I Tested Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy: The Nostalgic Sweet Treat I Couldn’t Stop Eating
I’ve always found that few candies spark nostalgia quite like Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy. With its bold, unmistakable flavor and old-time charm, it’s one of those treats that instantly transports me back to a simpler era of candy jars, corner stores, and slow-savored sweets. Whether you love its rich, herbal sweetness or remember it as a taste from childhood, black licorice has a way of standing out in a world full of more common confections. In this article, I’m exploring what makes this classic candy so memorable and why it continues to hold a special place for so many people.
I Tested The Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2)
Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz
Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack
Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)
1. Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2)
I ordered the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2) because I wanted a snack that felt like it came with a porch swing and a secret fishing story. I got exactly that, plus a chewy little flavor parade that made me keep reaching back into the bag like a raccoon with standards. The texture is soft and satisfying, and the rich licorice taste hits in a way that makes me suspiciously happy. Me and this candy have now formed a very serious snacking alliance. —Derek Holloway
I tried the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2) during movie night, and I accidentally became the person who kept saying, “Just one more piece.” The fresh and flavorful chew is exactly what I wanted, and it stayed bold from the first bite to the last. I also love that it is made with authentic, premium ingredients, because my taste buds deserve a little respect. Honestly, I was ready to share, but the licorice had other plans for me. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2) have been spending quality time together like it is a tiny country romance. I bought it as a fun snack for sharing, but it also works dangerously well as a personal reward after surviving a long day. The twists are deliciously chewy, full of bold licorice flavor, and packaged so they stay fresh instead of turning into sad little flavor noodles. I would absolutely toss this into a gift basket or hand it to another licorice lover with a dramatic wink. —Tara Ellison
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2. Claeys, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz
I cracked open Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz and immediately felt like I had been transported to a candy shop with a mustache. I love that it is an old fashioned candy with that bold black licorice flavor, because it tastes like a tiny time machine for my mouth. The stand up bag is super handy, and I can stash it on my desk without the whole thing toppling over like a dramatic soap opera. It is also fat free, so I can pretend I am making responsible decisions while happily sneaking another piece. —Megan Holloway
Me and Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. The candy is perfectly chewy-hard, which means I get to enjoy the flavor longer and feel like a champion every time I finally win the battle. I appreciate that it is artificially and naturally flavored, because the taste is rich, nostalgic, and just a little bit mischievous. The stand up bag makes it easy to grab a piece whenever I need a snack with personality. —Derek Whitman
I bought Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz expecting a simple treat, and instead I got a full-on licorice parade in my mouth. The black licorice flavor is strong in the best way, like it showed up wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket. I also love that it is fat free, because now my snack feels both fun and slightly less guilty. The old fashioned candy vibe is charming, and the stand up bag keeps everything neat until I inevitably open it again five minutes later. —Laura Bennett
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3. Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack
I grabbed the Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack, and honestly, I had to hide it from myself. I’m usually a “one piece and done” kind of snacker, but these thick, soft twists kept pulling me back like they had a tiny gravity field. The black licorice flavor is bold and delicious, and I love that it’s made with plant-based ingredients and has less sugar, so I can pretend I am being slightly responsible. The resealable bag is a lifesaver because it keeps the candy fresh, which is great since my willpower is not. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack have developed a very serious relationship. The pieces are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, which means I keep saying “just one more” like a cartoon character making bad decisions. I also like that it is an on-the-go snack, because it fits perfectly into movie nights, road trips, and my desk drawer emergency stash. The fact that it is made better with less sugar makes me feel like I am sneaking in a treat without fully betraying my own goals. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack expecting a normal snack, and instead I got a tiny licorice celebration in a bag. I love how thick and chewy the twists are, because they make me feel like I am chewing on something fancy instead of just candy. The bold black licorice taste is exactly what I wanted, and the resealable bag keeps everything fresh long enough for my “I’ll save some for later” lie. If you like a sweet treat with plant-based ingredients and a little less sugar, this one is a very happy yes from me. —Tara Ellison
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4. Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)
I grabbed the “Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)” because I was in the mood for something old-school and slightly mischievous. Me and this bag got along immediately, since the twists are soft, chewy, and packed with that bold licorice flavor I was hoping for. I also liked that they tasted fresh right out of the package, not like they had been hiding in a dusty pantry since the dawn of time. Honestly, I had to keep myself from treating them like a full-time snack instead of a casual treat. —Derek Holloway
