You’re in the right place if you’re searching for the best licorice brands in America! Licorice has been a beloved type of candy for generations and is known for its unique texture and distinct flavor profiles, especially in varieties like black and red licorice! Here, you’ll find a complete list of top brands of licorice, ranging from long-standing favorites to emerging names in the candy industry. At Candy Retailer, we offer a wide selection of licorice from all major brands, including all flavors! So, if you see something that you must have, click it to learn more and make it yours! After the list, we’ll talk about the history of licorice and some fascinating facts about this popular candy, including America’s #1 licorice, so keep reading to discover more about America’s favorite licorice!
Twizzlers
Twizzlers, a brand under The Hershey Company, has been a staple in the candy industry since its introduction in 1929. Based in the USA, Twizzlers generates significant revenue, contributing to Hershey’s multi-billion-dollar annual sales. Known for their iconic strawberry twists, Twizzlers offers a variety of flavors and products, including Pull ‘n’ Peel and Nibs. Twizzlers is one of America’s most recognized licorice brands, enjoying widespread popularity across different age groups and occasions.
Wiley Wallaby
Wiley Wallaby is a premium licorice brand known for its soft and chewy texture. This brand originates from Australia and provides gourmet licorice in various unique flavors, including Classic Black, Watermelon, and Green Apple. With a commitment to using high-quality ingredients, Wiley Wallaby has become a popular choice among licorice fans. The brand emphasizes its use of sustainable palm oil and is noted for its bold, thick pieces of licorice, setting it apart in the market.
Red Vines
Red Vines, produced by the American Licorice Company, has been a favorite among licorice lovers since 1914. Based in the USA, Red Vines is best known for its classic red licorice twists, which have become a cultural icon in the snack industry. The American Licorice Company has a long history of producing quality confections, contributing to its strong market presence. Red Vines is celebrated for its long-standing tradition and commitment to creating enjoyable candy experiences for over a century.
Gimbal’s Licorice
Gimbal’s Fine Candies, founded in 1898 and based in the USA, is renowned for its licorice Scottie dogs and other licorice shapes. This brand has a rich history of producing high-quality confections, focusing on innovation and consistency. Gimbal emphasizes using real licorice root and high-quality ingredients in its products. The company is well-regarded for its commitment to allergen-friendly candies, making it a popular choice among consumers with dietary restrictions.
Darrell Lea
Darrell Lea is an Australian licorice brand established in 1927. Known for its soft and flavorful licorice, Darrell Lea offers a range of products, including traditional black licorice and innovative flavor combinations like Mango and Raspberry. The brand has expanded its presence internationally, gaining a strong foothold in the USA. Darrell Lea focuses on using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes, contributing to its reputation for excellence in the licorice market.
Gustaf’s Dutch Licorice
Gustaf’s Dutch Licorice is a well-known brand from the Netherlands that is known for its famous authentic flavors and texture. This brand offers many licorice products, including salted, sweet, and double-salted options. Gustaf emphasizes traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, ensuring a genuine Dutch licorice experience. The brand has successfully expanded its market to the USA, which enjoys popularity among licorice fans seeking authentic European flavors.
Panda Licorice
Panda Licorice, founded in Finland in 1927, is renowned for its all-natural licorice products. The brand emphasizes using real licorice root extract, natural ingredients, and no artificial additives or preservatives. Panda’s licorice is celebrated for its soft texture and rich flavor, available in varieties such as Classic Black, Raspberry, and Blueberry. Panda Licorice has a strong international presence, including in the USA, which appeals to health-conscious consumers and licorice candy fans alike.
Better Made
Better Made, established in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, is primarily known for its potato chips but also offers a selection of licorice products. The company prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and maintaining traditional recipes. Better Made’s licorice is part of its extensive snack portfolio, contributing to its strong regional presence and loyal customer base. The brand remains a popular choice in the Midwest, upholding its reputation for quality and consistency.
Finnska Licorice
Finnska Licorice is a Finnish brand celebrated for its traditional and authentic licorice products. The brand offers a variety of licorice styles, including soft, salted, and sweet options, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Finnska emphasizes using high-quality ingredients and traditional Finnish recipes, ensuring a genuine licorice experience. The brand has expanded its reach to the USA, which enjoys popularity among licorice connoisseurs seeking authentic European flavors.
Gerrit’s Licorice
Gerrit’s Licorice, part of Gerrit J. Verburg Co., is known for its wide range of traditional European licorice products. The brand offers a variety of licorice types, including salted, sweet, and double-salted varieties. Based in the USA, Gerrit’s imports high-quality European licorice, ensuring authenticity and superior taste. The company has built a strong reputation for providing classic licorice treats that appeal to both nostalgic consumers and new licorice fans.
Good & Plenty
Good & Plenty, introduced in 1893, is one of America’s oldest branded candies. Produced by The Hershey Company, this brand is famous for its unique pink and white candy-coated licorice pieces. Good & Plenty has a long-standing presence in the market and remains a popular choice for licorice lovers across the USA. The brand’s distinctive look and historical significance contribute to its continued popularity and recognition.
