Tag: Salmiak

With a staggering annual consumption of nearly two kilograms per person, the Netherlands leads the world in eating black licorice, known locally as 'drop'. This extraordinary national passion for the famously polarizing candy, from sweet honey to intense salmiak, is a uniquely Dutch cultural phenomenon.

In many Nordic countries, the love for salty and sweet combinations dates back centuries to preserving food with salt, such as cured fish. This tradition provides a flavorful context for understanding why is Swedish candy so salty, a unique taste profile that surprises many international travelers.

The Netherlands consumes more licorice per capita than any other country, with the average person eating over four pounds annually. This national obsession, known locally as 'drop', is driven by a unique flavor profile and unparalleled variety that sets it apart from licorice made elsewhere in the world.

Over 80% of Dutch people consume liquorice, or 'drop,' on a regular basis. The core components of this popular confectionery include licorice root extract, sweeteners like sugar and molasses, and thickeners, but what are the ingredients in Dutch liquorice that make it so diverse and distinctive? The answer lies in key additions like salmiak (ammonium chloride) and different starches.

Food grade ammonium chloride, also known by its E number E510, is a common food additive approved for use in many countries worldwide. It is a high-purity, crystalline salt used for its multifaceted roles as a yeast nutrient, dough conditioner, and unique flavouring agent in certain foods.

According to food safety authorities like the FDA and EFSA, food-grade ammonium chloride (E510) is approved for use as a flavor enhancer and acidity regulator within specific, controlled limits. This begs the question: is ammonium chloride safe for human consumption, or does this common food additive carry hidden risks?.

Salty liquorice, a popular treat in Scandinavia, can contain significant amounts of ammonium chloride for its intense flavor. This fact reveals the complex and nuanced answer to the question: does liquorice contain ammonia?.

Ingesting large quantities of ammonium chloride is highly dangerous and can result in severe gastrointestinal issues and metabolic acidosis. While small, regulated amounts are used as a food additive (E510), consumption of concentrated or non-food grade ammonium chloride can have serious, toxic effects on the body.