I tasted six popular licorice options so you don’t have to. Here are the sticks and bites I reached for again and again, from classic Twizzlers to authentic Australian black licorice.
I spent time sampling a range of licorice — from childhood staples to authentic Australian black pieces — to figure out which ones I’d actually keep on my snack shelf.
In this guide I focused on texture, flavor authenticity, ingredient quality, and how easy each bag is to use for sharing, movie nights, or nibbling between tasks.
If you want playful, candy-store style licorice, I lean toward the Twizzlers options for their soft chew and familiar fruit flavors. When I want a true black licorice experience with cleaner ingredients, I reach for the Darrell Lea, Wiley Wallaby, or Panda offerings.
1. TWIZZLERS Twists Strawberry – Best Overall
I pick this as my everyday, crowd-pleasing option — big bag, classic strawberry flavor, and reliably soft chew.
Why I picked it: Huge shareable bag with the familiar strawberry taste I keep reaching for.
Best for: Movie nights, parties, and anyone who wants a nostalgic strawberry chew.
Bulk, budget-friendly option for frequent snacking.
Pros
- Classic strawberry flavor
- Very soft, easy chew
- Large, shareable bag
- Kosher certified
Cons
- Candy-style licorice, not true black
- Can be easy to overeat
My take
I always start with the Twizzlers Twists when I want something familiar. The strawberry flavor is sweet and fruity in a way that feels nostalgic rather than artificial.
Texture-wise these are soft and springy — not the dense black licorice I sometimes crave, but perfect for pulling, snacking, or using as a fun straw for milkshakes.
The big 32-ounce bag meant I didn’t have to restock for a while, and the candies arrived sealed and fresh. I kept a stash near the TV and found myself reaching for them during movie nights.
2. TWIZZLERS Pull ‘N’ Peel Cherry – Best for Pulling
I recommend this when I want playful candy that you can peel apart and shape — bold cherry flavor and soft strands.
Why I picked it: Peel-apart texture makes snacking interactive and fun.
Best for: Road trips, kids’ treats, and edible crafts.
Moderately priced single-bag option.
Pros
- Fun pull-and-peel strands
- Bold cherry flavor
- Soft, easy to chew
- Kosher and low-fat
Cons
- Smaller bag than bulk options
- More candy-like than natural licorice
My take
These Pull 'N' Peel cherry strands are a playful change of pace from conventional sticks. I liked that each strand separates cleanly and stays soft while I peel it.
The cherry flavor hits tart and sweet notes, and the overall candy is easy to snack on without getting sticky.
I used a few strands for a quick edible craft and the texture held up well — they’re a great option when I want both flavor and fun.
3. Darrell Lea Original Black Licorice – Best Natural Black
When I want authentic, high-quality black licorice made with cleaner ingredients, this is my go-to.
Why I picked it: Real molasses and licorice root deliver a deep, authentic flavor.
Best for: Licorice purists and anyone preferring fewer artificial ingredients.
Premium option reflecting ingredient quality and imported origin.
Pros
- Rich, authentic black licorice flavor
- No palm oil or HFCS
- Plant-based and Non-GMO
- Soft, fresh texture
Cons
- Packaging can be tricky to reseal
- Higher-end price point
My take
Darrell Lea nails the classic black licorice profile for me: dark molasses depth with licorice root and aniseed notes that feel truly balanced.
The texture is soft and satisfyingly chewy without being gummy, which makes these pieces easy to enjoy slowly.
Sustainability-conscious shoppers will appreciate the no-palm-oil approach, and I noticed the packaging keeps the pieces tasting fresher than many supermarket brands — though I did struggle once or twice to reseal a bag cleanly.
4. Wiley Wallaby Black Licorice – Best for Intense Flavor
I reach for Wiley Wallaby when I want a strong, true black licorice with a soft, almost bready bite.
Why I picked it: Bold molasses-and-anise flavor with a consistently soft texture.
Best for: Fans of robust black licorice and everyday snacking.
Mid-range, good value for a gourmet-style licorice.
Pros
- Bold, full black licorice taste
- Soft, non-gummy texture
- Resealable bag keeps freshness
- Lower sugar than some candies
Cons
- Intense flavor isn't for casual sweet tooths
- Not the candy-style Twizzlers texture
My take
Wiley Wallaby’s black licorice stood out for its powerful flavor — molasses and licorice extract come through cleanly and linger in a way I appreciate.
