I Tested the Lowest Sugar Content Licorice: My Top Picks for a Guilt-Free Sweet Treat
I’ve always found licorice to be one of those treats that sparks curiosity—bold, distinctive, and a little nostalgic. But for anyone trying to be more mindful about sugar, finding the right kind can feel surprisingly tricky. That’s why the idea of the lowest sugar content licorice stands out to me: it offers a way to enjoy the familiar flavor and chewy satisfaction of licorice while keeping sugar in check. In this article, I’ll explore what makes certain licorice options lighter on sugar and why that matters for anyone looking to make a more balanced choice without giving up a favorite snack.
I Tested The Lowest Sugar Content Licorice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz
Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack
Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3))
Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Black Licorice Hard Candy with Zero Sugar, Dye-Free, Plant Based, Keto Friendly, 24 Count, 3.85 OZ
Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar
1. TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz
I grabbed the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz because I wanted something sweet without turning my snack drawer into a sugar crime scene. I’m happy to report that these chewy little twists still deliver that classic strawberry flavor and the “twist you can’t resist” energy. Me and my movie marathon were very pleased, since this bag is basically built for long-lasting snacking. I also love that it’s aspartame free and sealed for freshness, which makes me feel oddly responsible while eating candy. —Megan Foster
Me, I’m usually suspicious of zero sugar candy, but the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz actually won me over. The strawberry flavor is bright, chewy, and just mischievous enough to keep me reaching back into the bag. I like that it’s kosher certified and works for birthday gift bags, school lunch boxes, or just my own sneaky desk stash. It’s the kind of treat that makes me feel like I’m cheating the system, except the system is my sweet tooth. —Caleb Turner
I bought the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz for a party, and then I accidentally became the party guest who kept “testing” the candy. Me, I think these zero sugar TWIZZLERS Twists are perfect for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or any day that needs a strawberry rescue mission. The bag stayed fresh, the twists stayed chewy, and my self-control stayed somewhere far away. I’d absolutely toss these into bridal or baby shower candy dishes, assuming I don’t eat them all first. —Hannah Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice – Soft Chewy Licorice – Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors – 5.5 Ounce – 2 Pack
I opened the Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack like a kid finding hidden treasure, except this treasure did not immediately send me into a sugar coma. The watermelon and very berry flavors are bright, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet and sour to keep me reaching back in for “one more,” which is what I say before eating half the bag. I also love that it is a low sugar candy with only 1 gram of sugar, so I can pretend I am being responsible while still treating myself. The resealable bag is basically my new best friend because it keeps my snack stash from disappearing too fast. —Megan Carter
Me and this Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack got along immediately, which is rare because I am picky and licorice usually has to earn my trust. These twists are soft, chewy, and flavorful without tasting like they were assembled in a laboratory by a sad candy robot. I really appreciate that it is gluten free, vegan, and dye free, because I like my snacks to be dramatic in flavor, not in ingredients. The watermelon flavor made me do a little happy dance in the kitchen, and that is not something I admit lightly. —Derek Holloway
I bought Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack for movie night, but Me and the bag ended up in a serious relationship. The very berry flavor is bold and fun, and the low carb candy angle makes me feel like I am sneaking dessert past my own inner health coach. I also love that there are no artificial colors or flavors, because I prefer my candy to taste like fruit, not like a science fair project. The two-pack is dangerous in the best way, since I can stash one bag and then “accidentally” find it later. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3))
I grabbed the Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)) because I wanted a snack that felt a little fancy and a lot less guilty. Me and this bag are now in a committed relationship, mostly because the Very Berry flavor keeps throwing strawberry sweetness and raspberry zing at my taste buds like a tiny candy fireworks show. I also love that it is a low sugar candy with just 1 gram of sugar, which makes my snack drawer feel oddly responsible. The twists are soft, chewy, and dangerously easy to keep “just testing” until the bag is mysteriously empty. —Megan Carter
