How much licorice is safe to consume daily?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a daily intake of up to 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid is considered safe for most healthy adults. To understand how much licorice is safe to consume daily, it's crucial to be aware of this key compound and the varying concentrations found in different products. This guideline helps prevent serious health complications, especially for at-risk individuals.

Quick Summary

The safe daily limit for licorice consumption depends on the glycyrrhizin content, a compound that can cause side effects like high blood pressure and low potassium if overconsumed. Recommendations suggest limiting glycyrrhizin intake to under 100 mg daily for most healthy adults. Certain groups, including pregnant individuals and those with heart conditions, should exercise more caution or avoid it entirely.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the main concern: The compound responsible for licorice's potential health risks, including high blood pressure and low potassium.
Recommended daily limit is 100 mg of glycyrrhizin: Health authorities like the WHO suggest this cap for most healthy adults, roughly 60-70 grams of candy.
Check for 'real' licorice: Many licorice-flavored items use anise oil instead of real licorice root, which contains no glycyrrhizin.
High-risk individuals should avoid licorice: This includes pregnant women, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Watch for symptoms of overconsumption: Signs like high blood pressure, swelling, and muscle weakness indicate you may be having too much.
DGL licorice is a safer alternative: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice has had the glycyrrhizin removed and poses less risk.

Determining how much licorice is safe to consume daily depends heavily on individual health, age, and sensitivity to glycyrrhizin, the active compound in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) responsible for both its flavor and potential toxicity. Glycyrrhizin inhibits an enzyme that regulates cortisol, potentially leading to increased blood pressure, low potassium, and water retention—a condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism. The concentration of glycyrrhizin varies widely in products, making it challenging to track intake.

Official Recommendations and Guidelines

Health organizations provide guidelines to limit glycyrrhizin intake:

World Health Organization (WHO): Recommends most healthy adults limit glycyrrhizin intake to a maximum of 100 mg per day. This roughly equates to 60–70 grams of licorice candy, but content can differ.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Cautions individuals over 40 that consuming as little as two ounces (about 57 grams) of black licorice daily for two weeks could cause irregular heart rhythms.
Other Guidelines: Some European suggestions limit genuine licorice candy to 6 grams daily or advise 100-200 mg of glycyrrhizin daily.

High-Risk Groups and Long-Term Consumption

Certain individuals should avoid or severely limit licorice due to increased risk of side effects:

Individuals with pre-existing conditions: Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease are more vulnerable to licorice's effects on blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Pregnant individuals: High licorice intake during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes and potential developmental issues in children.
Individuals with low potassium levels: Licorice can further decrease potassium, making it dangerous for those with hypokalemia.
Those on certain medications: Licorice can interact with drugs like corticosteroids, diuretics, and warfarin. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Natural Licorice vs. Licorice-Flavored Products

Understanding the difference between products containing real licorice root extract and those flavored with anise oil is crucial.

Comparison of Licorice Types


Feature	Genuine Licorice Products	Anise-Flavored Products	DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice)
Active Compound	Glycyrrhizin	Anethole (from anise oil)	Significantly reduced glycyrrhizin
Origin	Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)	Anise plant	Processed licorice root
Health Risks	Increased blood pressure, low potassium, potential heart issues with excessive consumption.	No glycyrrhizin-related risks; generally safer for high-risk individuals.	Greatly reduced risk of glycyrrhizin side effects; possibly safer for therapeutic use.
Taste	Sweet, slightly bitter	Sweet, similar to black licorice	Same as licorice, but with reduced sweetness

Many licorice-flavored items, particularly in the U.S., use anise oil and do not contain real licorice root or glycyrrhizin, thus avoiding the associated risks. Always check the ingredient list for 'licorice root extract' or 'glycyrrhizic acid' to confirm the product's composition.

Signs of Overconsumption

Symptoms of excessive licorice consumption, which are typically reversible upon stopping intake, include:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Muscle weakness
Swelling (edema)
Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Fatigue

Conclusion

While most healthy individuals can enjoy licorice in moderation, it's essential to be mindful of its glycyrrhizin content due to potential risks. Adhering to a limit of under 100 mg of glycyrrhizin daily is a general guideline, but individuals with certain health conditions or those who are pregnant should avoid it. Always check product labels and consult a healthcare professional with concerns. Anise-flavored options or DGL licorice provide alternatives for enjoying the taste with fewer health risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or if you have concerns about your licorice consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Excessive consumption can vary, but the FDA suggests that for people over 40, eating 2 ounces (57 grams) or more of black licorice daily for at least two weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm.

The main compound is glycyrrhizin. When consumed in large amounts over time, it can cause elevated blood pressure and lower potassium levels.

No. If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid consuming large amounts of licorice, as it can raise blood pressure and exacerbate your condition.

DGL licorice products are considered safer for regular use because most of the glycyrrhizin has been removed, significantly reducing the risk of its associated side effects.

It is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming licorice. High intake has been associated with negative effects on pregnancy and fetal development.

Symptoms of overconsumption include high blood pressure, low potassium levels (hypokalemia), water retention (edema), fatigue, and in severe cases, arrhythmia.

Many licorice-flavored candies, especially in the U.S., use anise oil and do not contain real licorice root or glycyrrhizin. These products do not pose the same health risks.