- Not ideal if you prefer a harder or more traditional licorice bite
2. Best Value: Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice
- ORIGINAL BLACK LICORICE: Darrell Lea Original Black Licorice is made with dark molasses from Australian sugar cane, licorice root extract, and aniseed
- MAKES IT BETTER: Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is crafted without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup. It’s vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, with the signature soft and chewy texture you love. Available in Strawberry, Black, Mixed Fruit, Mango, Pink Lemonade, Raspberry, and Cinnamon flavors
- ONLY THE GOOD STUFF: Made for sharing or savoring solo, Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is perfect for lunchboxes, office snacks, road trips, sporting events, celebrations, holidays and everyday indulgence
Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice is a well-rated pick with a 4.6 score and a 20-ounce bag. It stands out for shoppers who want a family-size option from a brand that emphasizes a soft and chewy licorice style.
This product highlights several ingredient-focused points, including no palm oil, vegetarian friendly, and no high fructose corn syrup. Those details can matter a lot if you’re comparing black licorice products with a more selective mindset.
For buyers who want a practical everyday bag with broad appeal and a friendly ingredient profile, this is one of the more compelling options on the list.
Pros
- Family-size 20-ounce bag
- 4.6 rating
- No palm oil
- Vegetarian friendly
Cons
- May be more than needed for casual snacking
- Only one package size listed here
3. Best Clean-Label Option: Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice 4 Ingredients
- PURE INGREDIENTS: Crafted with only four natural ingredients - licorice root extract, wheat flour, molasses, and aniseed oil
- TRADITIONAL PROCESS: Slow-cooking method creates the signature soft, chewy texture Panda licorice is known for
- DIETARY FEATURES: Naturally vegan and fat-free candy, Non-GMO Project verified for quality assurance
Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice is appealing for shoppers who want a very straightforward ingredient list. It is described as made with only 4 ingredients and comes in a pack of four resealable bags, each 7 ounces, which adds convenience for storage and sharing.
This option is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and fat free. It’s a clean-label style pick that may especially interest buyers who want black licorice without a long ingredient list.
With a 4.5 rating and a multi-bag pack format, it offers both quality and practicality for people who value simplicity in their candy choices.
Pros
- Only 4 ingredients
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Vegan and fat free
- Resealable multi-pack
Cons
- Higher total pack price than some smaller single bags
- Four-bag format may be more than some buyers need
4. Best Traditional Twist: Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists
- Deliciously Chewy & Flavorful – Enjoy a perfectly soft and chewy texture with a burst of rich licorice flavor in every bite. A classic treat for licorice lovers of all ages!
- Authentic & Premium Ingredients – Made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste with every piece.
- Perfect for Snacking & Sharing – Whether you're craving a sweet treat for yourself or looking for a fun snack to share at parties, movie nights, or gift baskets, our licorice candy is the perfect choice!
Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists is a strong choice for shoppers who want a more traditional black licorice twist experience. The product is made in the USA and comes in a 16-ounce pack, giving it a classic candy-counter feel.
With a 4.4 rating, it sits comfortably among the better-reviewed options in this roundup. The “old fashioned” description suggests it is aimed at buyers who prefer the familiar, straightforward style of black licorice.
If you want a classic twist format without a lot of extra branding or complexity, this is a simple and appealing option to consider.
Pros
- Classic old-fashioned style
- Made in the USA
- 16-ounce package
Cons
- Rating is slightly lower than the best-reviewed products here
- May appeal more to traditional candy fans than sweet-twist seekers
5. Best Premium Small Bag: LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW Sweet Black Licorice
- Signature No. 1 Sweet Black Licorice – Smooth Danish licorice with balanced molasses sweetness and natural anise for a classic Nordic flavor hit.
- Vegan & Allergen-Friendly Treat – Totally plant-based, gluten-free, and gelatin-free—crafted with rice flour so everyone can indulge.
- Premium Scandinavian Craftsmanship – Produced in Copenhagen using refined methods that deliver a satisfyingly chewy texture and clean finish.
LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW Sweet Black Licorice is a compact gourmet option that brings a Scandinavian-inspired twist to the category. At 5.3 ounces, it is smaller than the family-size bags, making it a better pick for those wanting to sample something more premium.