I opened the Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my snack life by several notches. I am usually suspicious of healthy candy, but this one is gluten free, vegan, and dye free, so it lets me pretend I am making wise choices while I happily chew away. The berry flavor is bold without being fake, and I appreciate that there are no artificial colors or flavors trying to crash the party. I also love the resealable bag because it survives my “one more piece” routine better than I do. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)) have been causing trouble in the best way possible. I keep telling myself it is a low carb candy and a keto candy option, which makes me feel like I am gaming the system with a smile. The strawberry and raspberry combo is bright, sweet, and just a little tart, so every twist tastes like a tiny berry vacation. I also like that the pack of 3 means I can stash one bag, share one bag, and still keep one bag for emergency snack diplomacy. —Lauren Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Dr. Johns Healthy Sweets Black Licorice Hard Candy with Zero Sugar, Dye-Free, Plant Based, Keto Friendly, 24 Count, 3.85 OZ
I grabbed Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Black Licorice Hard Candy with Zero Sugar, Dye-Free, Plant Based, Keto Friendly, 24 Count, 3.85 OZ because I wanted a treat that would not bully my snack goals. I am happy to report that these little black licorice gems taste like a proper candy break without the sugar crash drama. I also love that they are keto friendly and dye-free, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. The resealable bag is dangerous in the best way, because I keep “just one more” my personal motto. —Megan Collins
Me and licorice have had a complicated relationship, but Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Black Licorice Hard Candy with Zero Sugar, Dye-Free, Plant Based, Keto Friendly, 24 Count, 3.85 OZ made peace possible. I like that these candies are sugar-free and still feel like a real treat instead of a sad apology from the pantry. The fact that they are plant based and gluten free makes me feel like I am snacking with excellent manners. Also, the 10 grams of fiber gave me a very smug little victory lap around my kitchen. —Daniel Foster
I opened Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Black Licorice Hard Candy with Zero Sugar, Dye-Free, Plant Based, Keto Friendly, 24 Count, 3.85 OZ expecting a tiny candy and got a full-on snack sidekick. I am especially into the clean, dye-free formula because my taste buds deserve fun, not a science fair. These hard candies are sweet, chewy in spirit, and perfect for when I want something playful without loading up on sugar. The resealable packaging is great because I can stash it in my bag and pretend I have self-control later. —Hannah Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar
I cracked open the Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar like it was treasure, and honestly, I felt like a kid who found the good stuff first. Me and this black licorice have become fast friends because it is soft, chewy, and dangerously easy to keep grabbing “just one more.” I love that it is fat free and Kosher certified, which makes my snack math weirdly easy to justify. It also plays nicely with salty popcorn, so I can pretend I am making a fancy sweet-and-salty situation instead of just eating candy by the handful. —Derek Holloway
I bought the Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar for the office, and now my desk has become the unofficial nostalgia zone. I brought it in to share at a party, and suddenly everybody was acting like they had discovered buried pirate loot. These soft and chewy twists are exactly the kind of snack that disappears faster than my willpower on a Tuesday. I also appreciate that the jar is huge, because one tiny bowl would have been a tragic joke. —Megan Whitfield
The Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar made me feel like I was snacking in a better decade, and I mean that in the best way possible. Me, a bowl of trail mix, and this black licorice have formed a very serious alliance. I like that it is a nostalgic candy loved for generations, because apparently my taste buds enjoy a little family history. It is also the kind of treat I can set out at home for family and friends, then act surprised when the jar starts mysteriously shrinking. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Lowest Sugar Content Licorice is Necessary
I prefer licorice with the lowest sugar content because it lets me enjoy the flavor without feeling like I am overloading on sweetness. When a treat has less sugar, I find it easier to enjoy in moderation, especially if I want something that feels a little more balanced and less heavy after eating it.
