Licorice root tea is the rare herbal brew that delivers genuine sweetness without a single grain of sugar—a trick pulled by a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than cane sugar. The challenge? Finding a cup that balances that natural richness with complementary botanicals like peppermint, cardamom, and tulsi without veering into cloying or medicinal territory. A poorly formulated licorice tea can taste like watery dirt, while a thoughtful blend coats your throat in a deep, sweet, almost silky finish.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve analyzed over 100 herbal tea formulations, focusing on organic certification integrity, ingredient sourcing transparency, and the sensory science behind how licorice root interacts with other adaptogenic herbs in a brew.
After sifting through dozens of blends, sniffing bags, and mapping customer reports of digestive relief and respiratory comfort, I landed on the teas that actually deliver. This guide breaks down the best licorice root tea options you can buy today, from potent loose-leaf powerhouses to convenient bagged sippers.
How To Choose The Best Licorice Root Tea
Not all licorice root teas are created equal. Some are straight-up shredded root that requires time and patience to steep, while others are carefully blended with complementary botanicals like peppermint and cardamom to create a balanced, drinkable cup. Before you click “Add to Cart,” here are the three critical factors that separate a transcendent brew from a disappointing dust.
Organic Certification & Sourcing Transparency
Licorice root is a deep-soil plant that readily absorbs pesticides and heavy metals from the earth. A USDA Organic seal isn’t just a sticker—it guarantees the root was grown without synthetic chemicals and is often third-party tested for adulterants. Brands like Davidson’s and Traditional Medicinals trace their supply chains back to specific farms, which means you’re not sipping mystery root. Avoid any blend that lists “natural flavors” without disclosing the source of the licorice.
Form: Pure Root vs. Blended Tea
Pure licorice root powder (like Banyan Botanicals’ offering) gives you total control over dosage and is ideal for brewing a strong medicinal tea for digestive or respiratory support. Blended teas, such as PUKKA’s Peppermint & Licorice or Yogi’s Egyptian Licorice Mint, layer the root with other herbs to mellow its intensity and create a more complex flavor profile. Your choice depends on whether you want an all-day sipper or a targeted therapeutic cup.
Steeping Requirements & Serving Size
Licorice root is stubborn—it needs hotter water (near boiling, 210°F) and a longer steep (at least 7 minutes) to extract the glycyrrhizin and other beneficial compounds. Bagged teas like Yogi and Traditional Medicinals are formulated for convenience, while loose-leaf options like Davidson’s require a strainer or infuser. If you’re short on patience, loose-leaf powder can produce a gritty mouthfeel if not filtered properly, so consider a fine-mesh infuser bag.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Medicinals | Pure Root | Digestive & Respiratory Health | 96 Bags, Certified Organic | Amazon |
| Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint | Blended Herbal | Sweet & Spiced Sipping | 7-Min Steep, 96 Bags | Amazon |
| Davidson’s Tulsi Licorice Root | Loose-Leaf Blend | Adaptogenic Brew | 16 oz, USDA Organic Loose Leaf | Amazon |
| PUKKA Peppermint & Licorice | Bagged Blend | Mint Lovers & Aveda Fans | 20 Bags, Ethically Sourced | Amazon |
| Banyan Botanicals Licorice Powder | Pure Powder | Therapeutic & DIY Blends | 8 oz, Organic Powdered Root | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root
Traditional Medicinals has been a trusted name in herbal pharmacy for decades, and their Organic Licorice Root tea proves why. This is a single-herb brew—just the root—meaning you get the full, unadulterated sweetness and demulcent coating effect that licorice is famous for. Users with GERD and chronic heartburn report that this tea, when combined with aloe vera juice, helped them wean off prescription antacids, which speaks to the potency of the active compounds. The sweetness is natural, deep, and earthy, with a smooth finish that coats the throat rather than washing through.
At 96 bags per pack, this is a bulk-friendly option for daily drinkers who want consistency. Each bag is compostable, and the tea is USDA Certified Organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO verified. The recommended steep time is around 10 minutes for full extraction—hot water opens up the root slowly, so don’t rush it. One customer noted the mild aroma and sweet anise aftertaste, emphasizing that it works as a cold-weather comfort drink as well as a digestive aid.
The only real limitation is that you must cap intake at 2–3 cups per day due to glycyrrhizin content, which can affect blood pressure in sensitive individuals. This isn’t a flaw—it’s pharmaceutical-grade herb wisdom. If you want a pure, potent, and certified organic single-source licorice root tea that you can trust for both flavor and function, this is the benchmark.
Why it’s great
- Pure licorice root—no filler herbs or flavors
- 96-bag bulk pack with compostable bags
- Documented success for digestive and respiratory relief
Good to know
- Must limit to 2–3 cups daily due to glycyrrhizin
- Requires 10-minute steep for full potency
2. Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint
Yogi’s Egyptian Licorice Mint is the goldilocks of licorice blends—it isn’t trying to be a medicine, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor either. The tea layers licorice root with peppermint, cinnamon bark, cardamom pod, and ginger root, creating a naturally sweet and spicy profile that registers as “dessert tea” to many drinkers. Customers report that it works brilliantly as an iced tea with a squeeze of lemon, and it transforms into a thick, satisfying mouthfeel when steeped the full 7 minutes as recommended.
This tea is USDA Organic, vegan, and caffeine-free, making it suitable for any time of day, including evening wind-down. The 96-bag 6-pack provides excellent value for a daily herbal rotation. One reviewer who “doesn’t even like licorice” called it the best tea they’ve ever had, and many mention that the mint and spices completely mask any potential medicinal bitterness. The ginger root provides a subtle warming sensation that complements the cooling action of the peppermint.
