Are Good and Plenty Bad for You? A Health Analysis

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming 2 ounces or more of black licorice per day for at least two weeks can lead to heart rhythm problems for people over 40, directly addressing the question: are Good and Plenty bad for you?. This risk is linked to the active compound in licorice extract, glycyrrhizic acid, which is found in Good & Plenty candy.

Quick Summary

Good and Plenty candy contains high sugar content and licorice extract with glycyrrhizic acid, which can affect heart rhythm and blood pressure with high intake, especially in adults over 40. The candy is an ultra-processed food with artificial colors, offering minimal nutritional value and posing risks beyond simple sugar consumption.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Good & Plenty contains a significant amount of added sugar, contributing to dental issues and weight gain, and offering no nutritional value.
Glycyrrhizic Acid Risk: The licorice extract contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause electrolyte imbalances and heart problems with excessive, prolonged consumption, especially for people over 40.
Ultra-Processed Food: Classified as an ultra-processed food, the candy includes artificial colors and flavors with minimal nutritional benefits.
Not Gluten-Free: The ingredients include wheat flour, making it unsuitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Moderation is Key: Occasional, small servings are unlikely to cause significant harm, but regular or large intake should be avoided to mitigate health risks.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a sweet fix, opting for natural alternatives like fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate provides more nutrients and fewer risks.

The Core Ingredients: More Than Just a Sweet Treat

Good & Plenty candy, a classic American confectionery, has been enjoyed for over a century. However, its ingredients list reveals why health-conscious consumers and medical professionals advise caution, particularly with frequent consumption. While its colorful candy shell and chewy licorice center offer a distinct flavor, the candy’s composition is far from beneficial.

The main components are sugar, corn syrup, and enriched wheat flour. The addition of licorice extract introduces glycyrrhizic acid, a compound known for its potential health effects. The formula also includes several additives, such as artificial colors (including Red 40 Lake) and natural and artificial flavors, which contribute to its ultra-processed classification. The inclusion of wheat flour also makes it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

The Sugar and Calorie Problem

Despite being labeled as a fat-free candy, Good & Plenty is calorie-dense and loaded with added sugars. A single 25-piece serving contains around 110 calories and a significant amount of sugar. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting daily added sugar intake to no more than 6% of total calories for women and 9% for men. Given this, a single serving of Good & Plenty can consume a large portion of a person's recommended daily sugar allowance. Excessive sugar intake is a well-documented cause of various health issues, including dental decay, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The Glycyrrhizic Acid Concern

The most significant and unique risk factor associated with black licorice, and by extension Good & Plenty, is the glycyrrhizic acid found in its extract. The FDA has issued specific warnings for adults over 40 regarding the consumption of black licorice. The concern stems from how glycyrrhizic acid can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance by lowering potassium levels. This can lead to a condition called hypokalemia, which, in severe cases, can cause:

Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
High blood pressure
Edema (swelling)
Congestive heart failure

While the risk is higher for older individuals or those with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions, everyone should be mindful of their intake. The effects can be amplified in individuals taking diuretics, heart medications, or certain laxatives.

Comparison: Good & Plenty vs. Other Candy Options


Feature	Good & Plenty	Other Candies (e.g., milk chocolate)	Healthy Snack (e.g., fruit)
Sugar Content	Very High	High, Varies	Low (Natural Sugars)
Glycyrrhizic Acid	Present (High Intake Risk)	Absent	Absent
Fat Content	Fat-Free	High (Saturated Fat)	Low to None
Nutritional Value	Minimal (Empty Calories)	Minimal	High (Vitamins, Fiber)
Ultra-Processed	Yes	Yes	No
Fiber	0% Daily Value	Minimal	High

The Verdict: How to Safely Enjoy (or Avoid)

For most people, enjoying a small, occasional portion of Good & Plenty is unlikely to cause serious harm. The key lies in moderation. However, if you are over 40, have a history of heart or blood pressure problems, or take related medications, it's safest to limit or avoid this candy altogether. The FDA's warning is a clear indicator that this isn't a candy to eat mindlessly in large quantities over a prolonged period.

Ultimately, Good & Plenty, like most candies, provides empty calories with no significant nutritional benefit. While the allure of its classic taste is strong, a measured and informed approach to consumption is essential for protecting your health. For those seeking a sweet alternative, healthier options like fruit or small portions of dark chocolate can satisfy a sweet craving without the associated risks.

Conclusion

In summary, are Good and Plenty bad for you? The answer depends on quantity and individual health. While an occasional treat is fine for most, the high sugar content and the presence of glycyrrhizic acid from black licorice extract pose potential health risks, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing conditions. As with all ultra-processed foods, moderation is key to mitigating the harm caused by empty calories and harmful additives. Consumers should be aware of the specific health warnings and make informed choices to protect their heart health and overall well-being. A healthier alternative is always the best path for long-term health.

Potential Health Effects of Licorice Extract

Licorice extract, containing the active compound glycyrrhizic acid, is the primary source of concern in Good & Plenty. This compound is known to affect electrolyte balance and hormonal function. While rare with moderate intake, chronic, heavy consumption can lead to serious health problems. The effects are more pronounced in those over 40 due to potential age-related changes in metabolism and medication usage.

Other Considerations

In addition to the sugar and licorice extract concerns, Good & Plenty contains artificial colors and is not gluten-free. For those with food sensitivities or allergies, reading the ingredient list is crucial. The lack of fiber and essential nutrients makes it a low-value food choice. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified the candy as an unhealthy, ultra-processed food, further emphasizing its low health rating.

Safe Consumption Habits

For those who choose to enjoy Good & Plenty, responsible consumption is vital. Limit serving sizes to the amount indicated on the package and avoid eating it frequently or in large quantities. The FDA's 2-ounce-per-day warning is a useful guideline for black licorice in general. By treating it as a rare indulgence rather than a regular snack, you can minimize potential health risks while still enjoying the nostalgic treat.

For further information on the risks of excessive black licorice consumption, consult the FDA’s official warnings or speak with a healthcare professional.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

The licorice extract in Good and Plenty contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause potassium levels to drop when consumed in large quantities over an extended period. This can lead to heart rhythm problems and high blood pressure, especially for adults over 40.

Yes, Good and Plenty is a fat-free candy, but this does not make it a healthy option. It is still very high in sugar and calories and lacks any significant nutritional value.

While small amounts are generally safe, health officials recommend against eating large quantities of black licorice, including Good and Plenty, over a sustained period, particularly for adults over 40, who are at a higher risk for adverse heart effects.

No, Good and Plenty is not gluten-free. The candy's ingredients list includes enriched wheat flour, making it unsafe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

High intake of added sugars from candies like Good and Plenty can contribute to dental decay, weight gain, and increase the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The FDA warns that eating 2 ounces or more of black licorice daily for at least two weeks can trigger health problems in adults over 40. This is a good guideline to follow for Good and Plenty, which contains licorice extract.

Yes, healthier alternatives include fresh fruit, a small piece of dark chocolate, or other low-sugar, non-processed sweets. These options provide nutrients and fiber that Good and Plenty lacks.