Black licorice is a love-it-or-hate-it world, but for the devoted, the search for a truly authentic, deeply flavored chew with the right texture and clean ingredients is never-ending. Too many mainstream options rely on cheap anise oil and loads of corn syrup, leaving a hollow, artificial aftertaste that real licorice lovers reject.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years analyzing confectionery ingredient decks and sensory profiles, from traditional European recipes to modern Australian-style confections, to identify the real standouts in this spicy-sweet corner of the candy aisle.
This guide cuts through the marketing to deliver a clear, direct look at the best black licorice available online, from classic British imports to pure, four-ingredient natural chews.
How To Choose The Best Black Licorice
Selecting a great black licorice isn’t just about grabbing the first bag you see. The category spans a wide range — from hard candies and Australian-style soft beans to traditional British toffees and pure, old-world natural chews. Understanding a few key dimensions will help you pick the right one for your palate and preferences.
Ingredient Purity: Real Licorice Root vs. Anise Oil
The most important distinction is whether the candy uses actual licorice root extract or relies solely on anise oil for flavor. Real extract provides a deeper, slightly salty, and more complex flavor profile. If you see “artificial flavor” or only “aniseed oil” without licorice extract on the label, you’re getting a much simpler, one-dimensional taste.
Texture: Soft Chew, Hard Candy, or Chewy Toffee
Your preferred mouthfeel dictates the format. Soft chews (like Australian-style or Panda) offer a pliable, almost doughy bite. Hard candies dissolve slowly in the mouth. Toffees combine a firm, buttery chew with a creamy finish. Each texture carries the licorice flavor differently, so choose based on how you like to snack.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panda Natural Soft Licorice | Natural Chew | Clean ingredient lovers | 4 ingredients, Non-GMO | Amazon |
| Walkers Nonsuch Toffees | British Toffee | Nostalgic, creamy chew | 5th-gen recipe, gluten-free | Amazon |
| Wiley Wallaby Classic Beans | Candy Shell | Portable, softer alternative | Soft coating, less sugar | Amazon |
| Claeys Old Fashioned Hard Candy | Hard Candy | Sugar-free, slow-savoring | Fat-free, USA-made | Amazon |
| Broadway Licorice Wheels | Bulk Chew | High volume, real extract | 4.4lb bulk, less sugar | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice
Panda sets the standard for clean-label black licorice. With only licorice root extract, wheat flour, molasses, and aniseed oil, it avoids the corn syrup and artificial flavors that plague most mass-market options. The result is a deeply savory, slightly salty flavor that black licorice purists crave — not cloying sweetness. The texture is a satisfying, soft chew that stays pliable without becoming sticky or gummy, even after the bag has been opened and resealed several times.
Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with long-time licorice fans calling it the best they’ve had in years. Multiple reviews highlight the balanced sweetness from molasses (no added refined sugar) and the fact that it doesn’t stick to teeth. The Non-GMO Project Verification and vegan certification provide extra confidence for health-conscious snackers who want a treat that feels as good as it tastes. The resealable 7-ounce bags in this 8-pack ensure you always have a fresh batch on hand.
This is the gold standard for anyone who wants real licorice flavor from a transparent ingredient deck. If you’ve been disappointed by artificially flavored anise candy, Panda will restore your faith. It’s the top pick for its purity of flavor, honest ingredients, and consistently fresh, soft texture.
Why it’s great
- Only 4 natural ingredients, No corn syrup
- Deep, authentic licorice flavor balanced by molasses
- Non-GMO Verified, vegan, and Kosher certified
Good to know
- Contains wheat flour (not gluten-free)
- Soft texture may not appeal to hard-candy fans
2. Walkers Nonsuch Liquorice Toffees
Walkers Nonsuch brings a distinctly British experience to the category. This isn’t a soft chew or a hard candy — it’s a creamy, chewy toffee infused with real licorice extract and black treacle. The flavor profile is more rounded than a pure licorice stick, with the buttery toffee base softening the bold, aromatic notes of the extract. It’s a nostalgic, old-fashioned treat that evokes traditional English sweet shops.
Each piece is individually twist-wrapped, making them ideal for sharing or portion control. Customers rave about the balanced flavor — “not overpowering” was a common sentiment — and the satisfyingly dense texture that slowly releases the licorice as you chew. The gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe broadens its appeal. Imported from Stoke-on-Trent, the recipe has been passed down through five generations, lending it real heritage.
This pack of two 5.29-ounce bags is perfect for those who want something different from the standard soft chew. The creamy toffee adds a layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the licorice. If you enjoy a more complex, melt-in-your-mouth experience, these toffees deliver a unique and memorable flavor journey.
