The moment you pour hot water over a quality liquorice tea bag, a natural plume of sweetness rises that no stevia or sugar packet can replicate. That distinct, earthy-sweet aroma comes from glycyrrhizic acid—a compound fifty times sweeter than refined sugar—and it is the hallmark of a tea that relies on real root, not artificial flavoring. Yet many boxes on the shelf deliver a watery, hollow sip that leaves you wondering if the root was ever there.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind ProteinJug. I’ve spent years parsing herbal tea labels, comparing grind sizes, and matching customer feedback against ingredient purity claims so you can skip the boxes that smell like hay and taste like disappointment.
After reviewing dozens of blends, loose roots, and single-ingredient pouches, I’ve narrowed the field to the five boxes that actually deliver the deep, lingering sweetness serious sippers expect from a liquorice tea that earns its spot in your cupboard.
How To Choose The Best Liquorice Tea
Not every bag labelled “licorice” contains real root. Some rely on anise oil for that familiar black-licorice bite, while others use actual Glycyrrhiza glabra root—each delivering a drastically different mouthfeel and sweetness profile. Before you buy, weigh these four factors against your taste goal.
Single-Ingredient Root vs. Blended Tea
A pure liquorice root tea bag (like the TEARELAE or LeafLea options) gives you undiluted glycyrrhizin sweetness with a mild earthy undertone. Blended boxes (like PUKKA or Yogi) combine the root with peppermint, cinnamon, or cardamom for a layered, aromatic cup. Choose the first if you want a sugar-free sweetener alternative; choose the second if you prefer complexity.
Bag Count and Grind Particle Size
Finely ground root releases sweetness faster but also oxidises quicker after the bag is opened. Coarse-cut root steeps longer but stays potent across multiple infusions. Examine the bag count against how quickly you go through a box—50-count boxes (TEARELAE) suit daily drinkers, while 16- or 20-count packs work for occasional use.
Foil Sealing and Freshness Protection
Liquorice root degrades fastest when exposed to air and humidity. Individual foil wrappers (Stash) lock in volatile flavor compounds far longer than paper envelopes tucked inside a cardboard box. If you drink slowly, foil-wrapped bags preserve that deep, throat-coating sweetness for months.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint | Premium Blend | Spiced mint-liquorice complexity | 96 bags, USDA Organic, 7-min steep | Amazon |
| TEARELAE Licorice Root | Pure Root | Undiluted natural sweetness | 50 bags, 100% pure root, 2g per bag | Amazon |
| LeafLea Licorice Root | Pure Root | Single-ingredient throat comfort | 40 bags, sun-dried, fine grind | Amazon |
| PUKKA Peppermint & Licorice | Organic Blend | Mint-forward with licorice finish | 20 bags, ethically sourced, caffeine-free | Amazon |
| Stash Licorice Spice | Blend | Classic black-licorice flavor in foil | 60 bags (3×20), individually foil-wrapped | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Yogi Tea Egyptian Licorice Mint
The Egyptian Licorice Mint Tea from Yogi nails the perfect middle ground for anyone who wants the natural sweetness of liquorice rooted in a spiced mint canvas. The tea bag contains organic licorice root, peppermint leaf, cinnamon bark, cardamom pod, and ginger root—a spice cabinet that transforms a simple steep into a layered, aromatic cup. The 7-minute steeping instruction isn’t a suggestion; it’s the difference between a pale, minty water and a full-bodied, golden-amber infusion with a lingering warmth that coats the throat.
Customers consistently praise the non-artificial sweetness that eliminates any need for added sugar or honey. The 96-bag count (six packs of 16) makes it a strong value proposition for daily drinkers, and each bag is organic-certified. Several verified reviews highlight its versatility as an iced tea base with a squeeze of lemon, retaining complexity even when cold-brewed overnight.
The blend relies on organic peppermint leaf as the primary flavor vehicle, which means pure liquorice-root purists may find the mint dominance slightly stronger than the root sweetness. The box packaging (not foil-wrapped) requires reasonable turnover speed to maintain peak freshness. For a balanced, spiced-herbal experience that doesn’t sacrifice the root’s natural kick, this is the most versatile entry on the list.
Why it’s great
- Deep, complex spice profile that sweetens naturally without any sugar
- 96-count box lasts a heavy drinker over a month
- USDA Organic certification across all ingredients
Good to know
- Peppermint dominates the flavor; not for pure-root fans
- Box packaging, not foil-wrapped—store in an airtight tin
2. TEARELAE Licorice Root Tea
Anyone who has ever been disappointed by a “licorice tea” that tasted only of anise or weak hay needs this box from TEARELAE. It contains nothing but 100% pure Glycyrrhiza glabra root—no peppermint, no cinnamon, no fillers. Each two-gram bag is packed with finely cut, manually screened root that releases a clear, slightly golden infusion with a sweetness that lingers on the palate for minutes after the last sip. The glycyrrhizic acid content here is high enough to work as a sugar-free sweetener in a blend; many reviewers report dropping half a bag into chamomile or green tea for a clean sweetness boost.
Customer feedback consistently calls it the sweetest pure-root tea they have tried, with a subtle earthy undertone that lacks the bitterness of over-steeped rooibos or the artificial bite of flavored black teas. The 50-bag count positions it as a workhorse for households that go through a cup or two daily. The bags themselves are unbleached paper envelopes inside a cardboard box—functionally fine for a month of use, but long-term storage benefits from transferring to an airtight jar.
The sweetness is so pronounced that a single bag can be re-steeped at least twice before the flavor fades significantly. That puts the cost-per-cup well below the blended competition. If your endgame is a pure, sugar-free sweetener you can sip straight or use as a mixer, this is the most direct path to it.
