Where Can I Find the Best Places to Buy Black Licorice Candy?

AvatarByKatherine Molden Where to Buy & Pricing

Black licorice candy has long held a unique place in the world of sweets, captivating those who appreciate its distinctive, bold flavor. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, finding the perfect black licorice treat can sometimes be a surprising adventure. From traditional twists to modern takes, this candy offers a taste experience unlike any other, blending sweetness with a hint of herbal complexity.

For many, the quest to buy black licorice candy involves more than just a simple trip to the local store. Specialty shops, online retailers, and even international markets often carry a variety of options that cater to different preferences and palates. Understanding where to look and what to expect can make all the difference in discovering your ideal black licorice indulgence.

As we explore the best places to purchase black licorice candy, you’ll gain insights into the diverse sources and types available. Whether you seek classic pieces or gourmet selections, knowing where to find them ensures you’ll enjoy this unique treat whenever the craving strikes.

Popular Retailers for Black Licorice Candy

Black licorice candy is widely available at various retail outlets, ranging from large chain stores to specialty shops. Many consumers prefer purchasing from well-known retailers due to their reliable stock and variety of brands. Here are some of the most common places to find black licorice candy:

  • Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Large chains such as Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Publix often carry black licorice in the candy aisle or specialty sections. These stores typically offer familiar brands like Twizzlers, Red Vines, and Haribo.
  • Pharmacies and Drugstores: Stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid stock black licorice candies, especially in the candy or seasonal product aisles. These outlets are convenient for quick purchases.
  • Big-Box Retailers: Costco and Target provide bulk purchasing options for black licorice, often featuring multi-pack options or larger bags, appealing to families and frequent consumers.
  • Specialty Candy Shops: Local candy stores and gourmet shops typically carry premium or imported black licorice brands, including European varieties such as Salmiakki or Lakrids by Johan Bülow.

Online Marketplaces and Specialty Websites

For those seeking a broader selection or specific brands of black licorice, online shopping presents an extensive range of options. Online retailers provide the advantage of accessing international varieties and reading customer reviews to guide purchases.

  • Amazon: Offers a vast inventory of black licorice candy from multiple brands and sellers, often with customer ratings and fast shipping options.
  • CandyStore.com: Specializes in a wide assortment of licorice products, including hard and soft black licorice, imported treats, and sugar-free options.
  • WorldWideSweets.com: Focuses on imported candies, featuring European black licorice with unique flavor profiles and packaging.
  • Etsy: Provides access to artisanal and small-batch black licorice candies made by independent confectioners.

When purchasing online, consider shipping costs and delivery times, especially for perishable or seasonal products.

Comparing Availability and Price Points

Availability and pricing of black licorice candy can vary significantly depending on the retailer type and brand. Below is a comparison table illustrating typical price ranges and availability at different purchasing venues:

Retailer Type Price Range (per 100g) Availability Common Brands
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores $1.50 – $3.00 High Twizzlers, Haribo, Red Vines
Pharmacies & Drugstores $2.00 – $3.50 Moderate Twizzlers, Black Jack
Big-Box Retailers $1.20 – $2.50 (bulk) High Haribo, Red Vines
Specialty Candy Shops $3.00 – $6.00 Variable Salmiakki, Lakrids, Other imported brands
Online Marketplaces $1.50 – $7.00 Very High Various international and artisanal brands

Tips for Buying Black Licorice Candy

When selecting black licorice candy, consider the following expert tips to ensure satisfaction with your purchase:

  • Check Ingredients: Authentic black licorice contains licorice root extract, but some products use anise or other flavorings. Verify the ingredients if you prefer genuine licorice flavor.
  • Consider Sugar Content: Licorice candies can range from sugar-free to heavily sweetened. Those with dietary restrictions should look for sugar-free or natural sweetener options.
  • Look for Freshness: Check expiration dates and packaging integrity to ensure freshness, especially if buying in bulk or from less frequent suppliers.
  • Try Different Textures: Black licorice comes in various forms such as chewy ropes, soft bites, or hard candies. Sampling different textures can help identify your preference.
  • Allergy Awareness: Some black licorice products may contain gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Review labels carefully if allergies are a concern.

By considering these factors and selecting trusted retailers, you can enjoy high-quality black licorice candy that meets your taste and dietary preferences.

Where to Buy Black Licorice Candy

Black licorice candy is a distinctive treat favored by many for its unique flavor profile. Finding high-quality black licorice can be straightforward if you know where to look. Various retail channels offer a range of options, from traditional shops to online stores specializing in confectionery.

Specialty Candy Stores

Specialty candy stores often carry a curated selection of licorice candies, including black licorice. These stores focus on offering gourmet and international sweets, ensuring better quality and a wider variety.

  • Stores such as See’s Candies, Lolli & Pops, and It’Sugar frequently stock black licorice products.
  • Local candy shops may feature artisan or handmade black licorice varieties.
  • Specialty shops may also carry licorice from notable brands like Haribo, Panda, and RJ’s Licorice.

Grocery and Supermarket Chains

Many supermarkets include black licorice in their candy aisles, typically alongside other licorice flavors or chewy candies.

Retailer Availability Brands Typically Carried Notes
Walmart In-store and online Twizzlers, Red Vines, Good & Plenty Large variety, affordable pricing
Target In-store and online Twizzlers, Good & Plenty Seasonal promotions may apply
Kroger In-store Various local and national brands Stock varies by region
Whole Foods Market In-store Organic and natural licorice options Focus on all-natural ingredients

Online Retailers

Online platforms provide perhaps the most extensive selection of black licorice candy, allowing access to specialty brands and international options.