Why it’s great
- Unique creamy-toffee texture, not a standard chew
- Gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians
- Authentic British recipe with 5-generation history
Good to know
- Contains milk and soy (not vegan)
- Toffee can be very firm in cooler temperatures
3. Wiley Wallaby Classic Black Licorice Beans
Wiley Wallaby brings an Australian-style twist to black licorice by coating their soft, chewy licorice in a subtle candy shell. This creates a unique texture — a gentle crunch on the outside that gives way to a pliable, flavorful center. The licorice flavor is bold and authentic, without the harshness of cheap anise oils. Importantly, the company uses less sugar than many competitors, appealing to those looking for a slightly smarter snacking choice without sacrificing taste.
The resealable bag is a practical feature that keeps the beans fresh and prevents them from drying out. Customers frequently compare them favorably to Good & Plenty, noting that Wiley Wallaby beans are softer, richer in flavor, and lack the artificial aftertaste. The 2-pack of 7.05-ounce bags provides a solid quantity for regular snacking. Multiple verified reviews mention the beans are “highly addictive” and have a longer shelf life when stored properly.
For someone who wants a portable, fun format with a genuine licorice punch, these beans hit the mark. The candy shell solves the sticky-finger problem of traditional licorice twists, making them great for on-the-go snacking or sharing at gatherings. It’s a smart, modern take on a classic format.
Why it’s great
- Soft, chewy center with a pleasant candy-coating crunch
- Less sugar than many traditional black licorice options
- Resealable bag maintains freshness perfectly
Good to know
- Contains plant-based ingredients but check for specific allergens
- Coating may be too subtle for those who prefer pure soft chew
4. Claeys Old Fashioned Hard Licorice Candy
Claeys Candies offers a walk down memory lane with their old-fashioned hard licorice candies. This is a completely different experience from the soft chews — the candy dissolves slowly in the mouth, releasing a steady stream of artificially and naturally flavored licorice taste. It’s a fat-free, low-calorie option that allows you to enjoy the distinct licorice profile without committing to a chewy piece. The hard format is perfect for long, slow savoring.
Made in the USA, each 6-ounce bag contains individually wrapped pieces, making them easy to toss into a purse or desk drawer. Customer feedback is simple but enthusiastic — “delicious,” “best licorice candy on the market,” and “great old time candy” are repeated themes. The product is known for its consistent quality and nostalgic appeal. The 6-pack provides a generous 36 ounces of candy, offering excellent value for those who prefer this format.
If you’re a fan of hard candies or want a licorice treat that lasts longer than a soft chew, Claeys is an excellent choice. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss candy that delivers on its promise. It’s also a great option for people who want to avoid the sugar content often found in chewy varieties, as the hard candy format naturally encourages slower consumption.
Why it’s great
- Slow-dissolving hard candy lasts a long time
- Fat-free and lower in calories per piece
- Individually wrapped and made in the USA
Good to know
- Flavor is both artificially and naturally derived
- Hard texture may not satisfy soft-chew cravings
5. Broadway Licorice Wheels
Broadway Licorice Wheels are the serious bulk option for dedicated licorice lovers. At 4.4 pounds, this is a substantial quantity of real licorice in classic wheel form. The product is noted by customers for having less sugar than typical US anise-based candies and a more authentic licorice taste. It offers a firmer, denser chew that many European-style licorice fans prefer over the softer, sweeter Australian varieties.
Reviews consistently praise the freshness and flavor, with many calling it the best licorice available on Amazon. However, the packaging is a notable weak point — multiple customers reported that the plastic bag arrived broken or torn. This is a common complaint, so plan to transfer the wheels to an airtight container immediately upon arrival to preserve freshness. Despite the packaging issue, the product itself is highly regarded for its pure flavor and satisfyingly tough chew.
This is the option for high-volume snacking, parties, or anyone who goes through licorice quickly. The wheel format is a classic shape that feels nostalgic and satisfying. Just be prepared to handle the packaging yourself. It’s the best choice for maximizing quantity without sacrificing real licorice extract.
Why it’s great
- Massive 4.4lb bag for high-volume snacking
- Less sugar and real licorice flavor, not just anise
- Classic wheel shape with a satisfying dense chew
Good to know
- Packaging is fragile and often arrives torn
- Harder, denser texture may not suit all palates
FAQ
What is the difference between black licorice and red licorice?
Why does real black licorice taste salty?
How should I store black licorice to keep it fresh?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best black licorice winner is the Panda Natural Soft Original Licorice because it delivers pure, authentic flavor from just four natural ingredients without any corn syrup or artificial additives. If you want a creamy, nostalgic toffee experience from a traditional British recipe, grab the Walkers Nonsuch Liquorice Toffees. And for the bulk buyer who wants a dense, real-extract chew in a massive quantity, nothing beats the Broadway Licorice Wheels.