Pieces stayed soft and never felt wet or gummy in my mouth; that "bready" chew they describe is accurate and pleasant.
The resealable packaging made it easy to snack over multiple days without losing bite quality, and I found it a satisfying step up from mainstream red licorice.
5. Wiley Wallaby Red Licorice – Best Red Licorice Alternative
I prefer this red licorice when I want a more natural strawberry profile and a vegan-friendly ingredient list.
Why I picked it: Natural strawberry flavor and vegan certification make it feel like a better red licorice.
Best for: People seeking a strawberry alternative with cleaner ingredients.
Larger bag size makes it a solid value for frequent snackers.
Pros
- Natural strawberry flavor
- Vegan and kosher certified
- Soft, chewy pieces
- Resealable large bag
Cons
- Chunky pieces can encourage overeating
- Some may prefer classic Twizzlers texture
My take
Wiley Wallaby’s red licorice delivers a believable strawberry taste rather than an overly artificial candy note, which I appreciate for everyday snacking.
The sticks are chunkier than standard candy-brand pieces and have a pleasantly soft chew that doesn’t stick to my fingers.
Because the bag is large and easy to reopen, I kept it on hand for movie nights and found it stayed fresh across several sittings.
6. Panda Natural Black Licorice – Best Natural Ingredients
I choose Panda when I want a minimalist ingredient list and a traditional European-style licorice.
Why I picked it: Only four natural ingredients and a slow-cooked texture that feels authentic.
Best for: Anyone who prioritizes simple ingredients and an authentic chew.
Value pack delivers multiple small resealable bags.
Pros
- Only four natural ingredients
- Traditional slow-cooked texture
- Vegan and Non-GMO
- Convenient resealable bags
Cons
- Molasses-forward profile may mask licorice
- Smaller individual bags than bulk options
My take
Panda’s black licorice felt the most old-school to me: simple ingredients, a slow-cooked chew, and a straightforward flavor profile.
I enjoyed that the taste leaned into molasses and anise in a way that felt honest rather than engineered; that said, I noticed the licorice root flavor is subtler compared with some other black options.
The pack of smaller resealable bags is great for portion control and travel, and every bag I opened stayed soft and fresh.
How I Choose Licorice
Key factors I consider
I look at flavor type (black vs. red), ingredient transparency, texture, and packaging. Those elements tell me whether a bag will match my taste and how I plan to use it.
Texture matters: some licorice is chewy and dense, others are soft and candy-like. I choose based on whether I’m snacking slowly or sharing at a party.
- Black vs. Red: Black is licorice-root forward; red is fruit-flavored candy.
- Ingredients: fewer, natural ingredients indicate a more traditional product.
- Texture: soft and springy for casual snacking, denser for purists.
- Packaging: resealable bags keep freshness and control portions.
- Serving size and bag weight: bulk bags are great for groups; individual packs help with portion control.
Dietary and ethical choices I watch for
If I want vegan or non-GMO candy, I check labels. Several brands in this roundup list vegan status and avoid high fructose corn syrup or palm oil.
For sustainability, I prefer brands that avoid palm oil or use sustainable sources; that choice can shape long-term preferences.
- Vegan & Kosher: look for explicit certifications.
- No HFCS or artificial flavors if you want a cleaner profile.
- Palm oil free for a more eco-conscious choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between black and red licorice?
I view black licorice as rooted in licorice extract, molasses, and anise — it’s bolder and less sweet. Red licorice is fruit-flavored, sweeter, and more candy-like.
How do I keep licorice fresh after opening?
I always use the original resealable bag or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve chew and flavor.
Which licorice is best for kids?
For kids I prefer softer, fruit-flavored choices like Twizzlers or Pull 'N' Peel — the texture is easier and the flavors are familiar. For ingredient-conscious families, look for vegan or no-HFCS options.
Can licorice taste vary between batches?
Yes — I’ve noticed differences in intensity and chew depending on production dates and packaging. That’s why I favor brands with consistent ingredient lists and reliable sealing.
Final Take
I found a great licorice for different moods: Twizzlers for nostalgic fun, Pull 'N' Peel for playful peeling, and Darrell Lea, Wiley Wallaby, or Panda when I want authentic black licorice with cleaner ingredients.
Pick the one that fits how you snack — shareable bulk bags for parties, resealable smaller packs for portion control, or premium imports when authenticity matters most.
