Have you ever taken a bite of a licorice stick and wondered why it tastes so much better than the waxy, artificial candy found in most grocery stores? Authentic Australian licorice is in a league of its own, offering a soft, chewy texture and a deep, natural flavor that is hard to beat. It is the gold standard for candy lovers who truly appreciate quality ingredients and a perfect bite.
However, finding the real deal can be a frustrating experience. The market is flooded with mass-produced imitations that rely on corn syrup, artificial dyes, and strange preservatives. It is difficult to know which brands use genuine licorice root extract and which ones are just sugar-filled snacks disguised as gourmet treats. You might have wasted money on bags that turned out stale, tough, or lacking that signature bold taste you crave.
In this post, we will cut through the confusion and help you identify the best Australian licorice on the market today. We will explore what ingredients you should look for on the label and which brands consistently deliver the freshest experience. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to spot premium quality so you never have to settle for a disappointing snack again. Let’s dive into the delicious world of authentic Australian licorice and find your new favorite treat.
Top Australian Licorice Recommendations
- MIXED FRUIT LICORICE: For flavor-packed candy like no other, you can't go past Darrell Lea. Treat your tastebuds to tangy green apple, scrumptious strawberry and tropical mango flavors with this delicious mix of soft and fruity licorice. Every bite of Darrell Lea candy is Australian-made quality at its best
- 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
- PALM OIL FREE: Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, contributes to deforestation, wildlife loss, and increased carbon emissions. That’s why Darrell Lea has replaced palm oil with sunflower oil across its entire range
- MADE IN AUSTRALIA: Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating some of Australia’s freshest licorice and finest confectionery. We’ve been inventing, challenging, and perfecting our recipes for nearly 100 years
- STRAWBERRY LICORICE: Australian made soft licorice with smooth texture and a soft bite
- 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
- PALM OIL FREE: Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, contributes to deforestation, wildlife loss, and increased carbon emissions. That’s why Darrell Lea has replaced palm oil with sunflower oil across its entire range
- MADE IN AUSTRALIA: Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating some of Australia’s freshest licorice and finest confectionery. We’ve been inventing, challenging, and perfecting our recipes for nearly 100 years
- Variety Licorice - These thick, delicious chunks of fruity 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.
- Made Better – All the fun of licorice with less sugar, so you can snack a little smarter without missing out on the treat.
- Variety Candy – Mix it up! Our Australian-style licorice comes in an assortment of exciting flavors and licorice beans for a fun and flavorful candy adventure.
- 🍏 – Authentic Australian Licorice Mix – Premium soft Australian licorice red, green, & orange featuring a fruity medley of green apple, mango, and strawberry flavors.
- 🛍️ – Big 1 lb Resealable Bag – Licorice candy bulk size that keeps your licorice fresh longer; perfect for gifting, sharing, and snacking.
- 😋 – Ultra-Soft, Chewy Texture – Smooth bite and melt-in-your-mouth feel that sets Australian licorice apart.
- 🌈 – Vibrant Fruit Flavors – A colorful trio: tangy green apple, tropical mango, and juicy strawberry.
- 🎉 – Perfect for Parties & Displays – Ideal for candy buffets, office snacks, movie nights, birthdays, and more.
- ORIGINAL BLACK LICORICE: Our 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
- PALM OIL FREE: Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, contributes to deforestation, wildlife loss, and increased carbon emissions. That’s why Darrell Lea has replaced palm oil with sunflower oil across its entire range
- MADE IN AUSTRALIA: Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating some of Australia’s freshest licorice and finest confectionery. We’ve been inventing, challenging, and perfecting our recipes for nearly 100 years
- Taste our blend of dark, rich, natural Australian molasses and licorice root extract delicately blanketed by delicious, rich outer layers. Over 90 years, our Allsorts licorice are the perfect mix of light and dark.They’re all sorts of brilliant
- 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
- PALM OIL FREE: Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, contributes to deforestation, wildlife loss, and increased carbon emissions. That’s why Darrell Lea has replaced palm oil with sunflower oil across its entire range
- MADE IN AUSTRALIA: Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating some of Australia’s freshest licorice and finest confectionery. We’ve been inventing, challenging, and perfecting our recipes for nearly 100 years
- 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.
