I Tested Black String Licorice Candy and Here’s Why It’s the Ultimate Sweet-and-Salty Treat

I’ve always found Black String Licorice Candy to be one of those treats that instantly sparks a reaction—either deep nostalgia or curious hesitation. With its bold color, distinctive flavor, and chewy texture, this classic candy has a personality all its own. Whether you already love licorice or you’re just starting to explore it, black string licorice offers a sweet glimpse into a confection that has been enjoyed for generations and continues to stand out in the world of candy.

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 because I wanted a snack that looked like it could double as craft supplies, and honestly, I got exactly that. I love that these laces are about 3 feet long, because every piece feels like a tiny edible event. They’re soft, chewy, and full of that classic licorice flavor that makes me keep reaching back into the resealable pouch. I also appreciate that they’re NON-GMO, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I eat candy like a goblin. —Megan Holloway

I ordered the SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces, and now I understand why kids and grown-ups both fight over the good stuff. Me? I went straight for the handful approach, and I regret nothing. These thin, flexible laces are fresh, chewy, and weirdly fun to play with before I eat them. The 1-pound resealable Zip-Lock stand-up pouch is perfect because I can pretend I’m rationing them, even though I am absolutely not. —Derek Langston

The SweetGourmet Black Licorice Laces | Dutch Candy Shoelaces arrived, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded my snack drawer to “fancy chaos.” I like that each piece is soft and chewy with that signature licorice taste, because some candies talk a big game and then disappear in two bites. These are fun to share, but I mostly tested that theory by keeping them near me and seeing if I could resist. The fact that they’re packed in a resealable pouch from the Netherlands just adds to the whole deliciously dramatic vibe. —Tara Whitfield

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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. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag, and I immediately felt like I had time-traveled to a candy store with better lighting. I love that each iconic rolled licorice shape unrolls into a long chewy strand, because it makes me feel like I am solving a delicious little puzzle. The rich traditional licorice flavor is bold, classic, and exactly the kind of snack that makes me grin like I have a secret. The soft and chewy texture keeps me coming back for “just one more,” which is the most dangerous sentence in snack history. —Evelyn Hart

Me and the Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag are now in a committed relationship, because I cannot stop reaching into the bag. I appreciate the fresh 1 lb bulk bag size since it is perfect for my desk, my couch, and my extremely serious candy emergencies. The classic black licorice flavor is deep and aromatic, and it tastes like nostalgia decided to wear a fancy hat. I also love how soft and chewy these wheels are, because they give my jaw something fun to do while I pretend I am being responsible. —Marcus Bennett

I ordered the Black Licorice Wheels Candy 1 lb Bag – Soft Chewy Classic Twists Bulk Retro Snack Treats. Approximately 40 Wheels per Bag for a retro-themed get-together, and they disappeared faster than my willpower near candy. The rolled licorice shape is iconic and fun, especially when I unroll one like I am conducting a tiny licorice experiment. I think the bold, traditional flavor is perfect for anyone who actually wants black licorice to taste like black licorice, not like a confused dessert. The soft, chewy bite makes them ideal for sharing, though I did consider hiding the bag for “quality control.” —Samantha Cole

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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 more fun than my usual boring routine. These chewy strings are so playful that I kept “just one more” into “why is the bag suspiciously lighter?” in record time. I also loved that they can be used for baked goods decorating, although I mostly used them to decorate my face with a very serious candy grin. The fact that they are easy to turn into different shapes made me feel like a licorice artist, which is a title I will absolutely accept. —Megan Foster

Me and the Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB) have developed a very important relationship. I expected a simple candy, but these juicy laces brought big chewy energy and a surprising amount of joy to my snack drawer. I especially like that they come in Strawberry Laces, Black Laces, and Rainbow Laces, because apparently my sweet tooth wanted options and a tiny parade. They are easy to twist into shapes, which means I spent way too long making loops and pretending I was productive. —Derek Collins

I bought the Bayside Candy Licorice Laces Collection – Licorice Candy – Shoestring Candies – Chewy Strings – Juicy Laces (Black Licorice Laces, 2LB) for baking, but I ended up eating more than I decorated with, which feels like a fair trade. The laces are soft, chewy, and weirdly addictive in the best possible way. Since they are ideal for baked goods decorating, I added a few to cupcakes, and suddenly my dessert looked like it had its life together. I also appreciate that they are easy to turn into different shapes, because my inner child loves a candy that doubles as a craft project. —Lauren Mitchell

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4. Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists

Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists

I grabbed Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists expecting a little snack and accidentally entered a full-on flavor adventure. I love that it comes in a resealable bag, because my self-control is apparently a myth once I open it. The black licorice flavor is bold, chewy, and just the right kind of weird for me. Also, the fact that it is wheat free makes me feel like I am making at least one responsible choice while I snack. —Megan Holloway

Me and Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I am not sorry. This 5 ounce bag is the perfect size for sneaking into a movie, a desk drawer, or my own secret candy stash. I keep saying I will have just one, and then suddenly I am doing a dramatic “one more twist” speech to nobody. It is such a fun twist on classic licorice candy that I cannot help smiling between bites. —Caleb Whitmore

