For many, the word “licorice” is synonymous with the soft, chewy twists and fruity flavors of the iconic Twizzlers brand. However, a peek behind the curtain of candy production reveals a surprising fact: the vast majority of Twizzlers sold today contain no real licorice extract at all. The truth behind this sweet confection depends entirely on the color and flavor you choose.
The Short Answer: Yes, But Only Sometimes
Only black Twizzlers contain real licorice extract. The original Twists, introduced in 1929, were licorice-flavored from a company with a long history of making licorice candy. However, the popular fruit-flavored versions are a different product, often categorized as a “licorice-type candy” due to their shared texture and shape.
Red Twizzlers: A "Licorice-Type Candy"
Fruit-flavored Twizzlers, like strawberry, are made using a similar extrusion process but are flavored with artificial ingredients, not licorice root extract. This gives them a sweet and fruity flavor profile.
Ingredients of a Strawberry Twist
Strawberry Twizzlers typically contain corn syrup, enriched wheat flour, sugar, cornstarch, palm oil, artificial flavor, and artificial color (Red 40). They do not list licorice extract.
Black Licorice Twists: The Real Deal
Black licorice Twizzlers are the authentic product, getting their flavor from actual licorice extract. While less popular than fruit flavors, they continue the company’s original legacy.
The Ingredients of Black Twizzlers
Ingredients for black licorice Twizzlers include corn syrup, enriched wheat flour, sugar, cornstarch, licorice extract, and natural and artificial flavors. Some may also contain anise oil, which has a similar flavor profile. The compound in licorice, glycyrrhizin, can have health risks in excessive amounts, as warned by the FDA.
The Origin Story: Why Are They Called Licorice?
The brand originated with genuine black licorice candies in 1845. When new flavors were introduced, the term “licorice” continued to be used as a broad category for all the chewy, twisted candies, capitalizing on brand recognition despite the change in ingredients for fruit flavors.
Twizzlers vs. Red Vines vs. Real Licorice
Here's a comparison of these licorice types:
| Feature | Red (Strawberry) Twizzlers | Black Licorice Twizzlers | Traditional Licorice (Often Australian/Dutch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Licorice Extract? | No | Yes | Yes, typically |
| Primary Flavoring | Artificial fruit flavors | Licorice extract and/or anise oil | Licorice root extract |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, fruity | Herbal, strong, and distinct | Herbal, strong, sometimes salty |
| Key Ingredient | Artificial flavor, Red 40 | Licorice extract | Licorice extract |
| Prevalence | Very popular in the U.S. | Less popular than red version | Varies by country; often associated with European candy |
Why Anise is a Licorice Stand-in
In the U.S., anise oil is often used in addition to or instead of licorice extract. Anise comes from a different plant but has a similar flavor, making it a common alternative in black "licorice" candies.
Conclusion: The Twist in the Candy Aisle
Whether a Twizzler contains real licorice depends on its flavor. Black Twists have genuine licorice extract, while popular fruit flavors like strawberry are "licorice-type candy" with artificial flavoring. The name "licorice" for fruit flavors stems from the brand's origins and shared shape. For the true herbal taste, black Twists are the only option; fruit flavors are a distinct sweet treat. The brand's evolution shows how a name can endure while ingredients change. For more on licorice root, visit the {Link: NCCIH https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root}.
