Is Twizzlers black licorice bad for you? The surprising truth about glycyrrhizin

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2017, the FDA issued a warning for those over 40 about excessive black licorice consumption and its link to heart problems, prompting many to ask: is Twizzlers black licorice bad for you? The answer is nuanced, as not all "black licorice" is created equal, and the key lies in the ingredients and moderation, not a blanket ban.

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of genuine licorice root, which contains the compound glycyrrhizin, is linked to serious health issues like high blood pressure and low potassium. The glycyrrhizin content in U.S.-made Twizzlers black licorice is minimal, with the primary health concern being its high sugar and calorie count.

Key Points

Low Glycyrrhizin: Twizzlers black licorice has very low levels of the active compound glycyrrhizin, adhering to FDA limits.
High Sugar Content: The primary health concern with Twizzlers, like most candy, is its high sugar and calorie count.
Genuine Licorice Risks: Excessive consumption of products with high concentrations of genuine licorice root can cause high blood pressure, low potassium, and heart issues.
Who Should Be Cautious: Individuals over 40, those with heart or kidney conditions, or people on certain medications should be wary of true licorice root products.
Moderation is Key: For most healthy adults, enjoying Twizzlers in small, infrequent portions is unlikely to cause adverse effects.
Anise is Safer: Many licorice-flavored candies, including some black licorice varieties, use anise oil, which provides a similar flavor without the glycyrrhizin risk.

The Health Risks of Genuine Black Licorice

True black licorice, particularly the kind with high concentrations of licorice root extract, contains a naturally occurring compound called glycyrrhizin. For centuries, this compound has been used in traditional medicine, but in large doses, it can cause serious adverse health effects.

How Glycyrrhizin Affects the Body

When consumed in excessive quantities, glycyrrhizin can cause the body to retain sodium and excrete potassium. This imbalance can lead to a condition called pseudohyperaldosteronism, which mimics the effects of high aldosterone levels in the body. The health implications of this condition are significant and can be particularly dangerous for certain individuals.

Symptoms and effects of consuming too much genuine licorice root include:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and congestive heart failure
Swelling (edema)
Lethargy and muscle weakness
Muscle pain and numbness

The Case of Twizzlers Black Licorice

For consumers in the United States, the health risks of eating black licorice like Twizzlers are significantly different from those posed by products with a higher concentration of genuine licorice root extract. While Twizzlers Black Licorice does list "Licorice Extract" as an ingredient, the amount is minimal. Hershey, the manufacturer, has stated that the glycyrrhizin levels are well below FDA limits for soft candy. In fact, the candy is also flavored with anise oil, which mimics the taste without carrying the same risks.

The real nutritional downside of Twizzlers is not the glycyrrhizin, but the high sugar content. Like most candies, it is a source of empty calories and can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and other metabolic issues if eaten without moderation.

Who Should Be Cautious?

While a moderate amount of Twizzlers Black Licorice is generally not a concern for most healthy adults, caution is necessary for specific populations, especially when consuming products with higher levels of real licorice extract:

Adults Over 40: The FDA specifically warns that people over 40 may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of genuine black licorice.
Individuals with Heart or Kidney Conditions: Those with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, heart arrhythmia, or high blood pressure are at increased risk.
People on Certain Medications: Glycyrrhizin can interact with some diuretics and other drugs that lower potassium levels.
Pregnant Women: High intake of licorice during pregnancy has been linked to potential health issues.

Comparison: Twizzlers vs. High-Glycyrrhizin Licorice


Feature	Genuine Licorice Root Product	Twizzlers Black Licorice
Key Ingredient	High concentration of licorice root extract	Minimal licorice extract, also flavored with anise oil
Glycyrrhizin Content	Can be high; content varies widely	Very low, well below FDA limits for soft candy
Primary Health Risk	High blood pressure, low potassium, heart issues, edema	High sugar and calorie content leading to weight gain, dental issues
Appearance	Often firmer or darker, sometimes imported	Classic soft and chewy texture, made in the USA
Typical Flavor	Strong, distinctive herbal or anise flavor	Mild licorice flavor, often with artificial flavorings

Healthier Alternatives to Black Licorice Candy

For those seeking a healthier way to satisfy a sweet craving, or for individuals needing to avoid licorice altogether, several alternatives exist:

Herbal Teas: Teas made with anise or fennel can provide a similar flavor profile without the glycyrrhizin found in licorice root.
Fruit-Flavored Candies: Choose fruit-flavored options that do not contain licorice extract. Twizzlers also famously offers a strawberry variety that is glycyrrhizin-free.
Anise-Flavored Confections: Many candies mimic the black licorice taste using anise oil instead of licorice extract, posing no glycyrrhizin-related risk.
Licorice-Free Chews: Look for alternatives made with molasses and other flavorings that provide a similar texture without the licorice root.
Small Portions: If you simply must have black licorice, enjoying it in very small, infrequent portions is the safest approach, regardless of the brand.

Conclusion

So, is Twizzlers black licorice bad for you? The key takeaway is that for most people, the risk from the licorice extract in Twizzlers is minimal due to low glycyrrhizin content. However, the candy remains high in sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Individuals over 40 or those with heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues should be more cautious and consider avoiding any candy containing genuine licorice root extract altogether, opting instead for anise-flavored substitutes or other healthier treats. For those concerned about potential drug interactions or existing health conditions, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.

For more information on the risks of excessive black licorice consumption, you can review the FDA's consumer warning on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, the amount of glycyrrhizin in Twizzlers black licorice is too low to cause significant issues with blood pressure. The primary concern for those with high blood pressure lies with consuming large quantities of products made with high concentrations of real licorice root extract. However, its high sugar content should still be moderated.

The potentially harmful ingredient in genuine black licorice is glycyrrhizin, which is derived from licorice root. Excessive intake of this compound can lead to low potassium levels and increased blood pressure.

No, not all black licorice candies carry the same risks. The level of glycyrrhizin varies by product and brand. Many U.S. candies, like Twizzlers, have very low levels of licorice extract, while stronger, imported varieties or licorice supplements pose a higher risk.

Symptoms of excessive licorice consumption can include swelling, lethargy, muscle weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, and high blood pressure, especially in sensitive individuals. If these occur, stop consumption and consult a doctor immediately.

Most red licorice candies, including the popular Twizzlers strawberry twists, do not contain licorice root extract or glycyrrhizin. They are flavored artificially, making them safer from the glycyrrhizin risk but still high in sugar.

The FDA warns that for people over 40, consuming two ounces or more of genuine black licorice daily for at least two weeks could cause health problems. However, the safe amount can vary based on the glycyrrhizin content of the specific product.

Licorice extract comes from the licorice root and contains glycyrrhizin. Anise oil is derived from the anise plant and provides a similar flavor but does not contain glycyrrhizin, making it a safer flavoring alternative.