This product is described as vegan, gluten free, and gelatine free, which gives it added appeal for ingredient-conscious shoppers. It’s also positioned as a Swedish candy alternative, though the product itself is black licorice with a sweet profile.
With a 4.5 rating, it looks like a polished choice for buyers who value a more refined licorice experience in a smaller package.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Gelatine free
- Good 4.5 rating
Cons
- Smaller 5.3-ounce size
- Premium positioning may not suit budget-focused buyers
6. Best Soft Bite: Wiley Wallaby Black Licorice Candy Bean
- Black Licorice With a Candy Shell – We've taken our soft & chewy Australian-Style Licorice & surrounded it with an irresistible candy coating for a unique treat. Comes in a convenient resealable bag.
- Simply Delicious – Our Australian-style licorice is made with plant-based ingredients and wholesome flavors, bursting with bold taste for a sweet treat you’ll enjoy.
- On-The-Go – Perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime you crave a sweet snack! A resealable bag keeps your favorite pieces fresh for munching on the go.
Wiley Wallaby Black Licorice Candy Bean offers the brand’s soft and chewy Australian-style approach in a 7.05-ounce pack. This makes it a smaller, easier-to-try version for people curious about the Wiley Wallaby style.
It holds a 4.4 rating, which suggests steady customer satisfaction. The “bean” format may be appealing if you want a slightly different shape than the standard twist.
For buyers who like soft licorice but don’t need a large bag, this is a neat middle-ground option.
Pros
- Soft and chewy style
- Compact 7.05-ounce pack
- 4.4 rating
Cons
- Smaller size than many alternatives
- May not satisfy heavy licorice fans who want a bulk bag
7. Best Simple Everyday Pick: Australian Style Gourmet Black Licorice
Australian Style Gourmet Black Licorice is a straightforward choice for shoppers who want a simple black licorice product without a long list of claims. It comes in a modestly sized package and has a 4.3 rating.
Because this product keeps the naming simple, it may appeal most to people who just want a no-frills licorice candy with an Australian-style profile.
If you’re looking for an accessible everyday option that doesn’t try to overcomplicate the category, this is worth a look.
Pros
- Simple and direct option
- Australian-style licorice
- Lower price than many larger packs
Cons
- 4.3 rating is more modest than the top picks
- Limited product details in the listing
8. Best Multi-Pack Bulk Option: Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice Resealable Bags
- PURE AND NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Panda Natural Licorice is made from a few carefully selected, high-quality ingredients including licorice root extract, wheat flour, molasses, and aniseed oil for the purest licorice candy available
- TRADITIONAL COOKING METHOD - Our licorice is slowly cooked to achieve its signature chewy softness, creating a satisfying texture with every bite
- VEGAN AND KOSHER CERTIFIED - Enjoy a delicious treat with peace of mind—Panda Licorice is vegan, Kosher, and made without animal-derived ingredients
This Panda multi-pack includes eight resealable bags and is positioned as a natural soft original licorice made with only four natural ingredients. It has a strong 4.7 rating, making it one of the highest-rated products in this roundup.
The Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, and fat free claims make it especially attractive for shoppers who want a cleaner option in a larger format. The resealable bags are also practical for keeping portions fresh over time.
If you like to stock up and want a product with excellent ratings, this is one of the standout choices.
Pros
- Highest rating in this list at 4.7
- Eight resealable bags
- Only 4 natural ingredients
- Non-GMO, vegan, and fat free
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- May be more licorice than casual buyers need
9. Best Small Classic Bag: Panda Licorice Chew
- Panda Licorice is one of the leading all natural confection items in the US
Panda Licorice Chew is a 7-ounce package that focuses on soft licorice chewing texture. With a 4.5 rating, it sits among the stronger-reviewed products in the lineup.
This is a simple, approachable format for someone who wants to try Panda’s licorice without committing to a larger pack. The smaller size can also be convenient for occasional snacking.
If you want a familiar soft licorice chew in a compact bag, this is a solid and easy-to-understand choice.
