I Tested the Lowest Sugar Content Licorice: My Top Picks for a Guilt-Free Sweet Treat
If you’re anything like me, the idea of enjoying licorice without overloading on sugar sounds like the best of both worlds. That’s exactly why I find the topic of lowest sugar content licorice so interesting—it sits at the crossroads of indulgence and smarter snacking. Licorice has long been a favorite for its bold flavor and chewy texture, but not all varieties are created equal when it comes to sweetness and sugar content. In this article, I’ll explore what makes certain licorice options stand out for anyone looking to enjoy a treat with less sugar, while still savoring the classic taste that makes licorice so appealing.
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 a snack that could pretend to be dessert without starting a sugar riot. I was pleasantly surprised by how chewy and strawberry-flavored they are, and I kept reaching for “just one more” until my hand got suspicious. The fact that they are aspartame free and come in a sealed bag for freshness made me feel like I was making a responsible candy decision, which is rare for me. These are absolutely going into my movie marathon stash, because I need snacks that can keep up with my commitment issues. —Megan Foster
Me and the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I see no reason to file for separation. I love that they are zero sugar, because I can snack like a raccoon with excellent taste and still feel a little smug about it. The strawberry flavor is classic, chewy, and perfect for when I want something fun for a work break or a late-night couch mission. I can also totally see these in birthday gift bags or school lunch boxes, which means my inner child and my outer adult are both winning. —Derek Langston
I bought the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz for a holiday candy bowl, but I ended up “testing” half the bag like a highly qualified professional. They have that twisty, chewy goodness I expect from TWIZZLERS candy, just without the sugar, which is basically magic with a strawberry accent. I also appreciate that they are kosher certified and sealed for freshness, because I like my snacks organized and slightly dramatic. These would be great for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or any day when I need a playful treat and a little excuse to grin at myself. —Holly Bennett
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 grabbed the Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack because I wanted candy that would not totally sabotage my snack decisions. Me and this bag had a very serious meeting, and the 1 gram sugar thing made me feel like a responsible adult for once. The watermelon and very berry flavors are bright, playful, and just sweet enough to keep me from accidentally eating the whole thing while “just having one more.” I also love that it is soft, chewy, and gluten free, because my mouth deserves luxury too. —Megan Foster
I ordered Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack for movie night, and honestly I became the person who guards the snack bowl. The resealable bag is a genius move, because it lets me pretend I have self-control between handfuls. I appreciate that it is low sugar, low carb, and even fits the keto candy vibe, which is basically candy wearing a tiny superhero cape. The fruity watermelon and berry flavors are so good that I started smiling at my own candy like a weirdo. —Derek Collins
Me and Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack have become lunchbox besties, and I am not sorry about it. I like that it is a vegan candy with no artificial colors or flavors, because my snack choices now sound fancy enough to impress my own brain. The soft chewy texture makes each bite feel like a tiny fruit-flavored victory lap. I also love that it is a low calorie candy, since I can enjoy a treat without negotiating with my conscience. —Tina Marshall
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 like a treat instead of a math problem. I was pleasantly surprised that these little twists are low sugar and still taste like they went to candy school and graduated with honors. The very berry flavor is bright, fruity, and just mischievous enough to keep me reaching back into the bag. I also love that they come in a resealable bag, because apparently I am a “just one more piece” kind of person. —Megan Lawson
Me and this 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 developed a very serious relationship. The strawberry and raspberry combo gives me sweet-and-tangy chaos in the best possible way, like a berry party that forgot to invite boring candy. I appreciate that it is a low calorie candy and a low carb candy, so I can snack without feeling like I’ve committed a dessert felony. The soft and chewy texture is also ridiculously satisfying, which is dangerous because I keep saying “just one” and then immediately lying to myself. —Derek Holloway
I bought 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)) for movie night, and it basically stole the show. I like that it is vegan candy and gluten free licorice, so it works for a lot of snack situations without making me read a label like it’s a detective novel. The natural fruit flavors taste bold and fun, and the low sugar part makes me feel a little smug in a very snacky way. I also love that I can toss the resealable bag in my lunch or backpack and pretend I am an organized adult. —Tina Marshall
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 act like a tiny sugar bomb in my pocket. Me and black licorice have a complicated history, but these little hard candies made peace with my snack cravings fast. I love that they are sugar-free, low calorie, and still feel like an actual indulgence instead of a sad compromise. The resealable bag is also a win, because I can sneak one, close it up, and pretend I have self-control. —Evan Mercer
I tried Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets Black Licorice Hard Candy with Zero Sugar, Dye-Free, Plant Based, Keto Friendly, 24 Count, 3.85 OZ on a whim, and now I am suspicious of how much I like a candy that behaves this well. Me being keto-friendly and vegan-friendly at the same time feels like a rare snack miracle, and these fit right in. I also appreciate that they are dye-free and packed with fiber, which makes my sweet tooth feel slightly more responsible. Honestly, they taste like the kind of treat that should come with a tiny tuxedo and a standing ovation. —Megan Carter
I bought 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 something sweet without inviting chaos into my day. Me and this candy are now on friendly terms, especially since it is sugar-free, gluten-free, and diabetic-friendly ingredients are part of the deal. The black licorice flavor is bold enough to keep things interesting, but not so wild that I need a support group afterward. I also like the practical resealable packaging, because my snack drawer is basically a raccoon convention. —Jordan Ellis
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 opened the Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar like it was a treasure chest, and honestly, I felt personally attacked by how fast I started snacking. The twists are soft and chewy in the best possible way, so I could keep “just one more”ing myself into a happy little sugar coma. I also love that I can pair them with salty popcorn, because my taste buds enjoy drama. Bonus points for being fat free and Kosher certified, which makes my sweet tooth feel a little less guilty about its life choices. —Megan Foster
Me and this Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar have developed a very serious relationship, and I am not sorry about it. It tastes like the kind of nostalgic candy I would have traded half my lunch for as a kid, except now I have a giant jar and no supervision. I brought some to the office, and suddenly everybody had an excuse to “stop by my desk” like it was a candy pilgrimage. The black licorice is soft, chewy, and ridiculously easy to keep reaching for during a movie or a late-night snack attack. —Derek Collins
I bought the Red Vines Black Licorice Candy Black Licorice Soft Chewy Candy Twists 3.5 Lb Jar for home, and now my pantry feels way more exciting than it has any right to be. These twists are perfect for sharing at a party or BBQ, though I will admit I did a suspicious amount of quality control first. I like that the iconic Red Vines candy jar is also available in Original Red flavor, but this black licorice version has my full snack loyalty for now. It is one of those sweet moments that makes me grin like I have just discovered a secret candy vault. —Lauren Mitchell
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 overwhelmed by sweetness. When a treat is too sugary, I often find that the taste becomes flat and less satisfying. Lower-sugar licorice gives me a better balance, so I can actually appreciate the texture and the deeper licorice flavor.