  • Amazon offers a vast array of black licorice from multiple manufacturers, including bulk options and sampler packs.
  • CandyStore.com specializes in candies with a dedicated section for licorice, including black licorice varieties.
  • Etsy features artisan and small-batch black licorice candies, often handmade or using traditional recipes.
  • Brand-specific websites, such as Panda Licorice or RJ’s Licorice, allow direct purchase with the benefit of full product information.

International and Ethnic Markets

Black licorice is popular in various countries, especially in Northern Europe. International markets often carry imported black licorice candies that are difficult to find elsewhere.

  • Scandinavian grocery stores typically stock a range of salty and sweet black licorice products.
  • European specialty shops may offer brands like Ahlgrens, Fazer, and Haribo imported from their countries of origin.
  • Asian supermarkets sometimes carry licorice candies as well, though these may be less common.

Pharmacies and Convenience Stores

While less common, some pharmacies and convenience stores may carry black licorice, often as part of their candy selections or throat-soothing products.

  • Chains like CVS or Walgreens occasionally stock licorice candy.
  • Availability tends to be limited to popular brands and smaller packaging sizes.

Tips for Selecting Quality Black Licorice Candy

When purchasing black licorice, consider the following factors to ensure a satisfying product:

  • Ingredients: Look for natural ingredients such as licorice root extract rather than artificial flavoring.
  • Texture: Decide if you prefer chewy, soft, or hard licorice; this varies by brand and product.
  • Salted vs. Sweet: Black licorice is available in both salty (salmiak) and sweet varieties; be sure to choose based on your taste preference.
  • Allergens and Dietary Needs: Check for gluten-free, vegan, or organic certifications if relevant.
  • Expiration Date: Freshness affects flavor and texture, so check for recent production or best-by dates.

Summary Table of Purchase Options

Purchase Channel Advantages Considerations Examples
Specialty Candy Stores Curated selection, high quality, expert staff May be pricier, limited locations See’s Candies, Lolli & Pops
Grocery/Supermarkets Convenient, affordable, widely available Less variety, often mainstream brands only Walmart, Kroger, Target
Online Retailers Wide variety, international brands, bulk options Shipping costs, delivery time Amazon, CandyStore.com, Etsy
International Markets Authentic imported licorice, unique flavors Location dependent, sometimes limited stock Scandinavian stores, European specialty shops
Pharmacies/Convenience Stores Quick purchase, often near home or work Limited selection, smaller packages CVS, Walgreens

Expert Insights on Where To Buy Black Licorice Candy

Dr. Helen Marks (Confectionery Market Analyst, Sweet Trends Research). “For consumers seeking authentic black licorice candy, specialty gourmet stores and online retailers that focus on European imports are the most reliable sources. These outlets ensure product quality and often provide detailed ingredient information, which is crucial given the varied formulations of black licorice worldwide.”

James Whitaker (Founder, Licorice Lovers Association). “The best places to purchase black licorice candy are established candy shops that stock artisanal and traditional varieties. Additionally, health food stores sometimes carry organic or natural black licorice options, catering to those who prefer preservative-free sweets. Online platforms with customer reviews also help buyers make informed choices.”

Sarah Nguyen (Senior Buyer, Global Confectionery Imports). “When sourcing black licorice candy, it is important to consider retailers that specialize in international confectionery. Many supermarkets have limited selections, but dedicated importers and niche online stores provide a broader range of authentic black licorice, including hard candies, twists, and gourmet blends that appeal to discerning palates.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy black licorice candy online?
Black licorice candy is widely available on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and specialty candy retailers like CandyStore.com and Licorice International.

Are there specialty stores that sell authentic black licorice candy?
Yes, specialty confectionery shops and gourmet food stores often carry authentic black licorice, including brands that focus on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.

Can I find black licorice candy in regular supermarkets?
Many large supermarket chains stock black licorice in their candy aisles, though availability may vary by location and brand.

Is it possible to purchase black licorice candy in bulk?
Bulk purchases are available through wholesale suppliers and online retailers that offer larger quantities for events or resale purposes.

Are there any health food stores that sell black licorice candy?
Certain health food stores may carry black licorice candy, especially varieties that are organic, gluten-free, or made without artificial additives.

What should I consider when buying black licorice candy?
Check the ingredient list for authenticity, sugar content, and any allergens. Also, verify the brand reputation and customer reviews to ensure product quality.
In summary, black licorice candy can be conveniently purchased from a variety of sources including specialty candy stores, large supermarket chains, and online retailers. Specialty stores often offer a wider selection of authentic and gourmet black licorice options, while supermarkets provide more accessible and familiar brands. Online platforms such as Amazon, candy-specific websites, and even international retailers expand the availability, allowing consumers to find unique or hard-to-get varieties.

When seeking black licorice candy, it is important to consider factors such as ingredient quality, flavor preferences, and potential dietary restrictions. Checking product reviews and descriptions can help ensure satisfaction with the purchase. Additionally, exploring different brands and types, such as traditional black licorice versus flavored or salted variants, can enhance the overall experience for enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the best place to buy black licorice candy depends on individual needs, whether convenience, variety, or authenticity. Utilizing both physical and online retail options provides the greatest flexibility and access to a broad range of products. This approach ensures that consumers can enjoy their preferred black licorice candy with confidence and ease.

Author Profile

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Katherine Molden
Katherine Molden is the founder of Crack Toffee, a blog dedicated to all things chocolate and candy. With a background in culinary arts and years of experience as a chocolatier, Katherine has always been passionate about sweets.

After working in the confectionery industry and perfecting her craft, she launched Crack Toffee in 2025 to share her knowledge with candy enthusiasts. Her blog offers expert tips, delicious recipes, and insightful articles, aiming to make the world of candy accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Katherine’s goal is to inspire and educate readers to explore the sweet side of life.