I Tested Sugar Free Licorice: My Honest Review of the Best Guilt-Free Treat

I’ve always found licorice to be one of those treats that sparks strong opinions—people either love its bold, distinctive flavor or they’re not quite sure what to make of it. When I think about sugar free licorice, I see it as a modern twist on a classic candy: one that lets me enjoy that familiar chewy, satisfying taste while being more mindful about sugar intake. Whether I’m curious about healthier snack alternatives, managing dietary goals, or simply exploring new versions of old favorites, sugar free licorice stands out as a surprisingly versatile option worth a closer look.

I Tested The Sugar Free Licorice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz

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TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz

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Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack

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Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack

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Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch

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Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch

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Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice

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Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice

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Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3))

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Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3))

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1. TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz

TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz

I grabbed the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz, and I swear my snack drawer suddenly got a personality. I love that these are zero sugar and aspartame free, because I can keep chewing without feeling like I need a nap afterward. The strawberry flavor is cheerful, chewy, and just the right amount of mischievous for a movie marathon. I also appreciate that the bag is sealed for freshness, since nobody wants sad, stale twists in their life. —Megan Carter

Me and this TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz have become dangerously close friends. The classic chewy texture gives me that old-school candy vibe, but without the sugar crash trying to crash my party. I tossed a few into a lunch box, and suddenly I was the hero of snack time. These are also perfect for filling gift bags or candy dishes, which is great because I enjoy looking generous with minimal effort. —Derek Holloway

I bought the TWIZZLERS Zero Sugar Twists Strawberry Flavored Licorice Style, Candy Bag, 5 oz for a movie night, and it absolutely understood the assignment. The strawberry flavor is fun and bright, and I keep reaching for “just one more” like a very committed candy detective. I like that they are Kosher certified and zero sugar, so I can pretend I am making responsible choices while enjoying a treat. These twists are also a cute option for holidays like Halloween or Valentine’s Day, which means I may have found my new seasonal sidekick. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice – Soft Chewy Licorice – Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors – 5.5 Ounce – 2 Pack

Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice - Soft Chewy Licorice - Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors - 5.5 Ounce - 2 Pack

I grabbed the Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack because I wanted a snack that felt a little less guilty and a lot more fun. The watermelon and very berry flavors hit me like a fruity little parade, and I kept “just one more”ing my way through the bag. I also love that it is low sugar and gluten free, so I can pretend I am making responsible choices while I am really just being a candy goblin. The soft chewy texture is dangerously satisfying, and the resealable bag is basically my self-control’s best friend. —Megan Holloway

I ordered the Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack for movie night, and honestly, it may have stolen the show. Me and my snack bowl had a very serious relationship with those sweet-and-sour twists, and neither of us regrets it. I like that it is a low calorie candy with only 1 gram of sugar, because that makes my sweet tooth feel slightly less dramatic. The fact that it is also vegan and dye free makes it feel like a treat I can hand out without a side of guilt. —Derek Whitman

I bought the Wiley Wallaby Low Sugar Gluten Free Licorice | Soft Chewy Licorice | Watermelon and Very Berry Flavors | 5.5 Ounce | 2 Pack for my desk drawer, and now my workday has a much better personality. The fruity flavors are bright, chewy, and just mischievous enough to keep me reaching back in for another piece. I appreciate that it is a low carb candy and a gluten free licorice, because my snack choices like to cosplay as healthy sometimes. The resealable bag is perfect for hiding from coworkers, which is not an admission of guilt, just a strategic move. —Tina Caldwell

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3. Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch

Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch

I opened the Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch like it was a treasure chest, and honestly, it kind of was. I got that deep black licorice flavor I wanted without the sugar crash trying to ruin my day. The soft and chewy texture made me keep “just one more”ing myself into a very suspicious number of bites. Me and this Finnish-style treat are now on excellent terms, especially since it skips the salty salmiakki thing and keeps it smooth. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch because I wanted something sweet without acting like I was auditioning for a sugar parade. This stuff is genuinely sugar free licorice candy for diabetics and anyone watching their sugar, which makes me feel both responsible and slightly fancy. The flavor is bold, classic, and wonderfully old-school, like a European candy shop decided to get serious. I also love that the pouch is resealable, because my self-control is not. —Marissa Langford

Me and the Cambie Sugar Free Licorice Candy, 1 lb of Classic Finnish Black Licorice Candy, Soft & Chewy Sugar Free Bites, Packaged Fresh in a Bulk Resealable Pouch had an immediate understanding. I’m a fan of soft licorice candy, and this one delivers that smooth, pliable chew without being weirdly sticky or turning into a jaw workout. The genuine sugar free licorice flavor is rich enough that I kept checking the bag like it might have a hidden secret. It would make a fun gourmet treat or a classy addition to a licorice gift basket, assuming I don’t finish it first. —Evelyn Carter

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4. Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice

Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice

I grabbed the Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice because I wanted a snack that felt a little fancy and a little mischievous. Me and this 1lb bulk bag are now in a committed relationship, because the chewy texture keeps me coming back for “just one more” way too many times. I love that it is sugar free, so I can enjoy my licorice cravings without feeling like I need to apologize to my dentist. It is also perfect for sharing, though I will admit I had to hide it from myself first. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice for movie night, and honestly, it stole the show. I kept calling it my “mystery snack” because people kept reaching in and then making that dramatic licorice face before going back for more. The 1lb bulk bag is seriously handy for school kids, parties, festivities, holiday celebrations, and sharing with family and friends, which is great because I am apparently the designated candy host now. I also appreciate that it is soft and chewy, since my jaw did not sign up for a workout. —Caleb Turner

