Top Licorice Brands: A Sweet Taste Adventure

Licorice, a sweet delight with a distinctive flavor, holds a special place in the hearts of many candy enthusiasts. Over the years, various brands have mastered the art of creating the perfect licorice, offering a wide range of textures and tastes to suit diverse preferences. From the traditional black licorice to the more modern fruit-flavored versions, each brand brings its own unique twist to this beloved confectionery. If you're curious to discover which brands have been delighting taste buds and standing out in the licorice market, read below to explore our curated list of the best licorice brands available today.

Illustration of licorice

Best brands of licorice in 2025

Panda

Panda is a renowned brand in the licorice industry, having produced high-quality Finnish licorice since 1927. Known for its unique flavor and softness, Panda licorice is made from simple and natural ingredients, free from preservatives, white sugar, artificial colors, and flavors. Their products, such as the Natural Raspberry Licorice, are crafted using traditional cooking methods and feature a short ingredient list, making them a favorite among those seeking pure and vegan candy options. With a commitment to using only the finest natural ingredients, Panda has established itself as a leader in the licorice market, which is expected to grow significantly, with the global licorice candy market projected to reach $403.4 million by 2033. Panda's dedication to quality and natural ingredients has made it a staple in the industry.

Wiley Wallaby

Wiley Wallaby is a renowned brand known for its soft, chewy, and flavorful licorice products, offering a range of gourmet options including classic black and red licorice. Founded over eleven years ago, the company has committed to using less sugar, no dairy, and no high fructose corn syrup, making their candies a healthier choice. Their products are vegan, kosher, and made with sustainable palm oil, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Each serving of their classic black licorice contains 90 calories, 13g of sugars, and 6% of the daily iron value. As a third-generation family-owned company, Wiley Wallaby prioritizes great taste and ethical production.

Darrell Lea

Darrell Lea is a renowned Australian company celebrated for its high-quality licorice and confectionery products, with a rich history spanning nearly a century. The company produces 55 million All Sorts pieces annually, which, if lined up, would stretch from Sydney to Melbourne. Darrell Lea's licorice is particularly popular in the US, which accounts for 15-20% of the company's total revenue, and is available in major retailers such as CVS, Kroger, and Walmart. Known for its plant-based, natural flavors and absence of high fructose corn syrup, Darrell Lea's licorice is a favorite among consumers. The company has been expanding its product range and distribution channels, including a strong online presence on Amazon.

Red Vines

Red Vines is a prominent and well-known brand in the licorice candy market, recognized for its classic red licorice twists and other licorice-based products. The brand is a key player in the global licorice candy market, which is expected to grow from $278.5 million in 2023 to $403.4 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.2%. Red Vines, along with other brands like Hershey's Twizzlers, dominates the market, particularly in the United States, which accounts for 38% of global licorice candy sales. The brand's products cater to evolving consumer tastes and preferences, focusing on nostalgic treats and innovative flavors. Red Vines is part of the American Licorice Company, contributing significantly to the market's growth.

Twizzlers

Twizzlers, a brand owned by The Hershey Company, is a leading producer of licorice candy, known for its chewy texture and variety of flavors such as strawberry, cherry, and black licorice. The brand dominates the licorice market, with the US consuming the most licorice overall, accounting for 38% of global sales. By 2030, the Twizzler Candy Market is estimated to reach USD 600 Million, growing from USD 450 Million in 2024 at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2032. Twizzlers are popular as a movie snack and maintain a loyal customer base driven by nostalgia and fun flavors. The brand is widely available in various retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail.

Gustaf’s

Gustaf's, a renowned brand since 1876, is a leading producer of high-quality licorice, particularly known for its Double Salted Dutch Licorice, which is fat-free and non-GMO. This traditional Dutch candy has a firm and chewy texture, appealing to discerning black licorice fans. Gustaf's products are part of a global licorice candy market expected to reach $403.4 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%. For those interested in indulging in this delightful treat, you can find more information and purchase it at Gustaf's Double Salted Dutch Licorice.

RJ's Licorice

RJ's Licorice is a prominent player in the global licorice candy market, known for its high-quality and diverse range of licorice products. The brand contributes to the market's growth, which is expected to reach a valuation of USD 403.4 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2033. RJ's Licorice, along with other key companies like Hershey and Darrell Lea, holds a significant market share, with the top five players accounting for approximately 44.07% of the global revenue in 2023. The brand's products are popular in regions such as North America, where the licorice candy market is driven by a rising preference for unique and natural ingredients. RJ's Licorice benefits from the overall market trend, particularly in the original black licorice segment, which is set to grow at a CAGR of 29.60% through 2033.

SweetGourmet

SweetGourmet is renowned as one of the top producers of licorice products, leveraging the natural sweetness and health benefits of licorice extract. The global licorice extract market, which includes brands like SweetGourmet, is projected to reach USD 3,351 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.81% from 2020 to 2032. SweetGourmet's products, such as licorice candies and teas, capitalize on the increasing demand for natural and herbal goods, with the North American market alone accounting for over 30% of the global revenue in the original black licorice segment. The brand's innovative approach to flavor and packaging has helped it gain a significant market share, particularly in regions where licorice is a staple, such as Europe and Asia-Pacific. With a focus on quality and consumer health, SweetGourmet continues to drive growth in the licorice market.

Haribo

Haribo is a leading producer of licorice, renowned for its high-quality and diverse range of licorice products. The company, founded in 1920, employs around 6,000 people and operates 19 production sites and 10 distribution centers globally, exporting to over 100 countries. Haribo's licorice products are particularly popular in Europe, where the company controls a significant market share, with Italians being especially fond of licorice. The company's use of advanced data-led supply chain management has improved its forecast accuracy from 60% to 80% and service levels to nearly 99% by 2018. Haribo's commitment to innovation and efficiency has made it a dominant player in the sweets category, with 11 out of the top 20 best-sellers in France being Haribo products.

Lakrids by Bülow

Lakrids by Bulow, founded in 2007 by Johan Bulow, is a renowned brand that has revolutionized the licorice industry by elevating it to a gourmet experience. Known for its slow-crafted licorice, gently cooked for four hours and handcrafted using organic ingredients, the brand offers a rich, caramel-like texture that is free from gluten and gelatine. With a significant market presence, Lakrids by Bulow holds approximately 1% of the premium confectionery market share in their focus markets and saw a 27% growth in the German market in 2022. The brand's products are sold in 36 countries, with a strong business-to-business channel and partnerships, such as supplying Emirates Airlines with over 3 million pieces annually. Lakrids by Bulow celebrates its 15-year anniversary with innovative products like the SLOW CRAFTED collection and the ANNIVERSARY edition.