
Looking for a sweet treat to spice up your day?
Then look no further than your nearest bag of licorice candy.
This chewy treat in its many different forms is a favorite among people the world over.
While there are many brands and varieties of licorice candy, some basic questions remain the same.
How much sugar is in it?
Does eating too much give you yellow teeth?
What type of licorice is best for you?
To help you get to know this popular treat a little better, we’ve answered some common questions about licorice candy—so keep reading to discover more!
What is licorice candy?
Licorice is a plant that produces a root that is dried and sweetened, then used as a candy, it’s one of the most famous candy types.
Licorice can come in many different forms, ranging from soft and chewy to hard and crunchy.

Pieces of licorice can also be coated in chocolate and other sweets to create licorice treats.
The two most common varieties of licorice candy are black and red.
These varieties are made from slightly different ingredients and each has its own distinct taste and texture.
Black licorice is usually made from anise and red licorice is usually made from glycyrrhiza, also known as licorice root.
Licorice can also be made into a drink, added to tea, and even incorporated into other candies, like chewing gum and jelly beans.
How much sugar is in a piece of licorice candy?
The amount of sugar in any food item can vary greatly according to the brand, type, and flavor of licorice candy you choose.
Additionally, licorice candy is also high in potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. So, licorice candy is not just for the sweet tooth.
Eating licorice with the added benefit of being good for you.

Of course, the more licorice you eat, the more sugar you’ll consume, so moderation is key.
With that being said, the average amount of sugar in a piece of black licorice is 7 g and in a piece of red licorice is 6 g.
Keep in mind, however, that while licorice is sweet, it only contains about a third of the sugar in a single piece of chocolate.
Why does eating licorice cause your teeth to turn yellow?
The cause of yellow teeth from eating licorice is not the licorice itself, but the chemical process of it being broken down by your body.
Glycyrrhizin, a natural compound found in licorice, is broken down in the liver to produce a compound called glycine, which your body excretes in your urine.
Vinegar breaks down into ethyl acetate, a compound that turns your teeth yellow, and coloring agents in food, like the caramels in licorice, also break down into compounds that turn your teeth yellow.
Because your body is constantly breaking down and expelling harmful compounds through urine, sweat, and other bodily fluids, there’s nothing you can do to avoid turning your teeth yellow.
What are the benefits of licorice candy?
Licorice is a sweet treat that is high in potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.
As such, it is a great nutritional source for anyone, especially those who are physically active and/or have an active lifestyle.

Licorice is a great snack for athletes since it will help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. Furthermore, licorice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with stomach ulcers, as well as help with digestion.
Beyond that, licorice has also been shown to have positive effects on your heart health. It can help lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart attack, and even help treat certain types of arrhythmia.
Licorice is also full of antioxidants that can help prevent certain types of cancer and promote healthy skin.
Which type of licorice is most healthy for you?
While all licorice candies contain health benefits, if you’re looking to get the most out of your candy treat, you should try to find an organic and natural type of licorice.

Since licorice is naturally high in potassium, it is important to choose a brand that does not have too many added ingredients, especially if you are treating it as a dietary supplement.
The more ingredients a product has, the less natural it is and the less nutritious it will be for you.
So, when you’re buying licorice candy, try to find organically made licorice that is high in potassium and low in sugar.
Is it bad to eat too much licorice?
Yes, it is bad to eat too much licorice. While licorice has many health benefits, it also contains a large amount of licorice extract, which can lead to adverse effects.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, stomach ulcers, a kidney or liver condition, or are pregnant should stay away from licorice since it can be harmful to them.
In rare cases, eating too much licorice can cause hypertension, arrhythmia, stroke, and even kidney failure.
For most people, eating too much licorice will only cause gastrointestinal distress, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Is there any other bad side effect from eating too much licorice?
Yes, as mentioned above, licorice can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people. In rare cases, excessive licorice consumption can lead to disorders like joint pain, muscle spasms, and even heart arrhythmia.

If you eat too much licorice and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and stop eating licorice immediately.
In some cases, licorice can interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult with your doctor if you are taking medication.
Does licorice cause weight gain?
Yes and no. There are no significant studies to prove that licorice causes weight gain in the short term.
The only way licorice could cause weight gain is if you consume it to replace your meals and/or snack between meals.
Generally speaking, licorice has many health benefits and is high in potassium.
Thus, licorice can help you stay hydrated and healthy. Eating a large amount of licorice to replace your meals is not a healthy way to gain weight.
So, licorice in moderation can be a great way to stay hydrated and healthy, but eating a lot of it is not a good way to gain weight.

Where to buy licorice candy
You can buy licorice candy almost anywhere, from supermarkets and online candy stores to gas stations and even vending machines.
However, if you are looking for natural licorice, it may be more difficult to find.
Natural licorice is usually made with high-quality ingredients that are less processed, so you should look for brands that say “organic” or “all-natural” on the packaging.
Final Words
Licorice is a popular treat that has been enjoyed for many years.
It is a sweet root that is high in potassium and other minerals.
It is great for your health and can be eaten as a snack or even incorporated into other foods and drinks.
If you like the taste of licorice, there are many different types and flavors to choose from.
However, you should be careful not to eat too much licorice, as some people can have adverse effects if they consume too much of it. In moderation, licorice can be a tasty and healthy treat.