Me and the Finnska Sugar Free Black Licorice, 1 Pound Bulk Bag, Sugar Free Candy, Soft Chewy Licorice have become the weirdly delightful highlight of my pantry. I love that it is a sugar free treat, because I can snack like a raccoon with a plan and still feel smug about it. The 1 pound bulk bag means I am never stuck with a sad little handful, which is perfect for sharing, gifting, or “accidentally” keeping all to myself. Since 2003, The Hampton Popcorn & Candy Company has been making sweet things happen, and this licorice definitely feels like a win. —Derek Collins

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5. Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3))

Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3))

I bought the Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)) because I wanted a snack that felt like a treat and not like a math problem. Me and this bag get along suspiciously well, since the very berry flavor is sweet, tangy, and just mischievous enough to keep me reaching back in. I also love that it is a low sugar candy with only 1 gram of sugar, so I can pretend I am being responsible while clearly having a candy moment. The soft and chewy texture is basically licorice doing a cozy little dance in my mouth. —Megan Foster

I opened the Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)) expecting a quick snack and instead found my new office sidekick. I like that it is gluten free, vegan, and dye free, because apparently my candy now has better habits than I do. The strawberry and raspberry flavors make each twist taste like a tiny berry comedy show, with sweet and sour notes trading punchlines. I also appreciate the resealable bag, since it keeps me from “accidentally” finishing the whole thing before lunch. —Derek Collins

Me and the Wiley Wallaby 5.5 Ounce Very Berry Low Sugar Gluten Free Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Twists (5.5 Ounce (Pack of 3)) have entered a very committed relationship. The low carb candy angle makes me feel like I am sneaking dessert past my own standards, which is honestly impressive. I keep these soft chewy twists around for movie night, and they somehow disappear faster than my motivation on a Monday. If you want a fruity licorice that tastes fun, packs easily, and does not come with artificial colors or flavors, this one is a little berry superstar. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Sugar Free Licorice Is Necessary

I believe sugar free licorice is necessary because it lets me enjoy a sweet treat without worrying as much about my sugar intake. When I want something flavorful and satisfying, it gives me a way to indulge while still making a healthier choice for my daily routine. That balance matters to me, especially when I’m trying to be more mindful about what I eat.

My experience has also shown me that sugar free licorice can be a better option for people who need to watch their blood sugar levels. It feels reassuring to have a snack that can fit into a more controlled diet without completely giving up the taste I enjoy. For me, that makes it practical, not just a “diet” version of candy.

I also appreciate that sugar free licorice helps me reduce extra sugar without feeling deprived. I can still enjoy a chewy, satisfying treat while supporting my health goals. In that way, it becomes more than just candy—it becomes a small but useful part of a more balanced lifestyle.

My Buying Guides on Sugar Free Licorice

What I Look for First

When I shop for sugar free licorice, the first thing I check is the sweetener used. I personally prefer products that use sugar alternatives I already know I tolerate well, such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. I also read the ingredient list carefully because some sugar free candies can still contain additives I try to avoid. If I want a better overall choice, I look for a short, simple ingredient list.

Texture and Flavor Matter to Me

For me, the best licorice is not just sugar free—it also has a good chew and a strong licorice flavor. Some brands taste too artificial or become sticky too quickly. I usually choose a product that has a firm but soft texture, since that feels closer to traditional licorice. If possible, I like to read reviews to see whether other buyers mention taste and consistency.

Checking the Sweetener Content

I always pay attention to how much sugar alcohol or alternative sweetener is in each serving. Even though the product is sugar free, too much of certain sweeteners can upset my stomach. I usually start with a small portion to see how my body reacts. This helps me enjoy the candy without discomfort.

Dietary Needs and Allergens

I make sure the licorice fits my dietary needs before buying it. Some sugar free licorice is gluten free, vegan, or made without artificial colors, which matters to me depending on the brand. I also check for allergen warnings if I have any sensitivities. This step saves me from buying something that looks good but does not work for my diet.

Portion Size and Packaging

I like to compare package sizes so I know whether I am getting good value. A larger bag may seem like a better deal, but I only buy it if I know I will finish it before it loses freshness. Resealable packaging is important to me because it helps keep the licorice soft and tasty after opening. I find that better packaging makes a big difference in overall satisfaction.

Price vs. Quality

When I compare sugar free licorice options, I do not just look at the lowest price. I think about flavor, texture, ingredients, and serving size together. Sometimes I pay a little more for a brand that tastes better and uses higher-quality ingredients. In my experience, that usually gives me better value in the long run.

My Final Tip

My best advice is to start with one small bag before committing to a larger order. That way, I can test the flavor, sweetness, and texture for myself. Once I find a brand I like, I feel more confident buying it again.

Final Thoughts

I think sugar free licorice can be a great option if I want to enjoy a sweet treat while keeping my sugar intake lower. My main takeaway is to check the ingredients, since some sugar free versions use sweeteners that may not agree with everyone. Overall, I see it as a tasty alternative that can fit into a more mindful snacking routine when enjoyed in moderation.

Author Profile

Megan Whitaker
Megan Whitaker
I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.

I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.

That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.