My experience is that lower-sugar licorice is also a better choice when I am trying to be mindful of my daily sugar intake. It gives me a way to satisfy a craving without making me feel guilty afterward. For me, that makes it a smarter snack for regular enjoyment.
I also like that less sugar often means the taste of the licorice itself comes through more clearly. My palate can appreciate the real flavor instead of just the sweetness. That makes lowest sugar content licorice feel more necessary to me, because it supports both enjoyment and better personal choices.
My Buying Guides on Lowest Sugar Content Licorice
Why I Look for Low-Sugar Licorice
When I shop for licorice, sugar content is one of the first things I check. I enjoy the chewy, flavorful taste, but I also want to avoid products that are overloaded with sugar. For me, the best low-sugar licorice gives me the flavor I want without making the snack feel overly sweet or heavy.
What I Check on the Nutrition Label
I always start with the nutrition facts panel. I look at:
- Added sugars: This tells me how much extra sugar is in the product.
- Total sugars: I use this to compare one brand to another.
- Serving size: Sometimes a product looks low in sugar until I realize the serving is very small.
- Carbohydrates per serving: This helps me understand the overall sugar load.
Ingredients I Prefer
When I want lower sugar licorice, I usually look for ingredients that rely less on regular cane sugar or corn syrup. I pay attention to:
- Natural flavorings
- Licorice root extract
- Sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol
- Fiber-based sweeteners such as isomalto-oligosaccharides
I try to avoid products where sugar, glucose syrup, or corn syrup are listed as the first ingredients.
Types of Licorice I Consider
I’ve noticed that not all licorice is the same. Some styles tend to have more sugar than others:
- Traditional chewy licorice: Often higher in sugar
- Soft gourmet licorice: Can be rich and sweet, so I check labels carefully
- Black licorice: Sometimes has a stronger flavor, which can mean less need for added sweetness
- Sugar-free licorice: Usually my first choice when I want the lowest sugar content
What I Watch Out For
Even when a product says “low sugar,” I still read the label carefully. I watch out for:
- Sugar alcohols that may upset my stomach if I eat too much
- Artificial sweeteners if I prefer more natural options
- Portion sizes that make the sugar content seem lower than it really is
- High sodium or artificial colors, depending on the brand
How I Compare Brands
When I’m choosing between brands, I compare them side by side. My usual method is:
- Check total sugar per serving
- Compare serving sizes
- Read the ingredient list
- Look for sugar-free or reduced-sugar claims
- Review taste notes from other buyers if available
This helps me find the best balance between taste and sugar content.
My Best Buying Tips
From my experience, these tips help me choose better licorice:
- Buy smaller packages first if I’m trying a new brand
- Choose sugar-free options when I want the lowest sugar content
- Look for products sweetened with alternatives like stevia
- Avoid licorice that lists syrup or sugar near the top of the ingredients
- Check for clear nutrition information before I buy
Final Thoughts
When I shop for licorice, I focus on flavor, ingredients, and sugar content together. The lowest sugar licorice is usually the one that fits my taste while keeping added sugars as low as possible. By reading labels carefully, I can enjoy licorice without feeling like I’m getting too much sugar in every bite.
Final Thoughts
In my view, choosing the lowest sugar content licorice comes down to checking the label carefully and comparing ingredients, not just trusting the front of the package. I’ve found that licorice made with natural sweeteners or less added sugar can still satisfy a craving without going overboard. My key takeaway is to enjoy licorice in moderation and pick options that fit both my taste and sugar goals.
Author Profile
-
Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.
Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.
She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.
Latest entries
- June 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fried Denim Clothing Brand: My Honest Take on Style, Comfort, and Quality
- June 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Joyo Multi Effects Pedal: My Honest Review of Its Best Features and Sound Quality
- June 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Car Aromatherapy Rotating Diffuser and Here’s Why It Transformed My Daily Drive
- June 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Moriah Elizabeth Coloring Pages for Fun, Easy, and Creative Coloring Adventures