How many calories in a chocolate licorice log?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A 40g piece of RJ's Licorice Choc Log contains approximately 147 calories, according to some nutrition tracking sites. However, the exact number of calories in a chocolate licorice log can vary significantly depending on the brand, size, and the type of chocolate used in the coating.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a chocolate licorice log is dependent on the manufacturer, size, and chocolate type. Compare different brands and understand the nutritional factors at play.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a chocolate licorice log is not standard and changes dramatically based on brand and size.
Chocolate Type Matters: Milk chocolate logs or twists often have more calories and sugar than dark chocolate versions.
Serving Size is Key: What is considered one 'log' can be deceptive; a 40g log has far fewer calories than a 100g one, so always check the label.
Licorice Alone Has Fewer Calories: Plain licorice offers a lower-calorie alternative to the chocolate-coated varieties but remains high in sugar.
Moderation is Recommended: Due to the high sugar and fat content, it's best to enjoy chocolate licorice as an occasional treat in controlled portions.
Comparison is Important: Comparing nutrition labels across different manufacturers like RJ's, Darrell Lea, and Nuts.com reveals different calorie profiles for similar products.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Chocolate Licorice

Determining the precise number of calories in a chocolate licorice log is not a straightforward task, as it can differ significantly from one product to another. Factors such as the brand, the size of the log, and the proportion of chocolate to licorice all play a crucial role. For instance, a small 40g log from one brand will have a vastly different calorie total than a larger, more dense log from another manufacturer. It's essential to look at the nutritional information provided by the specific product you are consuming to get an accurate figure.

Key Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several elements contribute to the final calorie count of your favorite sweet treat:

Serving Size: The most obvious factor is the portion size. A 100g serving will have more calories than a 40g serving, even if they are from the same brand. Always check the serving size listed on the nutritional label.
Type of Chocolate: The type of chocolate coating makes a big difference. Milk chocolate typically has a higher sugar and fat content than dark chocolate, resulting in more calories per gram. Some logs might even use a compound chocolate with different fat and sugar profiles.
Licorice Composition: The licorice center itself is a key component. The base ingredients like sugar, glucose syrup, and wheat flour contribute to the carbohydrate load. Variations in these ingredients and their proportions among brands will affect the overall calories.
Additional Fillings: Some licorice logs might contain extra fillings, such as a creamy or flavored center, which can add extra calories from fats and sugars.

Comparing Calorie Counts Across Brands

To illustrate the calorie variations, here is a comparison table of different chocolate licorice products based on available nutrition data from various sources:


Product	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Notes
RJ's Licorice Choc Log	40g piece	147-156 calories	Coated with milk chocolate
Darrell Lea Milk Chocolate Licorice Twists	25g serving	97 calories	Milk chocolate coated
Darrell Lea Milk Chocolate Licorice Bullets	25g serving	102 calories	Milk chocolate coated
Nuts.com Dark Chocolate Covered Australian Licorice	Standard serving	120 calories	Dark chocolate coating
Licorice Logs Dipped in Milk Chocolate (Fyna)	Standard serving	176 calories	Milk chocolate coated

Deconstructing a Chocolate Licorice Log

Let's break down the basic components that make up the calories. The licorice base is primarily sugar and carbohydrates, while the chocolate coating contributes both sugar and fat. A milk chocolate coating, for instance, contains cocoa butter and milk solids, which are higher in fat than the darker chocolate alternatives. The emulsifiers, glazing agents, and other ingredients also contribute to the final nutritional profile. It's the combination of these elements that creates the final calorie count. For example, a 100g serving of Darrell Lea Milk Chocolate Licorice Twists contains 10.3g of fat and 68.7g of carbs, with 44.4g of that from sugar.

The Role of Moderation and Mindful Snacking

Given the high sugar and fat content, chocolate licorice logs are best enjoyed in moderation. A single serving can be a satisfying treat, but over-indulging can contribute to a high daily calorie intake. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars, suggesting that a small portion of a sweet treat should be balanced within a healthy eating plan. Mindful snacking involves paying attention to portion sizes and savoring the flavor, rather than mindlessly consuming an entire log. For those watching their intake, a smaller portion of a dark chocolate variety may offer a similar satisfaction with slightly fewer calories and potentially a lower sugar load.

Healthier Alternatives and Considerations

For those who enjoy the flavor but are concerned about calories, there are a few options to consider:

Choose a dark chocolate variety: As shown in the comparison, dark chocolate coated licorice can have fewer calories and less sugar than milk chocolate versions.
Portion Control: Opt for pre-packaged, smaller servings like bullets or twists instead of a large log to prevent overconsumption. This naturally limits your calorie intake.
Consider plain licorice: Uncoated black or red licorice has significantly fewer calories and no fat, though it is still high in sugar. This is a good alternative if you are craving the licorice flavor without the added chocolate. A 30g serving of black licorice has about 110 calories and 0g fat.
Make your own: For maximum control over ingredients, you could consider making your own licorice treats at home and using a lower-sugar chocolate option.

Final Verdict: Enjoying Your Chocolate Licorice Log Mindfully

The number of calories in a chocolate licorice log is not a fixed number and hinges heavily on the specific product. A 40g log, such as RJ's, contains around 150 calories, but this can vary significantly. By understanding the factors at play, such as brand, portion size, and chocolate type, you can make an informed choice. When it comes to enjoying this delicious treat, mindfulness and moderation are key to fitting it into a balanced diet. Whether you choose a classic milk chocolate log or a dark chocolate bullet, knowing the nutritional details allows you to indulge without derailing your health goals. For further information on specific product nutrition, consider checking brand websites directly, such as the official Darrell Lea site for their chocolate liquorice range: https://dlea.com.au/.

A chocolate licorice log is a high-sugar, high-calorie treat that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the chocolate licorice log is a dense, calorie-rich candy. However, it's not necessary to avoid it entirely. By paying attention to portion sizes, choosing dark chocolate options, and enjoying it mindfully, you can indulge in this treat without a significant impact on your overall dietary goals. Always check the nutritional information for the specific brand you are purchasing for the most accurate calorie count.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small 40g piece of RJ's Licorice Choc Log contains approximately 147 to 156 calories, though this can differ slightly depending on the nutritional source.

Yes, products coated in dark chocolate generally have fewer calories and less sugar than those coated in milk chocolate. For example, a 25g serving of Darrell Lea Milk Chocolate Liquorice Bullets is 102 calories, while a dark chocolate variety is often comparable or slightly less.

Regular, non-chocolate licorice is significantly lower in calories and contains no fat. A 30g serving of black licorice has about 110 calories, whereas a chocolate-coated log of similar weight would be higher due to the fat and sugar in the chocolate coating.

The main factors are brand differences in recipe, the weight of the serving, and the type of chocolate coating. Some brands use a higher ratio of chocolate to licorice, and milk chocolate contains more fat and sugar than dark chocolate.

No, chocolate licorice logs are high in sugar and calories and are not ideal for weight loss due to their low nutritional value. They should be considered a treat to be eaten in moderation, not a regular snack.

Serving sizes vary by product and brand. For some, a single log might be considered one serving, like RJ's 40g log. For other products like bullets or twists, a serving could be 3-7 pieces, so it's always best to check the package.

As a candy, the primary benefit is taste. While licorice root does have some health properties, the amount in candy is minimal and is often overshadowed by the high sugar content and added fats from the chocolate. It's not a health food.