Joy Ride Uncommon Candy
Joy Ride Uncommon Candy is a modern licorice brand known for its innovative and gourmet approach to traditional licorice. The brand offers a variety of unique and unconventional flavors, catering to adventurous candy lovers. Joy Ride emphasizes high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations, setting it apart in the licorice market. The brand has quickly gained popularity in the USA, appealing to consumers looking for a fresh and exciting licorice experience.
Jelly Belly
Jelly Belly, renowned for its gourmet jelly beans, also produces a range of licorice products. Established in 1869 and based in the USA, Jelly Belly is known for its commitment to high-quality confections and innovative flavors. Their licorice offerings include classic black licorice twists and licorice-flavored jelly beans. Jelly Belly has a significant market presence and is widely recognized for its diverse and creative candy selections, appealing to both traditional and modern candy lovers.
Amish Good
Amish Good is a brand that reflects the traditional craftsmanship and high-quality standards of Amish food products. Known for various handmade and natural confections, Amish Good offers licorice products that emphasize simplicity and authenticity. The brand is based in regions with significant Amish communities in the USA, ensuring that their licorice is made with care and traditional methods. Amish Good licorice is popular among consumers seeking natural and minimally processed candy options.
Runnin Wild Lick-o-rish
Runnin Wild Lick-o-rish is a contemporary brand known for its vibrant and unconventional licorice offerings. Based in the USA, it focuses on delivering a range of unique and bold flavors that appeal to adventurous candy lovers. The brand emphasizes creativity and high-quality ingredients in its licorice products. It has quickly gained a following for its innovative approach to licorice, attracting consumers looking for new and exciting candy experiences.
Backroad Country
Backroad Country, a brand by Troyer Cheese, offers a variety of traditional snacks, including licorice. Based in Ohio, USA, Backroad Country emphasizes using high-quality ingredients and time-tested recipes. Their licorice products are known for their classic flavors and nostalgic appeal, catering to consumers who appreciate traditional American confections. Backroad Country’s focus on authenticity and quality has helped the brand build a loyal customer base.
YumEarth
YumEarth, founded in 2007, is a brand dedicated to producing organic and allergy-friendly candies. Based in the USA, YumEarth offers a range of licorice products made with natural ingredients and free from artificial colors and flavors. The brand is committed to providing healthier candy options, making it popular among health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. YumEarth’s licorice includes traditional black licorice and various fruity flavors, all certified organic and non-GMO.
Venco
Venco, established in 1878, is a renowned Dutch licorice brand with a strong international presence. Known for its authentic and diverse licorice products, Venco offers a wide range of varieties, including sweet, salted, and double-salted licorice. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality ingredients and traditional Dutch recipes, ensuring an authentic licorice experience. Venco’s products are widely available in the USA, attracting true licorice lovers seeking genuine European flavors.
Kenny’s
Kenny’s Candy & Confections, based in Minnesota, USA, is known for its extensive range of licorice products. Established in the 1980s, Kenny’s offers various licorice varieties, including traditional black, red twists, and other innovative flavors. The brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and maintaining consistent product quality. Kenny’s has a strong market presence in the USA, catering to classic licorice lovers and those seeking new and unique experiences. The company’s commitment to quality and variety has made it popular among those who love licorice candy.
Twizzlers Is America’s #1 Favorite Licorice Brand
Twizzlers is America’s best-selling licorice brand, leading the market in both sales and popularity! Established in 1929, Twizzlers has a rich heritage and has become the most recognized brand of licorice in the world. With several types and flavors from traditional twists, Pull ‘n’ Peel, Nibs, and Bites, there’s something for everyone!
Owned by The Hershey Company, Twizzlers has consistently contributed to robust financial performance, driving significant revenue for the parent company. The brand’s ability to innovate while maintaining its core values of quality and tradition has helped it stay at the forefront of the candy industry. Popular products such as Twizzlers Pull ‘n’ Peel and Twizzlers Bites have further bolstered its status, making it a top choice for licorice lovers worldwide, including here in the United States!
The History of Licorice Brands In America
The history of licorice dates back thousands of years, with its origins rooted in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and Greece, where it was used for its medicinal properties. Licorice root, known scientifically as Glycyrrhiza glabra, was prized for its sweet flavor and therapeutic benefits, often used to treat ailments like coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues.
The licorice candy industry flourished in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the earliest and most notable licorice brands was Good & Plenty, introduced in 1893 by the Quaker City Confectionery Company. Good & Plenty, characterized by its distinctive pink and white candy-coated licorice pieces, quickly became a beloved treat nationwide.
The 20th century saw the emergence of several iconic American licorice brands. Twizzlers, introduced in 1929 by the Young and Smylie Company, became a significant player in the market. Over the decades, Twizzlers expanded its product line to include various flavors and forms, solidifying its position as America’s top licorice brand. Another prominent brand, Red Vines, produced by the American Licorice Company since 1914, also gained a loyal following with its classic red licorice twists.
Today, the licorice market in America is diverse, with numerous brands offering both traditional and innovative products. Brands like Wiley Wallaby and Panda Licorice have carved out niches by emphasizing natural ingredients and unique flavors. The continued popularity of licorice in the United States is a testament to its enduring appeal, rooted in a rich history that blends ancient traditions with modern tastes.
Share Your Favorite Licorice Brands!
We’d love to hear from you! In the comments below, share your favorite licorice brands and tell us what makes them special to you. Your recommendations might just help someone discover their next favorite brand of licorice!
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