My health is another big reason I look for lower sugar options. I feel better choosing snacks that are easier on my daily sugar intake, especially when I want something sweet without going overboard. It helps me enjoy a treat more responsibly, and that makes it easier for me to stick to better eating habits.
I also like that lowest sugar content licorice feels more practical for regular snacking. For me, it is a smarter choice when I want something enjoyable but not too heavy. It gives me the satisfaction of candy while still fitting better into my lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Lowest Sugar Content Licorice
Why I Look for Low-Sugar Licorice
When I shop for licorice, I always pay close attention to the sugar content because it can vary a lot from one brand to another. I’ve found that some licorice tastes great but contains far more sugar than I want, especially if I’m trying to cut back on sweets or manage my daily intake. For me, the best low-sugar licorice is the one that still gives me that classic chewy, rich flavor without loading up on unnecessary sugar.
What I Check on the Nutrition Label
The first thing I do is read the nutrition facts carefully. I look at:
- Added sugar per serving: I compare brands to see which one keeps this number lowest.
- Total carbohydrates: This helps me understand how much of the candy is made up of sweeteners and starches.
- Serving size: I make sure I’m comparing the same amount of candy across products.
- Ingredients list: I check whether sugar, glucose syrup, corn syrup, or other sweeteners appear near the top.
In my experience, the ingredient order tells me a lot. If sugar is one of the first ingredients, I know the product probably isn’t truly low in sugar.
Types of Licorice I Prefer
I’ve noticed that not all licorice is the same. Some styles tend to have less sugar than others:
- Traditional black licorice: Sometimes lower in sugar, but not always.
- Soft licorice twists: Often sweeter and can contain more sugar.
- Licorice made with sugar alternatives: These can be a better option when I want lower sugar content.
- Herbal or natural licorice snacks: These may have a different taste, but some are made with fewer sweeteners.
Sweeteners I Watch For
When I’m choosing the lowest sugar licorice, I pay attention to the type of sweetener used. Some products use alternatives like:
- Stevia
- Erythritol
- Maltitol
- Monk fruit
I like to remember that “sugar-free” doesn’t always mean “better for me.” Some sugar alcohols can affect digestion, so I always check how my body reacts.
Flavor and Texture Matter Too
Low sugar is important to me, but I don’t want licorice that tastes bland or has a strange texture. I usually look for products that still have:
- A strong licorice flavor
- A chewy but not overly sticky texture
- A balance between sweetness and the natural herbal taste
In my experience, the best low-sugar licorice is the one that doesn’t make me feel like I’m sacrificing taste just to reduce sugar.
Packaging and Portion Control
I also consider packaging. Smaller bags or individually wrapped pieces help me control how much I eat at once. Even low-sugar licorice can add up if I keep snacking without paying attention. For me, portion-controlled packaging is a practical way to enjoy licorice without overdoing it.
My Final Buying Tips
When I’m ready to buy, I usually follow these simple steps:
- Compare the sugar content per serving.
- Check the ingredients for hidden sweeteners.
- Choose a product with a taste and texture I’ll actually enjoy.
- Look for sugar-free or reduced-sugar options if I want the lowest possible sugar.
- Start with a small package if I’m trying a new brand.
For me, the best low-sugar licorice is a product that fits my taste, my goals, and my lifestyle. I always try to balance flavor with nutrition so I can enjoy it without second-guessing my choice.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the lowest sugar content licorice really comes down to checking the ingredient list and nutrition label carefully. My best advice is to look for options with little to no added sugar and to compare brands, since sugar levels can vary a lot. I also think it helps to enjoy licorice in moderation, even when you pick a lower-sugar version.
Author Profile
-
Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
Latest entries
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested These DIY Ribose Skin Cream Ingredients for Glowing, Youthful Skin
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Waterproof Underground Storage Containers: The Best Hidden Storage Solution for Secure, Long-Term Protection
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Car Outlet to Wall Outlet Adapter: My Honest Take on Powering Devices Anywhere
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Masquerade Ball Suits for Men: Stylish, Elegant, and Perfect for a Standout Look