How many calories are in one stick of licorice?

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard stick of licorice contains approximately 41 calories. This article answers the question, "How many calories are in one stick of licorice?", while exploring the nutritional variations based on licorice type and brand, helping you make informed snacking decisions.

Quick Summary

A standard stick of licorice contains around 41 calories, but this can vary depending on the type and brand. Factors like flavor, ingredients, and size all influence the final nutritional profile. Knowing these differences can help you understand the true calorie count of your favorite chewy candy.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: One typical stick of licorice contains approximately 41 calories, mostly from carbohydrates.
Varies by Type: The exact calorie count is heavily dependent on the type, size, and brand of licorice, with varieties like chocolate-coated being higher in calories.
Primarily Sugar: Licorice is a high-sugar, low-nutrient food, generally containing minimal fat, fiber, or protein.
Serving Size Matters: A standard serving can be a single stick, but brands vary significantly, so always check the label.
Healthier Alternatives: For the licorice flavor without the calories, consider options like licorice root tea.

Licorice Calories: The Core Details

While a widely cited estimate places the caloric value of a standard licorice stick at around 41 calories, this is just a baseline. The exact number can fluctuate significantly. These calories are derived almost entirely from carbohydrates, specifically from the sugars and syrups used in production. Traditional licorice, made with licorice root extract, sugar, and flour, tends to be lower in fat, with the calorie count scaling primarily with size.

Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Several key factors determine the final calorie count of a licorice stick. These include the brand, flavor, and specific ingredients used. For instance, a small, gluten-free licorice may have fewer calories than a larger, standard version. Additions like chocolate coatings, sprinkles, or creamy fillings can drastically increase the caloric density.

Size and Weight: A longer or thicker stick will naturally contain more calories. One 22-gram serving might contain 82 calories, while a smaller 11-gram piece could be closer to 39 calories.
Flavor: Different flavorings, such as cherry or strawberry, often come with slightly different formulations and sugar content, leading to minor variations in calorie counts.
Added Ingredients: Chocolate-covered or filled licorice variations will be much higher in calories due to the added fats and sugars.
Brand: Every brand uses a unique recipe. Panda licorice, for example, may have a different calorie count per piece than Wiley Wallaby.
Dietary Variations: Sugar-free or gluten-free versions are formulated with different ingredients that impact their nutritional profile. Sugar-free licorice typically uses sugar alcohols, which can have a lower caloric impact.

Nutritional Breakdown Beyond Calories

While calories are the main concern for many, it's important to look at the other nutritional components as well. Most licorice is high in sugar and low in other essential nutrients. It generally contains minimal to no fat, fiber, or protein.

Typical Nutrients in Licorice (per 1 stick/22g serving)

Carbohydrates: Approximately 20 grams, mostly from sugar.
Sugar: Often around 13-18 grams, depending on the variety.
Fat: Usually less than 1 gram.
Protein: Often less than 1 gram.

A Closer Look at Different Licorice Types

Understanding the calorie difference across various licorice products can help you choose a snack that aligns with your dietary goals. Here is a comparison of typical licorice varieties.


Type of Licorice	Estimated Calories per Serving (approx. 30-40g)	Notes
Standard Black Licorice	100-130 calories	Basic black licorice twists or sticks.
Standard Red Licorice	120-140 calories	Often slightly sweeter with a different sugar composition.
Chocolate-Coated Licorice	170+ calories	The chocolate coating significantly increases the calorie and fat content.
Sugar-Free Licorice	90-100 calories	Uses sugar alcohols, which may still contribute some calories and can affect digestion.
Soft & Chewy Licorice (Wiley Wallaby)	80-90 calories	Often a softer texture with slightly different ingredients.
Licorice Allsorts	110-150 calories	Contains multiple components and textures, with a higher average calorie count per serving due to variety.

Making a Smarter Licorice Choice

For those watching their calorie intake, licorice can be an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. If you are a fan, consider portion control to manage your consumption. A single stick is a reasonable portion, but multiple sticks can quickly add up. For example, five sticks could mean over 200 calories.

Mindful Eating Tips

Read the Label: Always check the nutrition facts on the specific brand and product you're buying. Serving sizes can be misleading.
Split the Serving: If a serving size is larger than you want, divide the package in half to enjoy it across two sittings.
Consider Alternatives: For a calorie-free licorice flavor, consider licorice root tea. It offers a similar taste without the sugar or calories.
Go for Quality Over Quantity: Choose a high-quality licorice made with real licorice root extract for a more flavorful and satisfying experience, so a smaller portion feels more substantial.

Conclusion: Your Licorice Calorie Count

When you ask, "how many calories are in one stick of licorice?" the answer is a helpful starting point, not a universal rule. A standard stick typically contains around 41 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and sugar. However, the specific type, brand, and added ingredients—such as chocolate coatings or different flavorings—can significantly alter this number. By understanding the nutritional nuances and practicing portion control, you can still enjoy your favorite candy while staying on track with your health and fitness goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on specific brands or varieties, consulting a reliable food database can provide precise data for informed decisions. Verywell Fit provides useful nutritional information.

Disclaimer: Always check the nutrition label of the specific product you purchase, as values can vary widely between brands and recipes. This article provides general information and estimates based on common product data.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the difference is often small, black licorice and red licorice can have slightly different calorie counts per serving due to variations in their base recipes and sugar types. Black licorice typically uses licorice extract, while red versions use other flavorings and syrups. You should check the nutrition label for the specific brand you are comparing.

Sugar-free licorice is generally lower in calories than traditional versions, but they are not calorie-free. They often use sugar alcohols as sweeteners, which still contain some calories and can cause digestive issues if consumed in large quantities. The calorie savings may be minimal.

Compared to other candies, licorice can be relatively low in calories per piece, especially when compared to denser items like chocolate bars or caramels. However, its high sugar content means it should still be consumed in moderation as a treat.

Nutritionally, commercial licorice candy offers very little beyond calories and sugar. It is generally low in fat, protein, fiber, and vitamins. The potential health benefits of licorice root are not found in significant amounts in most licorice candies.

No, licorice candy is not considered a weight-loss food. It is high in sugar and calories and low in nutrients that support satiety. It should be consumed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a weight-loss diet.

Licorice allsorts often have a higher calorie count per piece compared to a simple licorice stick because they contain multiple ingredients and layers. An allsort may include sugary jellies, fondant, and coconut, increasing both the sugar and calorie density.

The number of licorice sticks that make up a day's worth of calories depends on your total daily calorie needs. Since a single stick contains around 41 calories, it would take a large number of sticks (approximately 49 sticks for a 2000-calorie diet) to meet your daily intake, but consuming that much would be extremely unhealthy due to the sugar content.