Pros
- Soft chew format
- 4.5 rating
- Compact 7-ounce bag
Cons
- Smaller bag size
- No extra format options listed here
10. Best Small Soft Bag: Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice 7 Ounce
- ORIGINAL BLACK LICORICE: Darrell Lea Original Black Licorice is made with dark molasses from Australian sugar cane, licorice root extract, and aniseed
- MAKES IT BETTER: Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is crafted without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup. It’s vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, with the signature soft and chewy texture you love. Available in Strawberry, Black, Mixed Fruit, Mango, Pink Lemonade, Raspberry, and Cinnamon flavors
- ONLY THE GOOD STUFF: Made for sharing or savoring solo, Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is perfect for lunchboxes, office snacks, road trips, sporting events, celebrations, holidays, and everyday indulgence
Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice in the 7-ounce pack gives you the same ingredient-friendly positioning as the larger family-size option, but in a smaller, easier-to-manage bag. It’s rated 4.6, which is excellent for this size category.
This version is non-GMO, no palm oil, vegetarian friendly, and has no high fructose corn syrup, making it one of the more appealing choices for label-conscious shoppers.
If you like the sound of Darrell Lea but want to test it in a smaller quantity first, this is a practical place to start.
Pros
- 4.6 rating
- Smaller 7-ounce size
- Non-GMO
- No palm oil and no high fructose corn syrup
Cons
- Smaller quantity than the family-size version
- May not be the best value for bulk buyers
11. Best Dutch-Style Pick: Venco NL Drop Dutch Black Licorice Soft Sweet
- Firm sweet black licorice
- Imported from the Netherlands
Venco NL Drop Dutch Black Licorice Soft Sweet is a smaller 4.23-ounce product with a 4.6 rating. Its Dutch style and soft, sweet positioning make it an interesting alternative to more familiar American-style licorice.
This is a good option if you’re curious about a European approach to black licorice and want something that stands out from the usual twist-and-bag format.
Because it’s a compact pack, it works well for sampling or for buyers who want a niche licorice experience without a large commitment.
Pros
- Dutch-style licorice
- Soft and sweet profile
- Strong 4.6 rating
Cons
- Small 4.23-ounce size
- May be less familiar to some buyers
12. Best Allergy-Friendly Snack Pack: YumEarth Organic Gluten Free Black Licorice Snack Packs
YumEarth Organic Gluten Free Black Licorice Snack Packs are designed for convenience and ingredient-conscious shoppers. The product is allergy friendly, gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and free from artificial flavors or dyes.
It comes in a 5-ounce pack and is USDA Organic, making it a useful option for buyers who prioritize label quality over sheer quantity. The 4.2 rating is slightly lower than many of the stronger-rated products, but the feature list is still compelling.
This is a practical grab-and-go style choice for those seeking a more selective, portable licorice snack.
Pros
- USDA Organic
- Gluten free and allergy friendly
- Vegan and non-GMO
- No artificial flavors or dyes
Cons
- 4.2 rating is lower than several other options
- Smaller 5-ounce package
13. Best Bar Pack: Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice Bars
- PANDA NATURAL BLACK LICORICE IS A CLASSIC - Always right from the first bite, it’s exactly how licorice should be – soft, mouth-watering and deliciously tasty. Panda Licorice has provided the real taste of premium licorice since 1927. Great on-the-go snack size to satisfy your sweeth tooth
- ONLY FOUR INGREDIENTS - Our licorice black licorice candy is the purest you can find, and we’re proud of it. It’s made of only four simple ingredients; Molasses, Wheat flour, Liquorice root extract and Aniseed oil. Kosher certified and Non-GMO Project verified
- RICH IN FLAVOR AND TASTE - The star of our licorice candy is licorice root extract, which gives it its distinctive dark color and delicious, complex flavor
Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice Bars come in a pack of 20 bars, each in a 1.125-ounce format. With a 4.4 rating, this product is geared toward people who prefer bar-style licorice over twists or bags.
Like other Panda products in this list, it is made with only four natural ingredients and is Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, and fat free. That makes it a strong choice for buyers who value simplicity and format variety.
If you want a licorice option that is easy to portion and easy to carry, these bars offer a practical solution.