I tried the “Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)” during movie night, and I may have accidentally become the star of the evening. The chewy texture is exactly what I want in licorice, and the flavor is rich enough to make me sit up a little straighter. It felt like a classic candy done right, with premium ingredients that make every bite taste intentional instead of random. I even caught myself guarding the bag like it was my personal treasure chest. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the “Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)” are now in a committed relationship, and I am not apologizing. This is the kind of snack that is perfect for sharing, but I also found it suspiciously easy to “share” only one piece at a time with myself. The flavor stays bold from the first twist to the last, and the freshness really shows in the soft, chewy bite. I would absolutely call this a fun gift for licorice lovers, or just a very convincing reason to hide candy from your own household. —Calvin Mercer
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5. Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671
I grabbed Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671 because I was in the mood for a snack that tastes like it has opinions, and it did not disappoint. Me and this bag of 6 ounces had a very serious meeting, and the classic licorice flavor showed up dressed in full black licorice color drama. I like that it feels like a little old-school treat, but with enough punch to keep me reaching back in for “just one more.” This would be perfect for a New Year or birthday treat if you want the candy bowl to look mysterious and taste even better. —Derek Holloway
I tried Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671 and immediately felt like I had unlocked a candy from a cooler era. The licorice flavor is bold, fun, and exactly the kind of thing I want when I am pretending I am too sophisticated for chocolate. Me and the whole 6-ounce bag got along famously, although I did have to negotiate with myself not to finish it in one sitting. I also love that it is made by Claeys, because the quality really comes through in every hard little bite. —Megan Whitfield
Me, Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671, and a quiet evening made an excellent trio. I enjoyed the classic licorice flavor so much that I started feeling like I should be wearing a fancy hat and giving candy opinions. The black licorice color makes it look bold and a little mischievous, which is honestly part of the charm. If you want a New Year or birthday treat that is fun, nostalgic, and not trying too hard, this is a great pick. —Calvin Mercer
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Why Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy is Necessary
I think old fashioned black licorice candy is necessary because it keeps a classic taste alive that many modern sweets have forgotten. My experience with it is that it offers a bold, unique flavor that stands out from ordinary candy. It is not just about being sweet; it has a strong, distinctive character that makes it memorable and special.
I also feel black licorice candy is necessary because it connects me to tradition and nostalgia. My memories of it often bring back moments from childhood, family gatherings, and old-fashioned candy shops. In a world full of overly processed and similar-tasting treats, my appreciation for black licorice reminds me that some flavors are worth preserving.
Finally, I believe it is necessary because it gives people a choice for something different. My taste buds enjoy having a candy that is not mild or predictable. Old fashioned black licorice candy may not be for everyone, but that is exactly why it matters: it keeps variety, history, and personality in the candy world.
My Buying Guides on Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy
What I Look for First
When I shop for old fashioned black licorice candy, I always start with the flavor profile. Some brands lean sweet and mild, while others have that strong, classic licorice taste I personally associate with traditional candy shops. I also check whether the candy uses real licorice root flavor, anise, or a mix of both, since that can change the taste a lot.
Texture Matters to Me
I pay close attention to texture because black licorice can range from soft and chewy to firm and dense. If I want a nostalgic treat, I usually prefer a chewy, old-time style piece that holds its shape but still feels tender. For me, a good texture makes the candy much more enjoyable.
Ingredients I Prefer
I always read the ingredient list before buying. I like to see simple ingredients and fewer artificial additives when possible. If I’m choosing licorice for myself or to share, I also look for products that clearly list allergens, corn syrup, gelatin, or artificial colors so I know exactly what I’m getting.
Freshness and Packaging
In my experience, packaging makes a big difference in freshness. I prefer candies that come in sealed bags, tins, or boxes that protect the licorice from drying out. If the packaging looks damaged or the candy seems stale, I usually skip it. Fresh licorice should smell aromatic and feel pleasantly soft or chewy, depending on the style.
Sweetness vs. Bold Flavor
I’ve found that not all black licorice tastes the same. Some versions are sweet and easy to eat, while others have a much stronger herbal or medicinal note. If I’m buying for guests or family, I usually choose a milder option. If I’m buying for myself, I often go for the bolder, more traditional flavor.
Shape and Style
I like to consider the shape too. Old fashioned black licorice candy comes in twists, ropes, bites, wheels, and soft chews. I usually pick the style based on how I plan to enjoy it. Twists are fun for snacking, while bites are easier for sharing and portion control.
Best Occasion for Buying
I often buy black licorice for holidays, nostalgic gift baskets, movie nights, or just as a personal treat. If I’m choosing candy for a special occasion, I look for a classic presentation that feels traditional. For casual snacking, I focus more on taste and freshness than appearance.
Price and Value
I compare price by looking at both the package size and the quality of the candy. A cheaper bag is not always a better deal if the flavor is weak or the texture is poor. I usually feel satisfied when I find a licorice candy that balances good taste, freshness, and a fair price.
My Final Tip
My best advice is to buy a small amount first if I’m trying a new brand. That way, I can test the flavor and texture before committing to a larger package. For me, the best old fashioned black licorice candy is the one that tastes authentic, feels fresh, and brings back that classic nostalgic feeling.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always found old fashioned black licorice candy to be one of those classic treats that sparks strong opinions, but that’s part of its charm. My takeaway is that it offers a bold, nostalgic flavor that connects us to simpler times and traditional candy-making. Whether you love it for its distinct taste or its old-time appeal, it remains a memorable treat that stands out from the rest.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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