
Australian licorice is a unique variety of the candy that differs from those made in the United States and the UK. It is known for its soft, chewy texture and strong flavour. Australian licorice comes in solid pieces, usually in bite-sized chunks, with a slight twist and distinctive ridges. Its flavour is derived from licorice extract and aniseed oil, with a hint of a smoky, earthy taste from the wheat flour and molasses used in its production. The candy's history in Australia dates back to the influx of British, Irish, German and other European settlers during the Australian gold rush in 1851, who brought with them their love of sweets and licorice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Soft, chewy, thick |
| Flavor | Licorice, strawberry, green apple, mango, pomegranate, pineapple |
| Nutritional value | Cholesterol-free, nearly sodium-free, almost fat-free, 140-120 calories per 11 pieces |
| Ingredients | Sugar, wheat flour, wheat glucose syrup, water, treacle, modified food starch, cane sugar, palm oil, citric acid, mono & diglycerides, salt, licorice extract, red 40, sodium bicarbonate |
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What You'll Learn
- Australian licorice is made with licorice extract and aniseed oil
- It has a soft, chewy texture and comes in bite-sized pieces
- It is less sweet and stronger in licorice flavour than American licorice
- Australian red licorice is strawberry-flavoured and does not taste like licorice
- The confectionery's history in Australia dates back to the late 1700s when British settlers brought their love of sweets and licorice

Australian licorice is made with licorice extract and aniseed oil
Australian licorice is a unique variety of the confectionery that differs from the licorice made in the United States. It is known for its soft, chewy texture and its distinctive licorice flavour. Unlike the long and slender licorice strings, Australian licorice comes in solid pieces that are bite-sized and have a slight twist to them. The centre of this variety of licorice is solid, soft and chewy, unlike the hollow centre found in other varieties.
The distinct flavour of Australian licorice is derived from licorice extract and aniseed oil. The combination of wheat flour and molasses used in its making also lends a hint of a smoky, earthy flavour to the candy. This variety of licorice is less sweet and has a stronger flavour than most American-made varieties. It is also cholesterol-free, nearly sodium-free and almost fat-free.
The history of licorice in Australia can be traced back to the late 1700s when the British started a program of penal transportation to the country. This was followed by the immigration of skilled labourers and the Australian gold rush in 1851, which brought large numbers of British, Irish, German and other European settlers to the continent. These immigrants brought with them their love of sweets and licorice, which led to the establishment of several confectionery companies in Australia, including MacRobertson's, the country's biggest and most influential candy company, founded in 1880.
Over time, Australian licorice has gained popularity, even prompting several American ventures to sell Australian-style licorice under Aussie-sounding brand names. Australian licorice is now widely available in the United States, and people who like licorice often prefer it over major US brands.
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It has a soft, chewy texture and comes in bite-sized pieces
Australian licorice is known for its soft, chewy texture and comes in bite-sized pieces. Unlike licorice made in the United States, which is typically long and slender, Australian licorice comes in solid pieces that are easy to pop into your mouth. Some people find the pieces to be the perfect bite size, while others prefer to cut them in half before enjoying them.
The soft, chewy texture of Australian licorice is a result of its unique composition. Unlike American licorice, which is often flavoured with anise extract, Australian licorice derives its distinctive licorice flavour from licorice extract and aniseed oil. The combination of wheat flour and molasses in the recipe gives Australian licorice a hint of a smoky, earthy flavour that complements the licorice taste.
In addition to its flavour, the texture of Australian licorice sets it apart from other varieties. It has a soft, pillowy consistency that melts in your mouth. This "soft-eating" quality, as some have described it, makes Australian licorice a delightful treat for people of all ages. The chewiness of the licorice also provides stress-relieving benefits, making it a popular choice for both adults and children.
The bite-sized pieces of Australian licorice are often described as oblong-shaped chunks. Each piece has distinctive ridges and a slight twist, adding to its unique appearance. The solid centre of the licorice contributes to its chewy texture, making it a satisfying snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
Australian licorice is a beloved treat not only in Australia but also around the world. Its soft, chewy texture and bite-sized pieces make it a convenient and enjoyable snack for licorice enthusiasts everywhere. With its rich flavour and unique texture, Australian licorice has earned its place as a favourite among licorice lovers.
