What Licorice Is Gluten Free? A Guide to Safe Snacking

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, many people are unaware that traditional licorice contains wheat flour as a primary binding agent. Fortunately, the rising demand for specialty dietary products has made finding what licorice is gluten free easier than ever before. This guide will help you understand how to identify safe licorice options, what to look for on labels, and which brands prioritize gluten-free production.

Quick Summary

Traditional licorice is typically not gluten-free due to the inclusion of wheat flour as a binder. However, numerous brands now offer gluten-free versions using alternative starches. Verifying a certified gluten-free label is essential for individuals with celiac disease to avoid cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Key Points

Traditional licorice is not gluten-free: Standard licorice, both red and black, uses wheat flour as a binder, making it unsafe for gluten-free diets.
Look for certified gluten-free labels: Always opt for products with a certified gluten-free logo, which ensures they meet strict standards and are safe for those with celiac disease.
Beware of cross-contamination: Non-certified products made in facilities that also process wheat pose a high risk of cross-contamination.
Identify safe brands: Several brands, including YumEarth, Lakrids by Bülow, and Gustaf's, produce specifically certified gluten-free licorice.
Check ingredients for alternative binders: Gluten-free licorice uses safe starches like rice flour or corn starch instead of wheat.
Homemade is an option: For complete control, you can make your own gluten-free licorice using recipes that substitute gluten-containing flours.

Why Most Traditional Licorice Is Not Gluten-Free

For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the journey to finding safe snacks can be challenging. Many people are surprised to learn that conventional licorice, both black and red, is off-limits. The reason is rooted in its traditional recipe, which relies on a starchy binder to achieve its characteristic chewy texture.

The Role of Wheat Flour in Classic Licorice

In the traditional candy-making process, wheat flour is used as a foundational binding agent. When combined with other ingredients like licorice extract, sugar, and molasses, it creates the pliable, rope-like consistency that we associate with licorice. While wheat is a common and inexpensive ingredient, it is also a source of gluten, making these conventional varieties unsafe for those on a gluten-free diet.

Cross-Contamination Risks

Beyond the ingredients list, there is also the risk of cross-contamination. Many candy manufacturers produce a wide range of products on shared equipment. Even if a particular batch of candy does not contain a gluten-based ingredient, traces of gluten from other products can end up in the final mix, which is a major concern for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. This is why relying on a third-party certified gluten-free label is the safest bet.

How to Find Truly Gluten-Free Licorice

Finding safe licorice requires diligence and a careful review of product labels. A simple "wheat-free" claim is not enough, as other gluten-containing grains like barley and rye can still be present. Here's what to look for:

Certified Gluten-Free Label: This is the gold standard for anyone with celiac disease. Certification from organizations like the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) means the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Read the Ingredients List: Look for alternative binding agents such as rice flour, corn starch, or modified tapioca starch. These are safe, gluten-free alternatives to wheat flour.
Check Allergen Statements: Look for statements like "processed in a facility that also processes wheat". If you have celiac disease, it's best to avoid these products due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Popular Gluten-Free Licorice Brands and Options

Thankfully, a growing number of brands cater to the gluten-free community. These companies have perfected recipes that deliver the same chewy texture and satisfying flavor without any of the gluten. Some popular brands include:

YumEarth: Known for their organic and allergy-friendly products, YumEarth offers both black and strawberry licorice varieties that are certified gluten-free and vegan.
Lakrids by Bülow: This Scandinavian brand offers a premium line of gluten-free licorice, including chocolate-coated options.
Gustaf's: A well-known Dutch licorice brand that has a specific line of certified gluten-free varieties.
Wiley Wallaby: This Australian-style licorice brand offers several gluten-free flavors, including Very Berry.
Gimbal's: Their Scottie Dogs line, in both strawberry and black licorice flavors, is a certified gluten-free treat.

Comparison of Gluten-Free vs. Traditional Licorice


Feature	Gluten-Free Licorice	Traditional Licorice
Binder	Rice flour, corn starch, or other gluten-free starches	Wheat flour
Texture	Can vary, but often chewy and soft due to alternative binders	A classic chewy, rope-like consistency
Celiac Safety	Safe for celiacs if certified gluten-free	Unsafe due to presence of wheat flour
Cross-Contamination	Minimal to no risk with certified products	High risk if produced in a mixed-use facility
Ingredients	Often features more natural or organic ingredients	Can contain more additives and preservatives

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Licorice

For those who enjoy a DIY approach, making gluten-free licorice at home is a rewarding option. Many recipes use a blend of gluten-free flour, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and flavoring oils to recreate the classic candy. This method ensures complete control over ingredients, eliminating any risk of gluten contamination. You can find several recipes online for both red and black licorice.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Licorice Cravings

Navigating the world of licorice as a gluten-free consumer is a matter of knowing what to look for. While traditional varieties are off-limits due to wheat flour, the market is rich with delicious and safe alternatives. Always prioritize certified gluten-free labels, read ingredient lists carefully, and be aware of potential cross-contamination. By following these simple steps, you can confidently indulge your sweet tooth without compromising your health.

For additional guidance on living a gluten-free lifestyle and identifying hidden gluten sources, you can consult the Celiac Disease Foundation guidelines.

The Bottom Line

While most traditional licorice contains gluten, there are many safe, certified gluten-free options available. Always check labels for certification and be aware of potential cross-contamination risks from shared facilities. Brands like YumEarth, Lakrids by Bülow, and Gustaf's offer delicious alternatives. For ultimate control, you can also explore homemade gluten-free licorice recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all black licorice contains gluten, but traditional recipes do. Many modern and specialty brands now offer certified gluten-free black licorice options that use alternative starches as binders.

Licorice is a concern for people with celiac disease because traditional manufacturers use wheat flour as a primary binding agent to create its chewy texture. This makes conventional licorice unsafe for consumption.

Safe alternatives include licorice from certified gluten-free brands like YumEarth and Lakrids by Bülow, which use rice flour or corn starch instead of wheat. Additionally, licorice root chew sticks are naturally gluten-free.

The most reliable way to tell if a licorice product is gluten-free is by checking for a certified gluten-free logo on the packaging. You should also read the ingredient list to ensure there are no gluten-containing components.

Similar to black licorice, most traditional red licorice contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, many brands now offer gluten-free red licorice alternatives, often made with fruit flavoring and gluten-free binders.

No, "wheat-free" and "gluten-free" are not the same. While wheat is a common source of gluten in licorice, other grains like barley and rye also contain gluten. A certified gluten-free label ensures the product is safe from all gluten sources.

Gluten-free licorice recipes often use alternative starches like rice flour or corn starch as binders. These are combined with other common ingredients like sugar, syrups, and flavorings to create a safe product.