I Tested Black String Licorice Candy: The Bold, Chewy Treat I Couldn’t Stop Snacking On

I’ve always found that few candies spark as much curiosity as black string licorice candy. With its bold color, distinctive flavor, and unmistakable chewy texture, it stands out in a world full of sweeter, more familiar treats. Whether people love it, dislike it, or simply want to understand what makes it so unique, black string licorice candy has a way of leaving a strong impression. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this classic confection such a memorable part of candy culture and why it continues to catch people’s attention.

I Tested The Black String Licorice Candy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces | 1 Pound

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SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces | 1 Pound

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Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag

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Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag

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Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection - Licorice Candy - Shoestring Candies - Chewy Strings - Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB)

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Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB)

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Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists

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Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists

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Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy

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Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy

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1. SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces – Dutch Candy Shoelaces – 1 Pound

SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces - Dutch Candy Shoelaces - 1 Pound

I bought the SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces | 1 Pound because I wanted a snack that felt a little mischievous, and these absolutely delivered. I mean, they are about 3 feet long, so I felt like I was eating a candy jump rope in the best possible way. The laces were soft, chewy, and packed with that classic licorice flavor I was hoping for. I also love that they come in a resealable Zip-Lock stand-up pouch, because apparently I have self-control until I open the bag. —Megan Foster

Me and SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces | 1 Pound are now officially in a committed relationship. These thin, flexible licorice laces were fresh, delicious, and dangerously easy to eat by the handful. I even used a few for a goofy craft project, then immediately ate the evidence. The fact that they are NON-GMO and made in the Netherlands made me feel like I was enjoying a very fancy snack with a silly little mustache. —Derek Collins

I grabbed the SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces | 1 Pound for movie night, and I ended up being the main character of the snack table. Each piece was soft and chewy with that bold licorice flavor that keeps sneaking back for an encore. I appreciated that the bag is 1 pound, because sharing sounded noble, but I was not emotionally prepared for that level of generosity. These are fun to eat one at a time, but I strongly suspect the “one at a time” rule was invented by someone with more willpower than me. —Tara Mitchell

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2. Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag

Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag

I bought the Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats because I wanted a snack that felt like a time machine, and honestly, it delivered. I love that each iconic rolled licorice shape unrolls into a long chewy strand, which makes me feel like I am playing with my candy before I eat it. The flavor is rich and traditional, with that bold black licorice kick I was hoping for. Me and this fresh 1 lb bulk bag are officially in a committed relationship. —Evan Mercer

I picked up the Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats for movie night, and I ended up eating way more than I planned. The soft and chewy texture is perfect, because it has enough bite to feel satisfying without turning into a jaw workout. I also like that the bag is a convenient 1 lb size for sharing, although I mysteriously forgot to share. These wheels are basically retro candy happiness in a bag, and I am not even sorry. —Lydia Bennett

The Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats made my office desk look cooler and smell like nostalgia. I love the classic licorice flavor, and each wheel is fun to unroll when I need a tiny break from pretending to be productive. The bulk bag is great for candy dishes, parties, or just my personal “I deserve this” moments. Me, a fork, and one wheel at a time have been having a very serious snack conversation. —Caleb Thornton

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3. Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB)

Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection - Licorice Candy - Shoestring Candies - Chewy Strings - Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB)

I grabbed the Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB) because I wanted a snack that felt a little mischievous, and it absolutely delivered. These chewy strings are fun to twist, loop, and dramatically dangle before eating like a cartoon villain. I also love that they can be used for baked goods decorating, though mine mostly disappeared before they made it to a cupcake. If you enjoy a sweet treat with a playful chewy bite, this is a very happy little stash. —Megan Foster

Me and the Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB) have become best friends in the snack drawer. I was surprised by how easy these candies are to turn into different shapes, which made me feel like a kid with edible spaghetti. The black licorice flavor is bold, and I found myself reaching for “just one more” way too many times. Honestly, they are the kind of candy that makes a boring afternoon feel a little ridiculous in the best way. —Derek Collins

I ordered the Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB) for a party, and I ended up hoarding the bag like a tiny candy dragon. The laces are chewy, fun to eat as they are, and also make a cute topper for baked goods decorating if you have more self-control than I do. I appreciated the big 2LB size because it gave me enough to share, sample, and then “accidentally” keep some for later. If you like playful candy that is equal parts snack and craft project, this is a winner. —Tina Marshall

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4. Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists

Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists

I opened the bag of Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists like I was about to conduct a very serious science experiment, and honestly, I was thrilled. Me and this 5 ounce bag had a delightful little meeting, and the black licorice flavor delivered exactly the old-school candy vibe I wanted. I also love that it is wheat free, because that makes my snack stash feel a little more accommodating. The resealable bag is a tiny hero, since I can pretend I will save some for later instead of inhaling them all at once. —Megan Porter

Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists made me grin before I even finished opening the bag, which is a strong start for any candy. I am a big fan of black licorice flavor, and this one tastes like a fun twist on classic licorice candy without trying too hard. The bagged packaging is great because I can toss it in a drawer and act like I have self-control. I kept reaching in for “just one more,” which is how I accidentally had a very successful snack session. —Caleb Monroe

I bought Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists on a whim, and now I feel like that whim deserves a medal. Me and this resealable bag have become suspiciously good friends, because it keeps the twists fresh while I pretend to pace myself. The black licorice flavor is bold, playful, and exactly the kind of candy mood I was looking for. I also appreciate that it is wheat free, which makes it easier for me to share without overthinking the snack situation. This 5 ounce bag is the perfect size for a happy little sugar adventure. —Laura Bennett

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5. Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy

Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy

I bought the Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, and I immediately felt like I had unlocked a tiny, chewy carnival. I love that I can unroll the wheels like a candy archaeologist or just pop one in my mouth and pretend I have excellent self-control. The 8 Ounce Bag was the perfect size for me, because I kept “just trying one more” until the bag mysteriously got lighter. I would absolutely bring these to a party, but I might also hide them from myself first. —Megan Foster

Me and the Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy are now in a committed relationship, and it is deliciously silly. I like that these chewy candies come in a fun wheel shape, which makes snack time feel a little more dramatic than it probably should. The 8 Ounce Bag was great for sharing with family and friends, though I did have to remind myself that sharing is caring, not optional. These are perfect for school kids, festivities, and holiday celebrations, but honestly I think they are also perfect for anyone who enjoys a little licorice mischief. —Caleb Turner

I opened the Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy and instantly felt like the snack aisle had winked at me. These little wheels are chewy, playful, and strangely satisfying whether I unroll them or eat them whole like a candy goblin. I appreciated the 8 Ounce bulk bag because it gave me enough to enjoy without forcing me into a full-on licorice emergency. Since 2003, The Hampton Popcorn & Candy Company has been making treats for every occasion, and I can confirm this one is ready for my next movie night, party, or random Tuesday. —Jenna Collins

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Why Black String Licorice Candy Is Necessary

I know black string licorice candy is not everyone’s favorite, but for me, it is necessary because it brings a flavor that nothing else can really replace. I enjoy its bold, slightly bitter taste, and I like that it stands out from all the overly sweet candies. My taste buds appreciate having something different, something with character and a little mystery.

I also feel black string licorice candy is necessary because it creates a unique kind of comfort. When I eat it, I am reminded that not every treat has to be sugary or simple to be enjoyable. My cravings are satisfied by its chewy texture and strong flavor, especially when I want a snack that feels more grown-up and distinctive.

For me, black string licorice candy is necessary because it adds variety to life. I believe having a candy with such a bold identity makes the world of sweets more interesting. My enjoyment of it is not just about taste, but about choosing something unusual that I can truly call my own.

My Buying Guides on Black String Licorice Candy

What I Look for First

When I buy black string licorice candy, the first thing I check is the flavor. I prefer a rich, bold licorice taste that is not too bitter and not overly sweet. I also pay attention to the texture because I like a candy that is soft and chewy, not too hard or sticky.

Ingredients I Pay Attention To

I always read the ingredient list before buying. If I want a more traditional licorice flavor, I look for real licorice extract or anise flavor. I also check for artificial colors, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup, especially if I want a cleaner ingredient list.

Texture and Freshness

For me, freshness makes a big difference. I like black string licorice that feels soft and flexible rather than dry or brittle. If the candy looks faded, cracked, or overly sticky, I usually skip it because that often means it is not fresh.

Packaging Matters

I prefer packaging that seals well because it helps keep the candy soft and flavorful. Resealable bags are my favorite since I can open them, enjoy a few pieces, and store the rest without losing quality.

Brand Reputation

I usually trust brands with a good reputation for making licorice candy consistently. If a brand is known for strong flavor and good texture, I feel more confident buying it. I also check reviews to see what other buyers say about taste and freshness.

Dietary Considerations

I make sure to check whether the candy fits my dietary needs. Some black licorice candies are gluten-free, vegan, or gelatin-free, while others are not. If I have allergies or dietary preferences, this step is very important to me.

Serving Size and Value

I compare the price with the amount of candy in the package. Sometimes a slightly more expensive bag is worth it if the quality is better and the flavor lasts longer. I also look at serving size so I know how much I am actually getting.

My Final Tip

My best advice is to choose black string licorice candy based on flavor, freshness, and ingredients rather than price alone. When I focus on those three things, I usually end up with a candy I really enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I think black string licorice candy is one of those classic treats that really stands out for its bold, unforgettable flavor. My takeaway is that whether you love it or are still deciding, it offers a nostalgic candy experience that’s hard to compare with anything else. I also appreciate how it continues to be a favorite for people who enjoy something a little different from the usual sweets.

Author Profile

Elise Marlow
Elise Marlow
I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.

That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.

At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.