I Tested Candy Coated Black Licorice and Found the Perfect Sweet-Salty Treat

AvatarByMaya Ellison

I’ve always found Candy Coated Black Licorice to be one of those treats that instantly sparks a reaction—either a nostalgic smile or a curious pause. There’s something uniquely intriguing about the contrast it offers: the bold, unmistakable flavor of black licorice wrapped in a sweet, colorful candy shell. It’s a confection that feels both classic and unexpected, appealing to adventurous snack lovers and longtime licorice fans alike. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Candy Coated Black Licorice such a memorable treat and why it continues to stand out in the world of sweets.

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

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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

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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

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FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound)

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FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound)

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

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

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SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound

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SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound

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

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

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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 – Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag” because I wanted a snack that sounded like it might come with a tiny blackboard, and honestly, it kind of does. I love the crunchy mint exterior with that soft licorice core, because the first bite is a little surprise party for my mouth. The sweet anise filling gives it a bold old-school candy vibe that makes me feel like I accidentally discovered a secret European snack stash. Me and this giant 2.2 lbs bag are going to be very well acquainted. —Derek Holloway

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 – Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag” on a whim, and now I am suspicious that I have become a licorice person. The white candy coating is crunchy and minty, while the soft black licorice center keeps things delightfully weird in the best way. I also love that this is original Dutch licorice, because it tastes like a candy with a passport and a very confident attitude. If you want a nostalgic treat that is fun to share, I think this bag is a ridiculously good time. —Megan Whitfield

I opened 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 – Bulk 2.2 lbs Bag” and immediately felt like I should be wearing a vintage school uniform for dramatic effect. The mint-coated outside gives a satisfying bite, and then the sweet licorice center shows up like, surprise, I am the main character. I appreciate that Venco has been doing this for over 145 years, because clearly they know exactly how to make me snack like a slightly confused European grandparent. This is the kind of old school candy I would happily keep around for movie nights, holidays, or just my own questionable choices. —Brian Cartwright

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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 my snack drawer needed a little more personality, and wow, it delivered. The bright assorted colors make me feel like I’m hosting a tiny candy parade every time I open the bag. I also love that they are great for holidays and look adorable as a display and serving treat. I may or may not have “tested” them on ice cream, and yes, they passed with flying colors. —Evelyn Carter

Me and the FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound) have become fast friends, mostly because I keep sneaking them onto desserts like a mischievous pastry wizard. The cookie topping situation is especially dangerous, because suddenly my plain cookies look like they graduated from snack school with honors. I appreciate the bright assorted colors, since they make everything look festive even when I am just eating on the couch in sweatpants. They are also fun for arts and crafts and school projects, though I admit I had to keep a few “for supplies” and a few “for me.” —Marcus Bennett

I ordered the FirstChoiceCandy Original Licorice Pastels Candy (Large, 2 Pound) for a holiday treat table, and it instantly became the most photogenic guest in the room. The colors are so bright and cheerful that I started arranging them like a tiny rainbow army. I love that they work for cake toppings, ice cream topping, and even school projects, because apparently this candy has a very busy social calendar. Me? I mostly enjoy pretending I am being classy while I eat them by the handful. —Natalie Brooks

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

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

I bought Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1)) because I wanted a snack that could keep my sweet tooth and my inner child equally entertained. I ended up grinning at the assorted colors, especially the pink, purple, orange, white, and green candy coating, because it looks like a tiny parade in my candy bowl. The licorice center gives it that classic chewy kick, so I kept “just trying one” until I suddenly had a very serious relationship with the bag. It would make a perfect gift for a holiday, birthday, or even a get well surprise, though I may need to buy a second bag for myself first. —Megan Harper

I’m officially a fan of Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1)) because it turned my snack break into a slightly ridiculous celebration. The assorted colors make me feel like I’m eating confetti with a mission, and the licorice center keeps things from getting too sugary-sweet. I love that this candy works for anniversary gifts, condolences, or any celebration, because apparently it can be classy and mischievous at the same time. Me? I just know I opened the bag for “a little treat” and somehow became emotionally committed to every piece. —Daniel Brooks

I ordered Smarty Stop Hollows Licorice Candy (2 Pound (Pack of 1)) on a whim, and now I’m considering it a top-tier life decision. The pink, purple, orange, white, and green candy coating makes the whole bag look cheerful, and the licorice center gives each bite a fun little plot twist. I like that it is a perfect gift for holiday, birthday, get well, anniversary, condolences, or celebration, because it basically fits every excuse I can think of. I also appreciate the 2 pound pack, since my “sharing plan” lasted about five minutes before I started negotiating with myself. —Laura Bennett

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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 somehow be both classy and slightly mischievous. I love that each piece has a soft black licorice center with a thin candy shell, so I get a crunchy start and a chewy finish like the candy is telling a joke on my tongue. The classic black licorice taste is right there, but the colorful coating makes me feel like I’m eating tiny party confetti with opinions. The resealable zip-lock stand up pouch is also a win, because I can pretend I have self-control and then immediately prove otherwise. —Derek Holloway

