What Is Licorice Candy Made Of? The Story From Root to Belt

Licorice candy is a type of soft candy, made with licorice extract, as one of the main ingredients. The candy is most commonly found in ropes of candy, called licorice belts, which are bright colored and very flavorful. Licorice candy has a long history in Europe, and licorice has gained attention in the world of candy for being not only a sweet-bitter bittersweet flavor, but also for it’s many shapes and flavors.

In general, most licorice candy has basic ingredients you would expect including licorice extract, sugars, and gums. Licorice candy also includes different types and flavors, from gummy licorice candy to tart licorice candy. If you are interested in all of the licorice candy ingredients, shapes, and flavors, this article will give you a general overview of what licorice candy is made of, so you can learn about the ingredients in your new favorite snack.

Licorice Candy’s Main Ingredients

Licorice root extract is the primary ingredient in licorice candy, delivering a characteristic sweet and bitter taste. Licorice candy will likely contain sugar (e.g. glucose or sucrose), making up nearly 60-70% of the recipe, starch (for shaping), and gums (e.g. gelatin, to provide a soft texture). The literature indicates the licorice extract comprises 5-10% of the recipe. Certain products will increase saltiness by including ammonium chloride, which is often seen in Nordic-style licorice candy.

Properly executing licorice candy involves balancing the ingredients, including the concentration of licorice extract so it is not too bitter. Other relevant factors are obtaining high quality ingredients, ensuring the licorice candy is food safe, and avoiding allergies. Both the understanding of the ingredients and the factors will help consumers choose licorice candy they will enjoy.

Common Licorice Candy Categories

Licorice candy consists of several interesting categories:

Ceintures aigres

Ceintures aigres are long, sour, gummy candies that often comprise multiple color layers and an invigorating sour experience for those who enjoy a little bit of a thrill.

Sour Bites

Sour Bites are small, chunky licorice candies, which are heavily dusted with sour powder, which melts in your mouth. Data indicates that the product type possesses a 15-20% market share among young.

Twist Licorice Candy

Twist Licorice Candy is spiral-shaped and encompasses assorted flavors of licorice and fruit layered into a rectangular piece candy. The method behind the creation and eating of the is process of twisting the piece so that the licorice flavor is offered evenly throughout the candy.

Filled Licorice Strips

Filled Licorice Strips features a filling (generally jam) encapsulated within the licorice candy layer.

These general categories of licorice candy really demonstrate the diversity of offerings. Check the labeling carefully, and consider prioritizing smaller packages when evaluating your options.

Health and Consumption Tips for Licorice Candy

In enjoying licorice candy remember the effects on health. Eating licorice containing glycyrrhizic acid in excess can cause problems with blood pressure so the recommendation is to limit daily intake to 50 grams altogether. Additionally, licorice candy consumption is high in sugar which will increases risk of tooth decay. Choosing low-sugar or sugar-free licorice candy is the healthiest option.

Conclusion

Licorice candy, which mainly consists of licorice extract, and includes belt types, such as long sour belts that utilize licorice as part of its ingredient and form, complements it’s ingredient, and versatile appearance and characteristics. Licorice candy has continuously developed new innovative forms and variations to remain a staple in the candy market, and it will continue to develop to meet diverse options.

LeChao Candy: Your Trusted Licorice Candy Supplier

LeChao Candy is a contemporary candy company, founded in 1991, that specializes in researching, developing, and producing licorice candy, bonbons gélifiés, haricots en gelée, and more. With more than 500 candy molds and custom capabilities, we provide high-quality licorice candy solutions for our customers, including quick quotes and global logistics. If you are interested in our wholesale licorice candy, please reach out to us for more information.