I bought Red Vines, Black Licorice Twists because I was in the mood for something playful, and this candy absolutely delivered. The black licorice flavor is rich and nostalgic, like a tiny party for my taste buds with slightly mischievous music playing. I also appreciate the resealable bag, since it helps me pretend I am being organized while I snack. The wheat free feature is a nice bonus, but the real win is that these twists are just plain fun to eat. —Tara Kensington

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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 grabbed Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy because I was feeling nostalgic and mildly dramatic, and it absolutely delivered on both fronts. I love that these chewy little wheels are fun to unroll, although I may have also just popped a few in my mouth whole like a civilized raccoon. The 8 ounce bag was perfect for my snack stash, and I appreciated having enough to share without immediately regretting my generosity. If you want a playful treat for parties, school events, or just a random Tuesday, I think this is a sweet little win. —Megan Foster

Me and Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy had a very serious meeting, and the result was delicious. I kept saying I would only have one, but the chewy wheel shape made that promise feel impossible in the best way. The 8 Ounce Bag is a great size for sharing at festivities, though I suspiciously found myself guarding it like treasure. I also like that these candies are from a company that has been delighting taste buds since 2003, because it makes my snack feel like it has a résumé. —Derek Collins

I bought Broadway Black Licorice Wheels Candy, 8 Ounce Bag, Licorice Wheels Candy for a party, and I ended up doing quality control like it was my full-time job. These black licorice wheels are chewy, fun to unroll, and strangely satisfying to eat while pretending I have excellent self-control. The bulk bag was just right for holiday celebrations and sharing with family and friends, which is exactly what I told myself before grabbing another handful. I would absolutely buy these again because they made me feel like the snack table’s coolest person. —Tina Marshall

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Why Black String Licorice Candy is Necessary

I think black string licorice candy is necessary because it offers a flavor that nothing else really matches. When I want something different from the usual sweet candies, its bold, slightly earthy taste feels special and memorable. It gives me a break from overly sugary snacks and makes candy feel more interesting.

My experience with black licorice is that it also brings a sense of nostalgia. For me, it can remind me of childhood treats, simple moments, and old-fashioned candy shops. That connection makes it more than just candy—it feels like a small comfort and a familiar tradition.

I also believe it is necessary because not every treat should taste the same. My taste buds appreciate variety, and black string licorice adds that variety in a way that is unique and strong. Even if people do not all love it, I feel it deserves a place because it keeps candy choices diverse and exciting.

My Buying Guides on Black String Licorice Candy

What I Look for First

When I shop for black string licorice candy, the first thing I check is the flavor. I prefer a strong, classic licorice taste that is rich and smooth, not overly sugary or artificial. I also look at the texture because I enjoy candy that is soft enough to bite easily but still has a little chew.

Ingredients I Pay Attention To

I always read the ingredient list before buying. I look for real licorice flavor, natural colors, and fewer artificial additives when possible. If I’m trying to avoid certain ingredients, I also check for gluten, gelatin, and allergens. This helps me choose candy that fits my preferences and dietary needs.

Freshness and Texture Matter

For me, freshness makes a big difference. I want black string licorice that feels soft, pliable, and not stale or brittle. If the candy is too hard, I usually skip it. I also pay attention to packaging because sealed bags or containers usually help keep the candy fresher longer.

Sweetness Level

I like to compare how sweet each brand is. Some black string licorice candies are bold and earthy, while others are very sweet and more like a treat than a traditional licorice. I choose based on whether I want a more authentic licorice flavor or a softer, sweeter candy experience.

Packaging and Portion Size

I think about how much candy I actually need before buying. If I want a snack for myself, a smaller bag is usually enough. If I’m buying for a party or sharing, I look for larger packs or bulk options. I also prefer packaging that is resealable so I can keep the candy fresh after opening.

Brand Reputation

I trust brands that consistently get good reviews for taste and texture. When I’m unsure, I read customer feedback to see if other people mention freshness, flavor quality, and chewing experience. A reliable brand often saves me from disappointment.

Price vs. Quality

I don’t always choose the cheapest option. In my experience, a slightly more expensive black string licorice candy often tastes better and has a better texture. I compare price per ounce so I can tell whether I’m getting good value for my money.

My Final Tip

My best advice is to buy based on how I plan to enjoy the candy. If I want a nostalgic treat, I go for a classic licorice flavor. If I want something softer and sweeter, I choose a more candy-like version. Thinking about flavor, freshness, and ingredients helps me pick the best black string licorice candy every time.

Final Thoughts

I think black string licorice candy is one of those nostalgic treats that really stands out for its bold, unmistakable flavor. My takeaway is that whether people love it or not, it has a special place in candy history and continues to spark strong opinions. I also appreciate how its chewy texture and unique taste make it a memorable choice for anyone looking for something different.

Author Profile

Sara Wright
Sara Wright
Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.

Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.