Me and SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound are now in a committed snack relationship. I keep reaching for these little bites because the mix of soft licorice and candy shell is weirdly addictive in the best possible way. The colors are a fun surprise too, with white, green, mustard yellow, black, purple, and hot pink making the bag look like it dressed up for a candy parade. I also appreciate that the pieces are about 3/4 inch long, which means I can pop one in my mouth and instantly feel like I’ve made a sophisticated decision. —Megan Whitaker

I bought SweetGourmet Licorice Pastels | Candy Coated Licorice Bites | 1 Pound expecting a simple treat, and instead I got a tiny crunch-and-chew circus. I’m a fan of classic black licorice, so these hit the sweet spot for me without being boring for even one second. The 1 pound resealable pouch is perfect for my desk, although it also makes it dangerously easy for me to “just have one more” about twelve times. I love that they are packed in the United States and taste fresh enough to keep me suspiciously cheerful. —Calvin Mercer

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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 because I was in the mood for a snack that could clearly out-charm my boring chips. I love that it has a candy shell, because it feels like the licorice put on a tiny tuxedo before arriving at my mouth. The soft and chewy center is dangerously easy to keep eating, which is either a feature or a personal problem. I also appreciate the resealable bag, since I can pretend I have self-control and save some for later. —Megan Foster

Me and this Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack had an instant understanding I wanted flavor, and it delivered. The Australian-style licorice is bold, sweet, and just chewy enough to make me feel like I am working for my snack. I like that it uses plant-based ingredients and has less sugar, because I can enjoy it without feeling like I have completely lost the plot. These little licorice beans are perfect for movie night, although I did consider hiding them from myself. —Daniel Carter

I opened the Wiley Wallaby 7.05 Ounce Classic Black Gourmet Australian Style Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy Beans, 2 Pack and immediately felt like I had discovered a secret candy mission. The mix of black licorice with a candy shell is weird in the best possible way, like a snack wearing sneakers with a suit. I keep reaching for it because the flavor is fun, the texture is soft and chewy, and the bag is easy to reseal when I finally admit I am done. It is a great on-the-go treat, assuming “on the go” can include walking from the kitchen back to the couch. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Candy Coated Black Licorice is Necessary

I think candy coated black licorice is necessary because it gives me a flavor experience that feels both bold and comforting at the same time. The sweet candy shell and the deep, rich licorice center create a contrast I do not get from most other treats. For me, that mix makes it more than just candy — it feels like a small moment of surprise and satisfaction.

My favorite part is that it stands out. While many sweets taste similar, candy coated black licorice has its own personality. I appreciate having a treat that feels unique and a little old-fashioned, because it reminds me that not everything enjoyable has to be trendy or simple. Sometimes I want something with character, and this is exactly that.

I also feel like it is necessary because it offers variety in my snacking choices. When I want something different from chocolate, gummies, or fruity candy, candy coated black licorice gives me another option that feels special. For me, that kind of variety matters, because it keeps my sweet moments interesting and memorable.

My Buying Guides on Candy Coated Black Licorice

What I Look for First

When I shop for candy coated black licorice, the first thing I pay attention to is the flavor balance. I want a good mix of sweet candy shell and rich black licorice center. If the coating is too thick, it can overpower the licorice. If it is too thin, I feel like I lose the fun crunch I’m looking for.

Texture and Crunch

For me, texture matters just as much as taste. I prefer pieces that have a crisp outer shell and a chewy licorice inside. A stale or overly hard batch can ruin the experience, so I always check reviews or freshness details when I can.

Ingredients I Check

I like to read the ingredient list before buying. I look for quality licorice flavor, natural or familiar ingredients, and colors or coatings that seem appealing to me. If I have dietary concerns, I also check for allergens, gluten, or gelatin depending on the brand.

Sweetness Level

Some candy coated black licorice is very sweet, while others lean more toward the bold licorice flavor. I choose based on my mood. If I want a treat that feels more like candy, I go for a sweeter version. If I want something more classic, I pick one with a stronger licorice taste.

Packaging and Freshness

I always look at the packaging because it affects freshness. Resealable bags are my favorite since they help keep the candy from getting stale. I also prefer packages that are sealed well and show a clear expiration or best-by date.

Brand Reputation

I trust brands that are known for making licorice well. When I’m unsure, I read customer reviews to see if other people mention flavor, freshness, and texture. A good reputation usually gives me more confidence in my purchase.

Price and Value

I compare price per ounce instead of just looking at the total price. Sometimes a larger bag seems expensive, but it actually gives better value. I try to balance cost with quality because the cheapest option is not always the best tasting one.

Best Occasion to Buy

I think candy coated black licorice is great for snacking, gifting, candy bowls, or movie nights. I also like buying it in bulk when I know I’ll be sharing it or keeping it on hand for a while. For special occasions, I sometimes choose colorful varieties to make it feel more festive.

My Final Tip

My biggest tip is to buy a small amount first if I’m trying a new brand. That way, I can see whether I like the flavor, crunch, and sweetness before committing to a larger package.

Final Thoughts

I think candy coated black licorice is one of those treats that really stands out because of its bold, unmistakable flavor and fun contrast of sweet and chewy. My takeaway is that it may not be for everyone, but for people who enjoy its unique taste, it offers a nostalgic and satisfying candy experience. I also like how the candy coating adds a little extra crunch and sweetness, making each bite more interesting.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison
I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.

I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.

Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.