How many calories are in black licorice bites?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers, a single serving of black licorice bites (approximately 30 grams) can contain between 90 and 130 calories. This guide dives into the specifics of how many calories are in black licorice bites, detailing how ingredients and portion sizes influence the final count.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the calories and nutritional information found in black licorice bites, including how different brands and serving sizes affect the total caloric value. It also explores the primary ingredients that contribute to the candy's energy content and offers comparative data against other popular sweets.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in black licorice bites varies by brand and serving size, typically ranging from 90 to 130 calories per standard serving (approx. 30g).
Carbohydrate-Based Calories: Calories in licorice bites come almost exclusively from carbohydrates, primarily sugar and corn syrup.
Negligible Fat Content: Unlike many other candies, black licorice bites contain very little to no fat.
Serving Size Matters: A few small bites contain significantly fewer calories than a larger handful, so reading the nutrition label is crucial.
Potential Health Risks: Excessive consumption can be dangerous, especially for individuals over 40, due to the glycyrrhizin content, which can affect blood pressure and potassium levels.
Moderate Your Intake: To avoid adverse effects, black licorice should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Calorie Count: A Look at Black Licorice Bites

While black licorice bites may seem like a simple confection, their calorie count can vary significantly depending on the brand and specific recipe used. For most commercial versions, the calories primarily come from carbohydrates in the form of sugar and corn syrup. Unlike chocolates, black licorice contains virtually no fat, which explains its lower calorie density compared to many other candies.

To understand the caloric makeup, it's essential to look at the ingredients. The primary components of black licorice include licorice extract, sugar, corn syrup, and flour. The sugar content is the most significant caloric contributor, providing 4 calories per gram. The amount of sugar can differ among brands, with some recipes calling for more added sugars than others. Additionally, other fillers and binders like cornstarch or gum arabic can affect the overall nutritional profile.

How Serving Size Impacts Calorie Totals

Serving size is a critical factor when evaluating calories. The FDA's recommended serving size for many candies is often around 30 grams, but some nutritional labels use different metrics. For example, a single, small black licorice bite might contain as few as 8 calories, while a handful of larger pieces could easily exceed 100. This discrepancy makes it crucial to check the specific nutrition label on the product packaging.

Variations in Licorice Recipes

Not all black licorice is made the same. Traditional recipes, especially from Europe, can be quite different from American-style candies. For example, Scandinavian salty licorice (salmiakki) often contains ammonium chloride, which gives it a distinct flavor but doesn't change the basic caloric structure much from the sugar and flour base. Some Australian licorice also includes different ingredients like wheat fiber and sunflower oil, which can subtly alter the macronutrient profile.

Comparison of Candies: Black Licorice vs. Other Bites

To put the calorie count of black licorice into perspective, it's helpful to compare it to other popular candies. Below is a comparison table showing the approximate calories and key nutritional details for a standard 30g serving size.


Candy Type	Approx. Calories (per 30g)	Primary Calorie Source	Fat Content	Sugar Content (approx.)
Black Licorice Bites	90–110	Carbohydrates/Sugar	Very Low (<1g)	Moderate (12–16g)
Milk Chocolate	~160 [Source needed]	Fat and Sugar	High (>8g) [Source needed]	High (>15g) [Source needed]
Gummy Bears	~100 [Source needed]	Carbohydrates/Sugar	Very Low (<1g) [Source needed]	High (>20g) [Source needed]
Hard Candy	~110 [Source needed]	Sugar	Negligible (0g) [Source needed]	Very High (>25g) [Source needed]

This comparison illustrates that while black licorice is not a low-calorie food, it is generally on par with or slightly lower in calories than other sugary candies, especially those containing fat like milk chocolate. Its main nutritional component is sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Potential Health Considerations of Black Licorice

It's important to remember that black licorice is a candy, not a health food. The primary ingredient from the licorice root, glycyrrhizin, can have side effects if consumed in large quantities, especially for individuals over 40 or those with pre-existing health conditions like heart disease. Overconsumption has been linked to increased blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms due to decreased potassium levels. Always practice moderation and consult a doctor if you have concerns about licorice's effects on your health. For more information on the potential risks of excessive consumption, you can refer to the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In summary, the number of calories in black licorice bites is directly tied to the serving size and the manufacturer's recipe, with typical servings ranging from 90 to 130 calories. The primary source of these calories is sugar, while the fat content is negligible. When enjoying this treat, paying attention to the nutritional label on the package and practicing moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet. Black licorice can be a part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed mindfully, rather than as a daily indulgence, especially for those with health sensitivities. Ultimately, being informed about what you consume allows you to make better dietary choices without giving up your favorite snacks entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie count can vary by brand and specific recipe. Differences in the amount of sugar, corn syrup, and flour used can alter the final nutritional information, so always check the product's nutritional label for accurate details.

The calories in black licorice primarily come from carbohydrates, which are made up of sugars and starches. Ingredients like sugar, molasses, corn syrup, and wheat flour are the main caloric contributors.

Yes, most commercial black licorice bites are virtually fat-free. The ingredients used to create the chewy texture are typically sugar, flour, and starch, which contain no fat.

While it varies, a small, single bite-sized piece of black licorice candy may contain as few as 8 calories, while larger pieces or different brands will have more. The best way to know is to check the serving size and total calories listed on the package and do the math yourself.

Both red and black licorice are high in sugar and have little nutritional value, so neither is 'better' in that sense. The main difference is that red licorice is artificially flavored and does not contain glycyrrhizin, the compound found in true black licorice that can be harmful in large doses.

Excessive consumption of true black licorice containing glycyrrhizin can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, and decreased potassium levels, which can cause heart issues. This is a concern mainly for individuals over 40 or those with heart or kidney disease.

As a candy, black licorice has minimal nutritional benefits. While licorice root extract has historically been used for medicinal purposes (like soothing an upset stomach), the amounts in candy are too low to provide significant health advantages and are offset by the high sugar content.