Pros
- 20-bar pack
- Only 4 natural ingredients
- Non-GMO, vegan, and fat free
- Good portable format
Cons
- Better for portioning than for bulk sharing
- 4.4 rating is solid but not leading
14. Best Jar Format: Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Soft Chewy Candy Twists
- Pair this deliciously rewarding black licorice with other pantry snacks like salty popcorn or trail mix
- Celebrate sweet moments with a Red Vines black licorice chew, a nostalgic candy loved for generations
- The iconic Red Vines candy jar is also available filled with Original Red flavor licorice sweets
Red Vines Black Licorice Candy comes in a 3.5-pound jar, making it one of the larger-format options here. With a 4.4 rating, it is suited to buyers who want a big supply of soft chewy black licorice twists.
The jar presentation can be handy for storage and sharing, especially if you plan to keep licorice on hand for a while. The soft and chewy texture is the main selling point for shoppers who enjoy a classic candy feel.
If you want a large jar format and a recognizable name in the category, this is a useful pick.
Pros
- Large 3.5-pound jar
- Soft chewy candy twists
- Good for sharing
Cons
- Large format may not be ideal for small households
- Heavier commitment than smaller bags
15. Best Mix Pack: YumEarth Organic Licorice Lovers Variety Pack
- DELICIOUS TREATS: At YumEarth, we make delicious, allergy-friendly treats that everyone can enjoy. Our yummy snacks are perfect for class parties, school snacks and lunch snacks
YumEarth Organic Licorice Lovers Variety Pack offers a six-pack assortment of strawberry, pomegranate, and black licorice in 5-ounce bags. It is designed for buyers who want variety rather than a single-flavor-only purchase.
The pack is allergy friendly, gluten free, non-GMO, vegan, and USDA Organic, with no artificial flavors or dyes. Its 4.2 rating suggests that while it is a solid option, it may be best suited to people who value variety and ingredient standards more than pure black licorice focus.
If you want a multi-flavor pack that still includes black licorice, this is a convenient way to explore different tastes in one purchase.
Pros
- Variety pack with multiple flavors
- USDA Organic
- Gluten free, vegan, and non-GMO
- No artificial flavors or dyes
Cons
- Not a pure black licorice-only product
- 4.2 rating is lower than the top-rated options
Buying Guide
Texture
Black licorice comes in different textures, from soft and chewy to more classic twist-style candy. If you already know you like a softer bite, focus on products described as soft, chewy, or gourmet. If you prefer a more traditional candy feel, twists and old-fashioned styles may be a better fit.
Ingredients
Many shoppers look for simple or cleaner ingredient profiles. In this list, some products highlight non-GMO, vegan, fat free, or no high fructose corn syrup claims. If that matters to you, compare ingredient information closely before choosing a bag.
Package Size
Licorice is sold in a wide range of sizes, from small snack packs to family-size bags and large jars. A larger package can offer better convenience for frequent snackers, while smaller packages are useful if you’re sampling or buying for occasional enjoyment.
Flavor Style
Not all black licorice tastes exactly the same. Some products are described as classic or old fashioned, while others lean more gourmet, sweet, or Scandinavian. Choosing the right style can make a big difference in whether the product matches your preferences.
Dietary Preferences
If you follow a vegan, gluten-free, or organic lifestyle, check product labels carefully. Several options in this roundup cater to those preferences, but not every licorice product includes the same claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best black licorice overall?
Wiley Wallaby Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists is a strong overall pick thanks to its 4.6 rating, soft texture, and 24-ounce size.
Which black licorice is best for ingredient-conscious shoppers?
Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice products are especially appealing because they emphasize only 4 ingredients, along with Non-GMO, vegan, and fat free claims.
Are there black licorice options in smaller sizes?
Yes. Several products on this list come in smaller packages, including Panda Licorice Chew, Venco NL Drop, and LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW.
Which products are good for sharing?
Family-size bags and larger packs like Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Jar, and Panda multi-packs are better suited for sharing.
Can I find vegan black licorice in this list?
Yes. Several options are described as vegan, including Panda, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, and some Darrell Lea and YumEarth products.
Conclusion
The best black licorice depends on what you value most: a soft and chewy texture, a clean ingredient profile, a larger family-size bag, or a smaller premium treat. If you want the strongest all-around pick, Wiley Wallaby is an easy place to start. If you prefer cleaner labels, Panda and Darrell Lea offer very compelling options. And if you’re after something more unique, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW and Venco bring extra variety to the mix.
No matter which direction you go, this list gives you a solid range of black licorice choices to match different tastes and buying preferences.