Does Red Licorice Have Side Effects? Unpacking the Candy Controversy

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, it is the sugar and additives in red licorice that warrant caution, not the glycyrrhizin found in traditional black licorice. This crucial distinction is often overlooked, leading many to wonder, does red licorice have side effects? The answer lies in its ingredients, which pose entirely different health concerns.

Quick Summary

Red licorice is a high-sugar candy with artificial coloring, not a true licorice product. Its primary health risks stem from excessive sugar intake, which can lead to weight gain, and from food dyes like Red 40, which may trigger sensitivities in some individuals.

Key Points

Red is Not Real Licorice: Most red licorice candy is made with sugar, flour, and artificial flavors, not licorice root containing the compound glycyrrhizin.
High Sugar Content is the Main Risk: Excessive consumption leads to high sugar intake, contributing to weight gain and potentially increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.
Food Dyes Pose Potential Risks: Artificial colorings like Red Dye 40 have been linked to potential side effects such as allergic reactions, migraines, and behavioral issues in sensitive individuals, particularly children.
Different Risks Than Black Licorice: Unlike red licorice, real black licorice can cause high blood pressure and low potassium in large amounts due to its glycyrrhizin content.
Moderation is Key: Occasional consumption is unlikely to be harmful for most, but due to its high sugar and artificial additives, it should not be a staple in a healthy diet.
Check Product Labels: Ingredient lists will confirm if a product is a high-sugar candy or contains real licorice root extract.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For a sweet fix, options like fruit leather or snacks made with natural dyes are better choices.

Red Licorice vs. Black Licorice: The Key Difference

At the heart of the confusion surrounding red licorice and its potential health effects is the common misconception that it shares the same root extract as black licorice. In reality, most red licorice products sold in the United States and other parts of the world are completely free of the licorice root compound, glycyrrhizin. Instead, this chewy, red confection is typically a combination of wheat flour, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavorings like cherry or strawberry, along with artificial food coloring.

It is the glycyrrhizin in real black licorice that is responsible for serious side effects associated with overconsumption, such as low potassium and high blood pressure. Without this compound, red licorice presents an entirely different set of concerns centered on its high sugar content and synthetic additives.

The Dangers of High Sugar Content

One of the most significant drawbacks of red licorice is its exceptionally high sugar content. Like all candies, frequent and excessive consumption can lead to several health issues. A typical serving of red licorice contains a substantial amount of added sugar, contributing to excess calorie intake and potential weight gain over time.

Excessive sugar intake is also linked to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 6% of daily calories, a guideline that is easy to exceed with a few handfuls of candy. Furthermore, the impact on dental health is undeniable, with sugar providing a fuel source for bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Artificial Food Dyes and Their Impact

Many red licorice brands use artificial color additives, such as Red Dye 40, to achieve their vibrant hue. While the FDA certifies these dyes for use in food, their safety has been a subject of debate and regulation in various parts of the world.

Potential side effects linked to artificial food dyes include:

Behavioral Issues: Some research, particularly studies focused on children with pre-existing conditions like ADHD, suggests a link between artificial food dyes and exacerbated symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inattention. This has led to warning labels on dye-containing products in the European Union.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to artificial food colors can occur in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from hives and itching to more severe reactions requiring medical attention.
Migraines: Anecdotal evidence suggests that red food dyes can be a trigger for migraines in some susceptible individuals.

It is important to note that the long-term effects of consuming these additives in large quantities are still being studied, and regulatory bodies have differing opinions on their safety profile.

A Nutritional Comparison: Red vs. Black Licorice

To better understand the distinct risks, a comparison of a typical red licorice candy and traditional black licorice is useful. It's important to read labels, as product formulations can vary.


Feature	Typical Red Licorice Candy	Traditional Black Licorice (containing root extract)
Primary Ingredients	Sugar, corn syrup, wheat flour, artificial flavors, artificial coloring	Licorice root extract (containing glycyrrhizin), molasses, sugar, anise oil
Flavoring Source	Artificial fruit flavoring (e.g., cherry, strawberry)	Anise oil and licorice root extract
Risk of High Blood Pressure	None from glycyrrhizin, but excessive sugar and potential sodium could play a role	Significant risk with overconsumption due to glycyrrhizin causing water and sodium retention
Risk of Low Potassium	None	Significant risk with overconsumption due to glycyrrhizin altering mineral balance
Risks from Additives	High sugar content, artificial food dyes potentially linked to hyperactivity	Generally less concern over artificial additives, but risks from glycyrrhizin are primary
Weight & Metabolic Impact	High risk due to high sugar content and calories	Risk primarily from potential glycyrrhizin-related metabolic effects and hormonal changes

Who Should Be Cautious?

While red licorice does not carry the same cardiovascular risks as glycyrrhizin-containing black licorice, it is far from a health food. Certain individuals should be particularly mindful of their intake:

Individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes: The high sugar load can significantly impact blood glucose levels.
Parents of children with ADHD: Due to potential links between artificial dyes like Red 40 and exacerbated behavioral symptoms, some parents choose to limit or eliminate these products.
Anyone with dye sensitivities or known allergies: Though rare, reactions to food dyes can occur.
Those managing their weight: The empty calories from sugar can hinder weight management efforts.

Enjoying Red Licorice Responsibly

For most people, enjoying a small amount of red licorice on occasion is unlikely to cause any severe side effects. The key is moderation. Instead of a daily treat, consider it an indulgence and be mindful of the overall sugar and calorie intake in your diet.

For those seeking healthier alternatives, many options can satisfy a sweet craving without the negatives of high sugar and artificial dyes. Naturally sweetened fruit leathers, homemade fruit snacks using pureed fruit, or small portions of dark chocolate can be excellent substitutes. Focusing on whole foods and natural sweeteners is always a better nutritional choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether does red licorice have side effects? is best answered by understanding its composition. Unlike black licorice, which carries risks due to the potent glycyrrhizin compound, red licorice's health concerns are rooted in its formulation as a high-sugar, artificially colored candy. While not typically as dangerous as excessive black licorice consumption for the average person, the sugar and artificial food dyes present their own set of potential issues, from weight gain and metabolic health problems to sensitivities and behavioral changes in some children. By practicing moderation and opting for natural alternatives, you can enjoy a healthier diet without compromising on satisfying your sweet tooth.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most red licorice candy does not contain glycyrrhizin. It is typically flavored artificially with ingredients like anise oil or other fruit extracts, not the licorice root extract responsible for the health effects associated with black licorice.

Red licorice is not known to directly raise blood pressure in the way that large quantities of traditional black licorice can. Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which affects blood pressure, a compound almost always absent from the red version.

The primary concern with red licorice is its high sugar content and the presence of artificial additives like food dyes. Excessive sugar can contribute to weight gain, diabetes risk, and dental problems.

For most people, Red Dye 40 is considered safe. However, some individuals, especially children with ADHD, may experience hyperactivity or other behavioral changes. It can also cause allergic reactions or migraines in sensitive individuals.

No, red licorice is not considered a healthy snack. It offers little to no nutritional value and is composed mainly of sugar and processed ingredients. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Yes, healthier alternatives include naturally sweetened fruit leathers, homemade fruit snacks, or snacks colored with natural extracts like beet juice. These options provide nutrients without the high sugar and artificial dyes.

The side effects of black licorice, when consumed in excess, are primarily caused by glycyrrhizin and include high blood pressure and low potassium. Red licorice's side effects are related to high sugar content, artificial dyes, and their associated risks like weight gain and behavioral changes.