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It is less sweet and stronger in licorice flavour than American licorice
Australian licorice is distinct from American licorice in terms of appearance, texture, and flavour. Unlike the long and slender American licorice strings, Australian licorice comes in solid pieces that are often bite-sized. These pieces have a unique shape with distinctive ridges and a slight twist.
The texture of Australian licorice is also different from its American counterpart. It has a soft, chewy centre, rather than a hollow one. This soft texture has been described as "pillowy" and "smooth". Some people even refer to it as "soft-eating".
In terms of flavour, Australian licorice has a stronger licorice taste derived from licorice extract and aniseed oil. It also has a hint of a smoky, earthy flavour that comes from the combination of wheat flour and molasses used in its production. This gives Australian licorice a richer overall flavour than other types of licorice.
The difference in flavour between Australian and American licorice can be attributed to the ingredients used. American licorice is often flavoured with anise extract rather than licorice root, resulting in a less intense licorice flavour. Australian licorice, on the other hand, contains licorice extract, giving it a stronger licorice taste.
The preference for Australian licorice among licorice enthusiasts can be attributed to its softer texture and more intense flavour profile. Its unique characteristics make it stand out from the major American brands.
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Australian red licorice is strawberry-flavoured and does not taste like licorice
Australian licorice, in general, differs from licorice made in the United States in terms of appearance, texture, and flavour. Unlike the long and slender licorice strings, Australian licorice comes in solid, bite-sized pieces with distinctive ridges and a slight twist. It has a soft, chewy centre, derived from licorice extract and aniseed oil, and a hint of a smoky, earthy flavour from the wheat flour and molasses used in its production.
The history of licorice in Australia can be traced back to the late 1700s when the British began a program of penal transportation to the continent. This was followed by the encouragement of skilled labourer immigration and the Australian gold rush in 1851, resulting in a significant number of British, Irish, German, and other European settlers in Australia. These immigrants brought with them their love of sweets and licorice, influencing the development of the confectionery industry in Australia.
Today, Australian licorice is known for its unique taste and soft, chewy texture. It is often described as softer, less sweet, and stronger in licorice flavour than American-made varieties. Australian-style licorice has gained popularity, with some American companies even adopting Australian-sounding brand names to sell similar products.
Overall, Australian red licorice offers a distinct strawberry flavour that sets it apart from traditional licorice, making it a tasty treat for those who prefer fruity flavours over the classic licorice taste.
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The confectionery's history in Australia dates back to the late 1700s when British settlers brought their love of sweets and licorice
Two of Australia's largest confectionery manufacturers, MacRobertson's and Allen's, have their roots in the Victorian era. MacRobertson's, founded in 1880 by Sir Macpherson Robertson, became the biggest and most influential Australian candy company. Allen's, founded by Alfred Weaver Allen in 1891, created a significant business through mergers with other manufacturers. Both companies were known for making various types of candy, including licorice.
Australian licorice differs from American licorice in appearance, texture, and flavour. Instead of long and slender strings, Australian licorice comes in solid, bite-sized pieces with distinctive ridges and a slight twist. It has a soft, chewy centre, derived from licorice extract and aniseed oil, and a hint of a smoky, earthy flavour from wheat flour and molasses. It is less sweet and has a stronger licorice flavour than American varieties.
Australian licorice is often found in the imported candies section, and its unique style and taste have gained popularity in the United States. Its soft texture and rich flavour have made it a preferred choice for licorice lovers, transcending borders and growing in popularity worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian licorice is made of licorice extract, aniseed oil, wheat flour, molasses, and sugar.
Australian licorice comes in solid pieces, usually bite-sized, with a soft and chewy texture.
Australian licorice has a distinctive licorice flavor that is stronger and less sweet than American licorice. It also has a hint of a smoky, earthy flavor.
Yes, red licorice does not taste like licorice. It usually has a strawberry flavor.
Darrell Lea and Kookaburra are popular brands of Australian licorice.











































