Is Good and Plenty Licorice Good for You?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), excessive consumption of natural black licorice can lead to serious health issues, including heart problems, due to the compound glycyrrhizin. This warning applies to many licorice products, but what about the popular Good & Plenty candy?.

Quick Summary

Good and Plenty candy is not a health food and offers no significant nutritional benefits, despite containing a small amount of licorice extract. Overconsumption of genuine black licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause severe health risks, though Good & Plenty's overall ingredient profile is the main concern.

Key Points

Good and Plenty is high in sugar: The candy's main ingredients are sugar and corn syrup, offering no significant nutritional value.
Contains licorice extract: Unlike some other black licorice candies, Good & Plenty does contain a small amount of licorice extract, but its primary health risks are related to its sugar content.
Glycyrrhizin is a concern in excess: The compound glycyrrhizin, found in licorice root and present in Good & Plenty, can cause health issues like high blood pressure and low potassium if consumed in large quantities.
Moderation is key: For most healthy adults, small, infrequent portions of Good and Plenty are unlikely to cause harm, but it should be enjoyed as a treat, not a health food.
Vulnerable groups should be cautious: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart, or kidney disease, as well as pregnant women, should limit or avoid black licorice products.
Consider natural alternatives for benefits: To get potential benefits of licorice, opt for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products or small amounts of tea, rather than sugary candy.

Good and Plenty: What's Really Inside?

While marketed as a licorice candy, Good & Plenty is primarily a confection of sugar and corn syrup. The black licorice flavor is derived from a small amount of licorice extract, but the bulk of the candy's ingredients are simple carbohydrates and artificial additives. A single 25-piece serving, or about 30 grams, contains 110 calories and 19 grams of sugar, with no dietary fiber or fat. This high sugar content is the primary reason it cannot be considered healthy.

The Role of Licorice Extract vs. Candy

It is crucial to distinguish between therapeutic licorice root and commercial licorice candy. Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, but these properties are not present in processed candy in a meaningful way. The therapeutic uses apply to extracts or teas, not sugary treats. Most licorice candy contains very little of the active compounds found in the root, and the extract is present in such low concentrations that any potential health benefits are outweighed by the negative effects of sugar consumption.

Glycyrrhizin: A Cause for Caution

Glycyrrhizin is the compound found in licorice root that gives it its distinctively sweet flavor. When consumed in large amounts, it can cause the body to lose potassium and increase sodium retention. This can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, fluid retention, muscle weakness, and irregular heart rhythms. While some manufacturers use anise oil to mimic the flavor without the glycyrrhizin, Good & Plenty does contain licorice extract. Therefore, excessive consumption could potentially pose this risk, especially for individuals over 40 or those with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions. A 2021 lawsuit even cited potential heart problems from excessive consumption of black licorice products, including Good & Plenty.

Good and Plenty vs. Natural Licorice Root


Feature	Good and Plenty Candy	Natural Licorice Root Extract
Primary Ingredients	Sugar, corn syrup, enriched wheat flour	Glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, plant compounds
Nutritional Value	High in sugar, no fiber or protein	Used for potential medicinal properties
Primary Health Concerns	High sugar intake, artificial colors	Glycyrrhizin toxicity with excessive use
Flavor Source	Mostly artificial flavors, minor licorice extract	Naturally derived from licorice plant
Safety Warning	Not recommended for excessive consumption	Should be used in moderation or under medical supervision

Moderation and Informed Choices

Like most candies, Good & Plenty is best enjoyed in moderation. The health risks associated with excessive licorice consumption are real, particularly for vulnerable populations. However, the average person is unlikely to consume enough genuine licorice or its extract in candy form to trigger severe health effects. The larger issue is the high sugar content and lack of any nutritional value. Making informed choices about treat consumption is key to maintaining a balanced diet.

How to Enjoy Licorice Safely

If you are a fan of licorice flavor but want to avoid the sugar and potential risks of candy, consider exploring alternatives. Licorice root tea can be a flavorful, sugar-free option, but even it should be consumed in moderation due to its glycyrrhizin content. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) products are also available, which contain the beneficial compounds of the root without the glycyrrhizin. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating licorice root supplements into your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication.

A Final Note on Good and Plenty

In conclusion, Good & Plenty is a candy, and should be treated as such. It is not a good source of nutrition and its primary health impact is from its high sugar content. While it contains some licorice extract, the amounts are unlikely to cause the severe health issues associated with excessive licorice root consumption in healthy individuals. However, for those with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or heart disease, caution is warranted. Enjoy this classic treat in small, infrequent servings, and for any health concerns, remember that it is always best to consult a medical professional.

Here is a reputable source on licorice root from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Conclusion: Good and Plenty as a Candy

Ultimately, the question of whether Good & Plenty licorice is good for you comes down to perspective. From a nutritional standpoint, it is a sugar-laden candy with no significant health benefits. From a health risk perspective, it poses minimal glycyrrhizin-related danger in typical, moderate amounts for most healthy individuals, but those with specific conditions should be cautious. As a treat enjoyed occasionally, it can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but it is not a health food. The key is moderation and being aware of what you are eating.

Can Pregnant Women Eat Licorice?

It is unsafe for pregnant individuals to consume large amounts of licorice, as it may increase the risk of premature birth. The glycyrrhizin can pose a risk, so it is best to avoid licorice-containing products during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Good & Plenty contains a small amount of real licorice extract for flavoring, but it is primarily made of sugar and corn syrup.

Yes, eating excessive amounts of any black licorice containing glycyrrhizin, including Good & Plenty, can potentially lead to health problems like elevated blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances, especially for those over 40 or with pre-existing heart conditions.

Glycyrrhizin is a compound found in licorice root that can affect the body's potassium and sodium levels, leading to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and irregular heartbeat when consumed excessively.

No, Good & Plenty is not a healthy snack. It is a candy high in sugar and calories with no nutritional benefits like fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

No, many licorice-flavored candies, particularly red varieties, are flavored with anise oil instead of real licorice extract.

The FDA recommends that adults over 40 avoid consuming more than two ounces of black licorice per day for two weeks or more, but the safest approach is to consume it sparingly and consult a doctor with any health concerns.

There are no notable health benefits to eating Good & Plenty. Any therapeutic properties of licorice root are outweighed by the candy's high sugar content and are not present in sufficient amounts in the candy.