Is black licorice unhealthy for you? Separating fact from fiction in your nutrition diet

October 31, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming more than two ounces of black licorice daily for at least two weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40. The question, "Is black licorice unhealthy for you?" is crucial for anyone monitoring their nutrition diet, as the risks are tied directly to a specific compound within the treat.

Quick Summary

Black licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can lead to adverse health effects, including high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and heart rhythm irregularities with excessive, prolonged consumption. The risk is particularly pronounced for individuals over 40 and those with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions.

Key Points

Glycyrrhizin is the issue: The compound glycyrrhizin in real licorice root is the source of health risks, not the candy itself.
Dose-dependent risks: The harm from black licorice is related to the amount and frequency consumed, with excessive intake being the main concern.
Impacts blood pressure: Glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure by causing the body to retain sodium and water while depleting potassium.
Heart health warning: Electrolyte imbalances from black licorice can lead to irregular heart rhythms, especially for those over 40.
Specific at-risk groups: Individuals with heart disease, kidney issues, hypertension, and pregnant women should avoid or limit black licorice.
Check ingredients carefully: Many products use anise oil for flavoring instead of real licorice; check labels for 'licorice extract' to identify glycyrrhizin.
Side effects are reversible: For most people, stopping black licorice consumption reverses the adverse effects, though it may take time.

What Makes Black Licorice Potentially Unhealthy?

The potential health risks associated with black licorice stem primarily from glycyrrhizin, a natural compound found in licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). While it provides the sweet flavor, glycyrrhizin can have significant effects when consumed in large quantities over time. The body converts glycyrrhizin to glycyrrhetinic acid, which disrupts an enzyme regulating cortisol. This increases cortisol levels, mimicking aldosterone and causing kidneys to excrete potassium while retaining sodium and water. This can lead to low potassium (hypokalemia) and high blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of heart problems and irregular heart rhythms.

Dosage and Consumption: How Much Is Too Much?

Small, occasional consumption of black licorice is generally safe for healthy individuals. Risks arise from frequent, large intake, though glycyrrhizin levels vary between products. The FDA advises those over 40 to avoid two or more ounces daily for at least two weeks. The WHO suggests an adult limit of 100 mg of glycyrrhizin daily, roughly 2-2.5 ounces of licorice.

Who Should Avoid Black Licorice?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to glycyrrhizin's effects. These include individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or arrhythmia history, those with kidney disease, pregnant women, and people taking diuretics or corticosteroids.

Not All Licorice is Created Equal: Real vs. Anise-Flavored

Many licorice-flavored items, like red licorice, use anise oil instead of real licorice root. Anise oil tastes similar but lacks glycyrrhizin, making it safe in this context. Always check ingredient lists for 'licorice extract' or 'glycyrrhizic acid'.

Black Licorice vs. Other Candies: A Nutritional Comparison


Feature	Black Licorice (with Glycyrrhizin)	Red Licorice (Anise-Flavored)	Dark Chocolate (70%+)
Key Concern	Glycyrrhizin toxicity (electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, arrhythmia)	High added sugar content	High calories, but lower added sugar than most candy
Nutritional Value	High in sugar, carbohydrates; virtually no fiber	High in sugar, carbohydrates; no fiber	Contains fiber, antioxidants, and some minerals
Heart Health	Negative effects with excessive consumption due to blood pressure and potassium issues	Negative effects due to high sugar intake	Potential positive effects in moderation due to antioxidants
Who Should Be Cautious	Those with heart/kidney conditions, hypertension, pregnant women	Those watching their sugar intake, diabetes	Those watching calorie intake; some sensitive to caffeine

The Reversibility of Health Risks

For most, stopping excessive black licorice consumption reverses adverse effects. Potassium and fluid levels typically normalize, though this may take weeks or months. High blood pressure may persist if due to other causes. Anyone experiencing side effects should stop consumption and see a healthcare professional. More on cardiovascular health is available from the American Heart Association.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Determining if is black licorice unhealthy for you? depends on individual health and consumption. Risks are significant for susceptible individuals with consistent, excessive intake. For healthy people, occasional small amounts are usually harmless. A healthy nutrition diet prioritizes whole foods. Those with pre-existing conditions or on certain medications should avoid black licorice and opt for alternatives like anise-flavored candies. Informed moderation is vital for health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, excessive and prolonged consumption of black licorice can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). The glycyrrhizin in licorice root can cause your body to retain sodium and water while decreasing potassium levels, leading to elevated blood pressure.

The FDA suggests that if you are over 40, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm. The WHO recommends a daily limit of 100 mg of glycyrrhizin for most adults, which is approximately 2 to 2.5 ounces of licorice candy.

No, red licorice and other licorice-flavored candies typically use anise oil for flavor instead of real licorice root extract. Therefore, they do not contain glycyrrhizin and do not carry the same risks related to blood pressure and potassium levels.

Glycyrrhizin is a compound found in licorice root that, when consumed in large amounts, can inhibit an enzyme that regulates cortisol. This leads to a fluid and electrolyte imbalance, causing side effects such as low potassium and high blood pressure.

Symptoms of consuming too much black licorice include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, swelling (edema), lethargy, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to dangerous conditions like pseudohyperaldosteronism and cardiac arrest.

If you have a heart condition, including high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or heart failure, you should avoid black licorice entirely. The effects of glycyrrhizin can worsen these conditions and pose a serious risk.

The adverse health effects caused by glycyrrhizin are usually temporary and reversible. Most symptoms will resolve once you stop consuming black licorice, though it may take several weeks for electrolyte and fluid levels to return to normal.

Yes, pregnant women should avoid consuming black licorice. Some studies have linked high consumption of licorice root during pregnancy to an increased risk of preterm delivery.