Why it’s great
- True single-ingredient root with intense natural sweetness
- 50 bags per box; each bag can be re-steeped 2-3 times
- Non-GMO, caffeine-free, and contains no artificial additives
Good to know
- Lacks the “black licorice” anise note some buyers expect
- Paper envelopes lose freshness faster than foil wrappers
3. LeafLea Premium Licorice Root Tea
LeafLea takes a similar single-ingredient approach to TEARELAE but differentiates itself through processing: the liquorice root is harvested at peak, cleaned with fresh water, sun-dried, then finely ground using traditional stone-grinding methods. The result is a slightly finer particle size that extracts faster—meaning a 3-4 minute steep yields a noticeably dark, amber cup with a mild earthy sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. This makes it an excellent entry point for someone who wants to try straight liquorice root without committing to the intense sweetness of TEARELAE.
Reviewers highlight the switch from plastic tea bags (common in many lower-tier brands) to what appears to be a more eco-friendly bag material. The box itself is sturdy and compact, measuring roughly 6 x 3 inches, which stows easily in a cupboard. Several verified buyers note that a single bag is enough for a large mug and that the tea remains smooth even when the water temperature is slightly off-boil—a forgiving quality rare in fine-cut herbal roots.
The trade-off for that gentle entry-level sweetness is that hardcore root lovers may find the flavor slightly less potent than the TEARELAE equivalent. The 40-bag count also trends lower for daily use. Still, for a pure, clean liquorice root experience with a notably smooth mouthfeel and no bitterness, LeafLea delivers exactly what the label promises.
Why it’s great
- Sun-dried and traditionally ground for a smooth, fast-extracting cup
- Non-plastic tea bags; sturdy, compact box
- Mild enough for beginners; easy to re-steep
Good to know
- Less glycyrrhizin punch than the TEARELAE option
- 40 bags per box—familiar buyers may want a larger count
4. PUKKA Organic Peppermint & Licorice
PUKKA’s blend is built on a simple notion: the cooling intensity of peppermint and the deep, coating sweetness of liquorice temper each other into a remarkably balanced cup. Take the first sip and the peppermint hits the front of the tongue as a clean, almost watery note. Two seconds after swallowing, the liquorice root sweetness blooms across the back of the throat—a delayed-release effect that multiple reviewers describe as addictive. That layered tasting experience is difficult to achieve with a standard bagged mint tea and is the main reason this box has a loyal following.
The tea is certified organic, ethically sourced, and naturally caffeine-free. The 20-bag count is modest, making this more suited to an occasional afternoon treat or a post-meal digestive ritual than a daily workhorse. A number of purchasers note they originally discovered this tea at a spa or café and came to Amazon to stock up after local retailers stopped carrying it.
The downside is the box packaging: paper tea bags inside a cardboard box with no individual wrapping. One common complaint involves shipments arriving with crushed boxes or torn bags due to insufficient internal padding. Switching sellers or buying in multi-box quantities can mitigate the shipping risk. For the flavor profile alone—a dynamic, interactive sip that changes as you drink—this blend earns its spot.
Why it’s great
- Unique delayed-release sweetness: mint first, liquorice finish
- Certified organic, ethically sourced ingredients
- Excellent as an after-dinner digestive tea
Good to know
- Only 20 bags—goes fast for daily drinkers
- Paper packaging vulnerable to crush damage during shipping
5. Stash Tea Licorice Spice Herbal Tea
Stash is the brand that many experienced tea drinkers reach for when they want the unmistakable black-licorice flavor that reminds them of the candy from childhood. This is not a pure root tea—it is a “licorice spice” blend that uses natural licorice root flavor alongside other spices to create a bold, almost savory cup with a distinct anise-like finish. The three-pack provides sixty individually foil-wrapped bags, which is the single best freshness-preserving format in this roundup. Those foil wrappers make a measurable difference: even months after opening, the bags release a pungent licorice aroma that weaker paper envelopes cannot match.
Customers consistently rate this as a go-to during cold and flu season, citing its soothing qualities and the lingering finish that eases throat irritation. Many appreciate that it contains zero caffeine and provides a satisfying alternative to sweetened beverages without any added sugar. The uniform, sealed foil also means it travels well—toss a few bags in a bag without worrying about crushed tea dust.
The flavor leans heavily toward the “black licorice” candy profile rather than the earthy-sweet root profile of the TEARELAE or LeafLea options. That makes it a polarizing choice: buyers expecting pure, natural root sweetness may find the spice blend too assertive, while those who love the nostalgic candy flavor will adore it. If you know you want that specific anise-licorice punch in a reliably fresh package, this is your box.
Why it’s great
- Foil wrappers preserve peak freshness for months
- 60 bags in a three-pack provide long-term supply
- Bold black-licorice candy profile—nostalgic and satisfying
Good to know
- Flavor is anise-forward, not pure root sweetness
- Some find the “spice” notes slightly bitter if over-steeped
FAQ
Does liquorice tea contain caffeine?
Why does my liquorice tea taste like black licorice candy?
How many times can I re-steep a liquorice tea bag?
Is liquorice tea safe for people with high blood pressure?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the liquorice tea winner is the Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint because it delivers a complex, naturally sweet spiced-mint blend that works hot or iced and appeals to both root purists and blend lovers. If you want pure undiluted root sweetness for sugar-free sweetening or as a solo sip, grab the TEARELAE Licorice Root. And for the most portable, freshness-locked package with a bold black-licorice candy profile, nothing beats the Stash Licorice Spice.