How much liquorice is safe per day?

November 20, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most healthy adults should limit their intake of glycyrrhizin—the active compound in liquorice—to no more than 100 mg per day. Understanding how much liquorice is safe per day is crucial to enjoying this treat without risking adverse health effects.

Quick Summary

Key safety guidelines for daily liquorice consumption focus on glycyrrhizin content to mitigate health risks. Acknowledge how to determine safe amounts and which individuals should exercise extreme caution.

Key Points

Daily Glycyrrhizin Limit: The WHO suggests a limit of 100 mg of glycyrrhizin per day for most healthy adults, equivalent to about 60–70 grams of traditional candy.
Primary Health Risk: Glycyrrhizin can cause a hormonal imbalance leading to increased blood pressure and dangerously low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
High-Risk Groups: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, pregnant women, and those on specific medications should avoid or severely limit real liquorice.
Check Labels for Glycyrrhizin: Many "licorice" products, especially red ones, are flavored with anise oil and contain no glycyrrhizin; always check the ingredients list.
FDA Warning for Over 40s: The FDA advises that consuming more than 2 ounces daily for two weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40.
DGL as an Alternative: Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (DGL) has had most glycyrrhizin removed, offering a safer alternative for those who want the flavor or herbal benefits.
Watch for Symptoms: Signs of overconsumption include fatigue, muscle weakness, headache, swelling (edema), and palpitations.

The Science Behind Liquorice Safety: Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin, derived from the Glycyrrhiza glabra root, is responsible for liquorice's sweet flavor and potential health concerns. This compound can interfere with an enzyme that regulates cortisol, leading to elevated cortisol levels. This hormonal effect can cause the body to retain sodium and lose potassium, resulting in pseudoaldosteronism, which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with existing health issues.

Official Daily Recommendations

Health authorities provide varying guidance on safe glycyrrhizin intake:

World Health Organization (WHO): Suggests healthy adults consume no more than 100 mg of glycyrrhizin daily. This is roughly equivalent to 60–70 grams of traditional liquorice candy, though glycyrrhizin content varies by product.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Warns that for individuals over 40, eating just 2 ounces (about 57 grams) of black liquorice daily for at least two weeks could cause irregular heart rhythms.
Anses (French Agency): Recommends a stricter limit of 10 mg of glycyrrhizin per day.

Who Should Avoid or Limit Liquorice?

Certain individuals are at higher risk from glycyrrhizin's effects:

Pregnant Women.
Individuals with Heart Conditions.
People with High Blood Pressure.
Those with Low Potassium Levels.
People with Kidney or Liver Disease.
People on Certain Medications.

Real Liquorice vs. Anise-Flavored Products

Many candies labeled "licorice" use anise oil for flavoring instead of real liquorice root extract. Anise oil does not contain glycyrrhizin. Always check ingredient lists for "licorice extract" or "glycyrrhizic acid".

Comparison Table: Real Liquorice vs. Anise-Flavored


Feature	Real Liquorice (e.g., traditional black liquorice)	Anise-Flavored Candy (e.g., red licorice)
Contains Glycyrrhizin?	Yes	No
Health Risks	Potential for raised blood pressure, low potassium, and heart issues with excessive intake.	Generally low risk.
Impact on Medications	Can interfere with blood pressure medications, diuretics, and corticosteroids.	Does not have the same known interactions.
Taste Profile	Distinct sweetness from the root.	Mild, more sugary flavor with hints of anise.
Product Labeling	Must list "licorice extract" or "glycyrrhizic acid".	May be labeled as "artificially flavored."

Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL)

DGL has most glycyrrhizin removed, making it safer for regular use. It is often used as a supplement.

Recognizing the Signs of Overconsumption

Symptoms of excessive real liquorice consumption can include:

Fatigue and weakness
Headache
Swelling
Irregular heartbeat

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms and consume liquorice regularly.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Liquorice

Moderate and occasional liquorice consumption below the WHO's 100 mg glycyrrhizin limit is generally safe for most healthy adults. Those with health conditions or who are pregnant should be cautious or avoid real liquorice. Check labels to distinguish between real liquorice and anise-flavored options. Consult a healthcare professional with concerns or before using liquorice supplements. High intake can lead to complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main compound in real liquorice that causes health concerns is glycyrrhizin. In high doses, it can lead to increased blood pressure and low potassium levels.

For most healthy adults, consuming up to 60-70 grams (around 2-2.5 ounces) of traditional liquorice candy per day is considered relatively safe, based on the WHO's recommendation of 100 mg of glycyrrhizin. However, glycyrrhizin levels can vary widely between products.

Consuming excessive amounts of liquorice can lead to high blood pressure, fluid retention (edema), lethargy, and dangerously low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can cause irregular heart rhythms and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.

Yes, DGL is a safer alternative for daily consumption because the majority of the active compound glycyrrhizin has been removed. It is often used in supplemental form, though its effects may differ from unprocessed liquorice.

Most red liquorice and some black licorice products, especially those sold in the U.S., do not contain actual liquorice root extract. They are often flavored with anise oil, which has a similar taste but poses no glycyrrhizin-related risks.

Glycyrrhizin in liquorice can significantly raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium, mimicking the effects of the hormone aldosterone.

Yes, liquorice can interact with many medications, including blood pressure medications, diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners like warfarin. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you take these or other drugs regularly.