Unpacking the Red vs. Black Licorice Debate
Many people are surprised to learn that red licorice and black licorice are fundamentally different products. The confusion stems from a shared name and similar chewy texture, but the ingredients tell a very different story. While black licorice derives its flavor from the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, red licorice is simply a fruit-flavored candy. This distinction is crucial for understanding why red licorice lacks glycyrrhizin, the compound known to cause health issues in high doses.
What Exactly is Glycyrrhizin?
Glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, is a triterpenoid compound found naturally in the roots of the licorice plant. It is responsible for the characteristic sweet flavor of black licorice, and is estimated to be 50 to 100 times sweeter than sucrose. However, this powerful sweetness comes with potential health risks. Glycyrrhizin can affect the body's mineral balance, leading to increased cortisol levels and mimicking the effects of aldosterone. This can cause a number of adverse effects, especially when consumed in large amounts over a prolonged period.
Why Red Licorice is Glycyrrhizin-Free
Red licorice, such as the popular Twizzlers brand, does not use licorice root extract for flavoring. Instead, it uses a combination of ingredients like flour, corn syrup, sugar, and artificial or natural fruit flavorings, most commonly strawberry, cherry, or raspberry. Because the licorice plant's root is never used, the candy naturally contains no glycyrrhizin. This is why it lacks the distinct anise-like flavor that is so polarizing in traditional black licorice. This is also why many health warnings regarding black licorice do not apply to its red counterpart, a fact that the FDA has explicitly mentioned.
The Health Implications of Glycyrrhizin
For most people, moderate consumption of black licorice is safe. However, consuming large quantities of glycyrrhizin-containing products can cause serious health problems. The compound can cause the kidneys to retain salt and water while excreting potassium, which can lead to complications such as:
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Heart failure
These effects are particularly dangerous for individuals over 40 and those with pre-existing heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues. For this reason, anyone with such conditions or taking certain medications, including diuretics and digoxin, should exercise extreme caution or avoid black licorice entirely. In contrast, since red licorice does not contain this compound, it does not carry these same risks. Its primary health concern is its high sugar content, which contributes to overall caloric and sugar intake like any other sweet candy.
Comparing Red Licorice vs. Black Licorice
| Feature | Red Licorice | Black Licorice |
|---|---|---|
| Flavoring Source | Fruit extracts (strawberry, cherry, etc.) | Licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
| Contains Glycyrrhizin? | No | Yes |
| Coloring | Artificial or natural food dyes | Naturally dark from the root extract and molasses |
| Primary Health Concern | High sugar and calories | Glycyrrhizin-related effects (blood pressure, potassium) in excess |
| Taste Profile | Sweet, fruity | Earthy, herbal, anise-like |
The Takeaway for Consumers
For those who enjoy the flavor of red licorice, there is no need to worry about the glycyrrhizin-related health risks associated with black licorice. It is a safe, albeit sugary, candy option. However, for those who enjoy black licorice, awareness of its ingredients is key to making a responsible choice. As the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) advises, long-term or high-dose consumption of products containing licorice root and its glycyrrhizin should be approached with caution. If you have been consuming large amounts of black licorice and experience symptoms like irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, it is recommended to stop eating it immediately and contact a healthcare provider. For many people, switching to the fruit-flavored red variety can be a way to enjoy a similar chewy texture without the potential risks of glycyrrhizin.
Conclusion
In summary, red licorice does not contain glycyrrhizin because it is a fruit-flavored confection, not a true licorice product derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. The compound glycyrrhizin is exclusive to black licorice and can cause serious health issues like high blood pressure and low potassium if consumed in excess, particularly in vulnerable individuals. While red licorice presents its own health considerations related to high sugar content, it is free from the specific mineralocorticoid effects of glycyrrhizin, making it a distinct candy category with different risks. A careful reading of ingredient labels is always the best way to understand exactly what you are consuming.
: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-licorice-death
Potential Health Benefits of Glycyrrhizin-Free (DGL) Products
While red licorice is inherently glycyrrhizin-free, another option exists for those who want the medicinal benefits of licorice without the associated risks: deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). In DGL products, the glycyrrhizin is specifically removed during processing. This allows the anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal-soothing properties of the licorice plant to be utilized without the risk of hypertension or hypokalemia. This is particularly relevant for those who use licorice for traditional medicinal purposes, such as soothing a cough or stomach upset. Therefore, consumers seeking the therapeutic effects of licorice without the glycyrrhizin content can choose DGL supplements or candies instead of relying on the standard red candy variety. This highlights the importance of checking labels, especially for medicinal herbal products, to determine the presence of this active compound. Ultimately, understanding the key ingredient differences empowers consumers to make informed choices that align with their health needs.