- MADE BETTER – All the fun of licorice with less sugar, so you can snack a little smarter without missing out on the treat.
- VARIETY CANDY – Mix it up! Our Australian-style licorice comes in an assortment of exciting flavors and licorice beans for a fun and flavorful candy adventure.
- 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
- PALM OIL FREE: Palm oil, commonly found in many supermarket products, contributes to deforestation, wildlife loss, and increased carbon emissions. That’s why Darrell Lea has replaced palm oil with sunflower oil across its entire range
- MADE IN AUSTRALIA: Since 1927, Darrell Lea has been creating some of Australia’s freshest licorice and finest confectionery. We’ve been inventing, challenging, and perfecting our recipes for nearly 100 years
The Ultimate Guide to Australian Licorice
Australian licorice is a favorite treat for candy lovers around the world. Unlike European varieties, which are often hard and salty, Australian licorice is famous for its soft, chewy texture and bold, sweet flavor. If you want to buy the best bag, follow this guide.
Key Features to Look For
- Texture: Real Australian licorice should be soft and pliable. It should never feel brittle or hard.
- Ingredients: Look for real licorice root extract. High-quality brands list this near the top of the label.
- Flavor Profile: It should have a deep, molasses-like sweetness. It should not taste like artificial chemicals.
- Freshness Seal: Since this candy is moist, it must come in a resealable bag or an airtight container to stay soft.
Important Ingredients
Most authentic Australian licorice uses wheat flour as a base. This gives the candy its signature “pull” or chewiness. Molasses and cane sugar provide the dark color and rich sweetness. Most brands add aniseed oil, which gives the candy its classic, slightly spicy taste. Some newer versions are made with gluten-free ingredients like rice flour, though these may have a slightly different texture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes it better?
The best brands use natural ingredients. They avoid high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. If the licorice is made in small batches, the flavor is usually stronger and more consistent. Proper storage also matters. Keep the package away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent the candy from drying out.
What makes it worse?
Many mass-produced brands use too much corn syrup. This makes the candy taste sugary rather than savory. If the licorice sits on a store shelf for too long, it loses its moisture. You can tell the quality is low if the licorice feels stiff or cracks when you bend it.
User Experience and Use Cases
People love Australian licorice because it is a satisfying snack. Because of its soft texture, it is easy to eat on the go. Many people enjoy it as a movie night treat. Some bakers even chop it up to add a unique flavor to brownies or cookies. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot black tea or a dark roast coffee.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Australian licorice the same as black licorice?
A: Yes, most Australian licorice is black. It gets its color from molasses and licorice root extract.
Q: Does it contain real licorice root?
A: High-quality brands include licorice root extract. Always check the label to be sure.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Most traditional Australian licorice contains wheat flour. You must look for specific “gluten-free” labels if you have an allergy.
Q: How do I keep it from getting hard?
A: Always keep the bag sealed tightly. If it gets dry, store it in a cool, dry place.
Q: Is this candy healthy?
A: It is a treat, so eat it in moderation. Some people find that licorice root helps with digestion.
Q: Can I eat too much licorice?
A: Yes. Eating large amounts of glycyrrhizin, found in licorice root, can cause health issues for some people.
Q: Does it come in other flavors?
A: Yes! Many companies now offer strawberry, mango, and green apple versions.
Q: How long does a bag stay fresh?
A: Most bags stay fresh for several months if kept sealed in a pantry.
Q: Is it vegan?
A: Many Australian brands are vegan, but always check the label for ingredients like gelatin or honey.
Q: Why is it softer than other types?
A: Australian manufacturers use specific cooking methods and higher moisture content to create that signature soft chew.