The downside is minimal but worth noting: the cardamom and cinnamon can overpower the licorice if you’re specifically seeking pure root benefits. This is a blend designed for sipping pleasure, not targeted therapy. If you want a complex, aromatic cup that tastes like a chai-licorice hybrid with zero sugar, this is the one.
Why it’s great
- Rich, non-watery flavor with natural sweetness
- Works hot or iced with lemon
- 96 bags for consistent daily use
Good to know
- Cardamom and cinnamon dominate the licorice
- May not suit those wanting pure root flavor
3. Davidson’s Organics Tulsi Licorice Root
Davidson’s Organics has been growing organic tea since 1976, and their Tulsi Licorice Root blend is a unique offering that combines three adaptogenic varieties of tulsi (Krishna, Rama, and Vana) with licorice root, cardamom, and ginger. The result is a sweet brew with a distinctive spice-forward profile—customers describe it as “spicy-scented” and “luscious” for ending the day. The licorice root provides a long, sweet aftertaste that eliminates the need for added sugar or honey.
This is a 16-ounce loose-leaf bag, which is a substantial quantity for the price. The leaf quality is fresh and fragrant, as noted by pipe smokers who use it as a palate cleanser. One reviewer mentioned that some stems require breaking up before placing into an infuser, which is a minor inconvenience for loose-leaf first-timers. The blend is USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, and free from synthetic chemicals, sourced directly from Davidson’s own farms in India.
The tulsi component adds an adaptogenic layer that supports stress resilience and immune function, making this more than just a tasty drink—it’s a functional herbal formula. The ginger kick provides a mild digestive warmth that complements the root’s demulcent quality. If you’re looking for a loose-leaf tea that bridges the gap between therapeutic beverage and daily ritual, this is a compelling choice.
Why it’s great
- Three varieties of adaptogenic tulsi in one blend
- Sweet aftertaste with no added sugar needed
- 16 oz bulk bag with fresh, aromatic leaf
Good to know
- Loose-leaf requires infuser; stems need breaking up
- Not a pure licorice experience—tulsi and spices dominate
4. PUKKA Organic Peppermint & Licorice
PUKKA’s Peppermint & Licorice has developed a cult following among fans of Aveda’s signature herb tea—multiple customers describe it as the closest and most affordable dupe on Amazon. The flavor dynamic is distinctive: upon first sip, the peppermint seems light and almost watery, but then 2–3 seconds after swallowing, a deep, rich wave of licorice sweetness coats the throat. The experience changes as the cup cools, making each sip slightly different.
This tea is naturally caffeine-free, ethically sourced, and made from organic peppermint and licorice. The 20-count box is smaller than bulk options, but the price point makes it an affordable entry point for curious drinkers. Customers report that it soothes the stomach and provides a comforting, relaxing aroma that makes it their “new favorite tea.” The blend works well for those who find straight licorice root too intense or medicinal.
The primary complaint isn’t about the tea itself but the packaging—several buyers received crushed boxes due to poor shipping packing, which means you may need to transfer the bags to a secondary container. Also, at 20 bags, heavy drinkers will run through this quickly. If you want a comforting, mint-forward licorice blend that mimics the complex mouthfeel of a spa tea, PUKKA delivers.
Why it’s great
- Unique delayed-onset licorice coating effect
- Closest Aveda-style tea dupe available
- Naturally sweet, no sugar needed
Good to know
- Only 20 bags per box; runs out fast
- Packaging may arrive damaged in transit
5. Banyan Botanicals Licorice Root Powder
Banyan Botanicals is a trusted name in Ayurveda, and this pure licorice root powder (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is the most flexible product on this list—it’s not a pre-portioned tea bag, but rather a therapeutic powder you can mix into warm water, coffee, smoothies, or even homemade toothpaste. One customer reported mixing 1 cup of powder with 3 cups of water and taking 1 tablespoon before meals to cure severe stomach pain and bloating within two weeks. Another used it to treat lung congestion and chronic cough with visible results in days.
The powder is USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, sustainably sourced, and third-party tested. The recommended serving is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily dissolved in warm liquid. The flavor is intensely sweet and earthy—much more concentrated than bagged tea—so a little goes a long way. The 8-ounce bag is resealable, which helps preserve freshness between uses.
The same users who loved it for pain relief warned that it can raise blood pressure if over-consumed, so consulting a doctor before regular use is wise. Additionally, some buyers felt the quantity per bag was low relative to the price. This product is not for casual sipping—it’s for those who want targeted, measurable herbal support and have the discipline to dose correctly.
Why it’s great
- Pure, organic powdered root for precise dosing
- Documented relief for severe digestive and respiratory issues
- USDA Organic with third-party testing
Good to know
- Must be dosed carefully to avoid blood pressure effects
- Smaller quantity per bag than loose-leaf options
FAQ
How much licorice root tea is safe to drink daily?
Can licorice root tea help with acid reflux or GERD?
Why does my licorice root tea taste weak or watery?
Is there a difference between licorice root tea and DGL tea?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best licorice root tea winner is the Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root because it delivers pure, uncompromised root potency with certified organic sourcing and a 96-bag bulk format that makes daily use practical. If you want a complex, spiced sipping experience that works both hot and iced, grab the Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint. And for targeted therapeutic dosing with maximum flexibility—whether for digestive repair or DIY herbal blends—nothing beats the Banyan Botanicals Licorice Root Powder.