Licorice candy is one of the most versatile and delicious candies around. You can savor licorice bulk candy in several shapes, sizes and delicious flavors. Whatever form it takes, it’s an old favorite we all love to enjoy.

But what gives licorice its distinctive flavor? And where did it come from?

A Quick History Of Licorice

Traditionally, licorice is flavored with extracts from the root of the licorice plant. Originating in the Mediterranean and Middle East, licorice was used as a sweetener and even for its reported medicinal properties. In fact, licorice herb was used as long ago as 500 BC by people who believed it soothed the stomach, improved the respiratory system and even reduced stress.

We’re not sure about the first two, but it’s certainly hard to be stressed when you’re eating licorice candy.

Licorice delivers on sweetness too. Some researchers have found that licorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar! As true sweetness lovers, that’s certainly gotten our attention!

While many people relish in the distinctive flavor of licorice, others consider it an acquired taste. Today, candies that we call black licorice contain extracts from the plant, however a lot of what we call licorice is actually flavored with other ingredients to create a milder licorice-like taste. One of the most popular flavors for licorice candy is cherry. Find it in Twizzlers Bites, or try strawberry, with Finnska Licorice.

Luscious Licorice Comes In Many Shapes

In addition to multiple tasty flavors, licorice comes in a variety of fun shapes and sizes. There is something for everyone! Check out these delightful licorice options:

Twists or Vines – I bet you’re familiar with the classic twists like Red Vines or individually packaged Twizzlers, but for an interesting “twist” on this theme, try the Rainbow Twizzlers. These delicious confections come in an assortment of Strawberry, Orange, Lemonade, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Grape flavors. Or, if you want something a little more bite sized, you might try the Twizzler Bites Family Bag or Finnska Strawberry Licorice.

Laces – Did you play with these as a kid? Licorice comes in long strings or laces, which can be fun to braid or shape into whatever your imagination comes up with! Gustaf’s Licorice Laces are an excellent choice, or, if you’re looking for a licorice candy without the strong licorice taste, try Gustaf’s Strawberry Laces, Sour Apple Licorice Laces, Sour Blue Raspberry Laces, or Rainbow Laces for a full spectrum of flavors.

Wheels – Here’s a fun variation on laces: Gerrit’s Licorice Broadway Wheels. These familiar candies are licorice ropes that are rolled up into a wheel. Also try this in strawberry with Gerrit’s Strawberry Broadway Wheels.

Pipes – Pretend you’re Sherlock Holmes with Licorice Pipes. They look just like the real thing and come in black or red.

Other Shapes – Licorice can come in many other shapes and sizes. It even comes in assortments with other types of candy! Gustaf’s Taveners English Liquorice Allsorts and Mounties Licorice varieties have delicious licorice on the inside, and a layer of flavored sweet, chewy goodness on the outside.

Or, you can flip that around with Rockies Licorice, which has the licorice on the outside and creamy flavors on the inside. You can also add some salt to your licorice, with Money Salt Coins. Want the sweet taste of licorice without the added sugar? Try Sugar-Free Licorice Bears.

And if you want to try a variety of these shapes, try the Red Vines California Collection, which comes in bites, bars, ropes, strings, and twists.

Believe it or not there is even more licorice varieties than we have talked about here. For more wonderful licorice treats, visit our candy store.