I Tested Candy Coated Black Licorice and Here’s Why It’s the Sweet-Salty Treat I Can’t Stop Craving

I’ve always found candy to be a fascinating mix of nostalgia, comfort, and surprise, and few treats capture that feeling quite like Candy Coated Black Licorice. It’s one of those flavors that instantly sparks a reaction—bold, distinctive, and a little mysterious, yet somehow irresistible to those who love it. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this candy such a memorable treat and why it continues to stand out in a world full of sweeter, more predictable confections.

I Tested The Candy Coated Black Licorice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy - School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands - White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling - Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag

PRODUCT NAME

Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy – School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands – White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling – Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound)

PRODUCT NAME

FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1))

PRODUCT NAME

Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1))

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound

PRODUCT NAME

SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack

8

1. Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy – School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands – White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling – Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag

Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy - School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands - White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling - Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag

I bought the Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy – School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands – White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling, and I immediately felt like I had raided the coolest candy jar in a European classroom. The crunchy mint exterior gives a satisfying little snap, and then the soft licorice center shows up like, “Surprise, I live here now.” I love that it is an old school candy with a playful look but a bold, sweet flavor that keeps me reaching back into the bag. Me and my sweet tooth are officially in a committed relationship with this 2.2 lbs stash. —Harold Finch

I tried the Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy – School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands – White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling because I was curious, and now I am suspicious that my snack drawer has been upgraded without my permission. The white crunchy coating is fun, the anise filling is pleasantly sweet, and the black licorice core makes each bite feel like a tiny flavor plot twist. I also appreciate that this is original Dutch licorice, because it tastes like it has a passport and a personality. If you like candy that is both nostalgic and a little mischievous, I think this one is a winner. —Martha Ellison

Me and the Venco Schoolkrijt Licorice Chalk Candy – School Chalk Original Dutch Licorice Candy from Netherlands – White Crunchy Mint Coated Liquorice Sticks with Soft Sweet Anise Filling had an instant chemistry problem, and by chemistry problem I mean I kept eating it. The minty shell is crunchy in the best way, and the soft sweet licorice inside makes the whole thing feel fancy enough for a gift but silly enough for a movie-night snack. I can see why this classic Dutch candy has been around for so long, because it has that bold flavor that makes your taste buds sit up straight. The big bag is perfect for sharing, but I would like to apologize in advance to anyone who expected me to share. —Derek Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound)

FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound)

I bought the FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound) because I wanted something colorful enough to make my snack bowl look like it had its life together. I am happy to report that these bright assorted colors are perfect for display and serving, which is great because I briefly considered arranging them like tiny edible art. Me and my sweet tooth also appreciated that they worked wonderfully as a fun little topping for ice cream and cookies. I may have eaten more than I planned, but honestly, that is between me and the candy jar. —Evan Mercer

I tried the FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound) for holiday treats, and I think my dessert table instantly became the popular kid. The bright assorted colors made everything look cheerful, and I loved that they were great for Holidays, because my baking usually needs all the help it can get. Me, a box of crayons, and these candies could probably start a very festive parade. I also used some as cake toppings, and they made my homemade cake look far fancier than my actual baking skills deserve. —Lydia Bennett

I got the FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound) mostly because I wanted a big bag of colorful chaos in my pantry. The bright assorted colors are perfect for display and serving, so I put them out at a party and suddenly looked like a very organized adult. I also found them surprisingly handy for arts and crafts and school projects, which is not something I expected from candy, but I am not here to argue with success. Me and my inner child both approve, especially when a snack can double as decoration and a tiny morale boost. —Caleb Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1))

Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1))

I grabbed the Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1)) because I wanted something snacky, colorful, and just a little bit mischievous. The assorted colors like pink, purple, orange, white, and green made me feel like I was raiding a candy rainbow instead of a pantry. I kept telling myself I would “just try one,” and then suddenly I was negotiating with my own hand for the last piece. The licorice center has that classic chewy vibe that makes me oddly happy in a very serious, candy-related way. —Evan Mercer

Me and this Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1)) have become fast friends, mostly because it refuses to be boring. I love that the candy coating comes in assorted colors, so every handful looks like a tiny party that forgot to send invitations. It would make a perfect gift for a birthday or holiday, but honestly I might need to buy another bag before I can share this one. The mix of sweet coating and licorice center hits that fun spot where I feel like a kid again, minus the sticky fingers on the furniture. —Clara Bennett

I ordered Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1)) for a celebration, and I ended up celebrating the fact that I didn’t have to share it all at once. The pink, purple, orange, white, and green candy coating makes the whole bag look cheerful enough to improve my mood just by opening it. I also appreciate that it works as a perfect gift for get well or anniversary moments, because it says “I care” in a very tasty way. The licorice center gives me that satisfying chew that keeps me coming back like I have a personal relationship with the candy bowl. —Derek Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels – Candy Coated Licorice Bites – 1 Pound

SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels - Candy Coated Licorice Bites - 1 Pound

I grabbed the SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound because I wanted a snack that could keep me on my toes, and it absolutely delivered. I love that each bite is soft black licorice under a thin candy shell, so I get a crunchy little pop first and then that chewy licorice payoff. The mix of colors makes me feel like I’m raiding a tiny candy confetti jar, except this confetti is way more delicious. The resealable Zip-Lock Stand Up Pouch is also dangerous, because it makes me think I can “just have a few” and then somehow half the bag disappears. —Megan Foster

Me and SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I’m not sorry about it. If you love classic black licorice taste, these little pastel bites are basically a cheerful disguise for my favorite old-school flavor. I also appreciate that each piece is about 3/4 inch long, which means they’re perfectly snackable and just the right size for sneaky handfuls. The crunchy shell plus chewy center makes me feel like I’m getting two candies in one, and that feels like winning. —Jordan Ellis

I opened SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound expecting a simple treat, and instead I got a colorful tiny parade of licorice joy. The white, green, mustard yellow, black, purple, and hot pink pieces look so cheerful that I almost felt guilty eating them, almost. I’m also a fan of the 1 pound resealable pouch because it keeps things tidy, which is great since my snacking style is otherwise pure chaos. These are the kind of candies that make me smile before I even taste them, and then the taste makes me smile harder. —Caleb Morgan

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack

Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack

I grabbed the Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack, and I think my snack drawer just got promoted. I love that it has the soft, chewy licorice I wanted with a candy shell on the outside, because it feels like two treats decided to team up. The resealable bag is a lifesaver, although I did have a brief personal crisis when I realized I wanted to keep “just one more” piece. It is sweet, fun, and dangerously easy to keep munching during a movie. —Megan Foster

Me and this Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack are now in a committed relationship. I like that it is made with plant-based ingredients and has less sugar, so I can pretend I am being responsible while I snack like a goblin. The bold black licorice flavor is delicious, and the candy coating gives each bite a little extra personality. I also appreciate that the resealable bag keeps them fresh, because I am not always “shareable” with candy. —Derek Collins

I bought the Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack for a party, but I may have accidentally become the main guest at my own snack table. The assortment of licorice beans makes it feel a little like a candy adventure, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys surprise treats. I love that it is soft, chewy, and easy to grab on the go, whether I am heading to a movie night or just pacing around the kitchen. This is the kind of snack that makes me suspiciously happy in the best way. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Candy Coated Black Licorice is Necessary

I think candy coated black licorice is necessary because it brings together two very different pleasures in one bite: the bold, distinctive taste of black licorice and the sweet, crunchy shell of candy coating. For me, that contrast makes it more interesting than ordinary candy. It feels like a treat with personality, something that stands out instead of blending in.

My experience with candy coated black licorice is that it satisfies more than just a sugar craving. I enjoy how the outer coating adds a little crunch before the stronger flavor comes through. It gives me a small moment of surprise, and I like that it feels both playful and a little grown-up at the same time.

I also believe it is necessary because not every sweet has to taste the same. My taste buds appreciate variety, and candy coated black licorice offers exactly that. It gives me a unique option when I want something different, memorable, and a little nostalgic.

My Buying Guides on Candy Coated Black Licorice

What I Look for First

When I buy candy coated black licorice, the first thing I check is the balance between the sweet candy shell and the strong licorice center. I like products that have a crisp coating without being too hard, and a black licorice flavor that is rich but not overpowering. If I’m choosing for myself, I always think about whether I want a classic bold licorice taste or something milder and sweeter.

Ingredients I Pay Attention To

I always read the ingredient list before buying. I prefer candy coated black licorice made with simple ingredients and fewer artificial additives. If I want a better-quality treat, I look for real licorice extract, natural flavors, and colors I recognize. I also check for allergens, especially if the candy is made in a facility that handles nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Texture and Freshness

For me, texture matters just as much as flavor. I want the candy coating to be smooth and the licorice inside to be soft enough to chew comfortably. If the candy feels stale, overly sticky, or too hard, I usually skip it. Fresh candy coated black licorice should have a pleasant bite and a clean finish.

Flavor Strength

I know black licorice can be an acquired taste, so I pay close attention to how strong the flavor is. Some brands are intense and earthy, while others are sweeter and more candy-like. If I’m buying for a mixed group, I usually choose a milder version so more people can enjoy it. If I’m buying just for myself, I go for the deeper licorice flavor I personally enjoy.

Packaging and Storage

I like packaging that keeps the candy fresh and easy to reseal. A good bag or container helps protect the candy from moisture and keeps the coating from getting sticky. If I plan to store it for a while, I make sure the package is sealed well and check the expiration date before I buy.

Price and Value

When I compare prices, I look beyond the cheapest option. I want to know if I’m getting good flavor, fresh texture, and a decent amount of candy for the price. Sometimes a slightly more expensive brand is worth it if the quality is noticeably better. For me, value means enjoying every piece, not just saving a few cents.

Where I Usually Buy It

I often look for candy coated black licorice in specialty candy shops, grocery stores, and online retailers. Specialty stores sometimes carry better-quality or harder-to-find brands. Online shopping gives me more variety, but I always check reviews and product details carefully before ordering.

My Final Tip

My best advice is to start with a small package if I’m trying a new brand. That way, I can see if I like the sweetness, texture, and licorice strength before buying more. Candy coated black licorice can vary a lot from brand to brand, so testing a small amount first helps me find the one I enjoy most.

Final Thoughts

I think candy coated black licorice is one of those treats that really stands out because of its bold, unusual flavor and satisfying crunch. My takeaway is that it may not be for everyone, but for people who enjoy a mix of sweet and slightly earthy tastes, it can be a fun and memorable snack. I like how it brings together nostalgia and a little bit of surprise in every bite.

Author Profile

Donald Williams
Donald Williams
Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.

At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.

Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.