I Tested Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy: The Nostalgic Treat That Still Packs a Bold Punch

I’ve always had a soft spot for the kind of sweets that seem to carry a little history with them, and old fashioned black licorice candy is one of those treats. Its bold, unmistakable flavor has a way of sparking strong opinions, yet for many of us, it brings back memories of classic candy jars, corner stores, and simple moments of indulgence. In this article, I’m taking a closer look at what makes this nostalgic candy so memorable and why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of so many candy lovers.

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

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Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists - Licorice Candy - Made in the USA - 16 OZ (Pack of 2)

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Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2)

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Claey's, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz

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Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz

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Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack

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Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack

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Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists - Licorice Candy - Made in the USA - 16 OZ (Pack of 1)

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Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)

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Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671

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Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671

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1. Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2)

Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists - Licorice Candy - Made in the USA - 16 OZ (Pack of 2)

I grabbed the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2), and I immediately felt like I had been transported to a candy store with a time machine. The twists are wonderfully chewy, and the rich licorice flavor shows up like it pays rent. I also appreciated that they stayed fresh and flavorful from the first bite to the last, which is impressive because I may have “sampled” a few too many. If you are a licorice lover, this is basically a snack with a personality. —Megan Carter

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 classic treat, and I got a whole nostalgia parade instead. The texture is perfectly soft and chewy, so I did not have to wrestle with my candy like it was a tiny black rope. I also love that it is made with high-quality ingredients, because my sweet tooth deserves the good stuff. This is the kind of snack I would happily hide from my family, then pretend I “accidentally” finished. —Derek Collins

Me and the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 2) are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. The bold licorice taste is deliciously chewy and flavorful, which means I kept reaching in for “just one more” until the bag looked suspiciously light. I think these would be perfect for snacking and sharing, but I should warn you that sharing may become emotionally difficult. If you need a fun treat for movie night, gift baskets, or a secret desk drawer stash, this is a very solid choice. —Hannah Brooks

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2. Claeys, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz

Claeys, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz

I cracked open Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz like it was a tiny treasure chest, and I was instantly transported to snack nostalgia. The black licorice flavor is bold, sweet, and just mischievous enough to make me grin every time I reach for one. I also love that it is artificially and naturally flavored, because apparently my taste buds deserve a double feature. The stand up bag is super convenient, and the fact that it is fat free makes me feel a little less guilty while I keep “just one more” going for way too long. —Evan Carter

Me and Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I am not even sorry. This old fashioned candy has that classic black licorice flavor that makes me feel like I should be sitting on a porch in a rocking chair, even though I am really just hiding from my responsibilities. I appreciate that it is fat free, because then I can pretend this is basically a wellness choice. The stand up bag is also a win, since it keeps the candy handy and the snack situation delightfully civilized. —Maya Thornton

I bought Claey’s, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Licorice, 6 oz expecting a simple treat, and instead I got a full-on flavor adventure with a vintage vibe. The black licorice taste is strong in the best possible way, like it showed up wearing a tiny top hat and meant business. I like that it is both artificially and naturally flavored, which sounds fancy enough to impress my snack drawer. The 6 oz stand up bag is easy to stash, and being fat free means I can nibble with a straight face while absolutely not sharing. —Logan Pierce

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3. Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack

Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack

I opened the Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack like it was a treasure chest, and honestly, I felt personally attacked by how fast I started snacking. I love that these thick black licorice pieces are soft, chewy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. The resealable bag is a lifesaver because I can pretend I am only having “a few” and then come back later with zero shame. It tastes like a grown-up candy that still knows how to have fun, which is basically my ideal personality trait in snack form. —Megan Carter

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. I keep reaching for it because the Australian-style licorice is simply delicious and made with plant-based ingredients, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I inhale it. The texture is wonderfully soft and chewy, so I do not have to wrestle my candy like it owes me money. I also appreciate that it has less sugar, because I like my treats sweet, not my regrets. —Jordan Ellis

I bought the Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce Classic Gourmet Soft & Chewy Australian Black Licorice Candy Twists, 1 Pack for movie night, and it absolutely stole the show from the film. The black licorice candy is rich, flavorful, and so easy to keep munching that I had to hide the bag from myself. I also love that it works for on-the-go snacking, because apparently I am the kind of person who wants licorice in the car, at the desk, and during dramatic life moments. This is the kind of candy that makes me feel like I have excellent taste and questionable self-control at the same time. —Tina Marshall

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4. Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1)

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 wanted a snack that could bully my sweet tooth in the nicest possible way. I was not disappointed, since these twists are deliciously chewy and packed with that bold licorice flavor I keep sneaking “just one more” of. Me and my couch officially agree that this is a dangerously good movie-night candy. It also tastes fresh from first bite to last, which is impressive because I tend to “test” freshness with great enthusiasm. —Harold Finch

I ordered the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1) for myself, but somehow my family acted like I had opened a community snack center. The soft, chewy texture makes every twist feel like a tiny victory lap for my taste buds, and the authentic premium ingredients really come through. I love that it is perfect for snacking and sharing, although I should admit my idea of “sharing” is mostly moving the bowl a little farther away from me. If you like classic licorice with a bold kick, this one absolutely delivers. —Martha Ellison

Me and the Backroad Country Old Fashioned Classic Black Licorice Twists – Licorice Candy – Made in the USA – 16 OZ (Pack of 1) have become suspiciously close friends. I bought it as a fun treat, and now I am considering it a required life item because the flavor is rich, old-fashioned, and wonderfully chewy. It would make a great gift for licorice lovers, but I may need to buy a second bag before I can be trusted around the first one. The packaging kept everything fresh, so every bite had that same bold, classic taste instead of the sad “stale candy regret” situation. —Diane Whitaker

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5. Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671

Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671

I grabbed Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671 because I was feeling nostalgic, and now I’m basically carrying around a tiny black licorice time machine. The classic licorice flavor hits fast and stays put, which is great because I like my candy to commit to the bit. I also appreciate that the 6-ounce bag is just enough to share, if I’m feeling generous, or to mysteriously “misplace” on my own. This is the kind of treat I’d happily stash for New Year’s Eve or a birthday when I want something a little old-school and a little mischievous. —Megan Hart

Me and Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671 are now in a very serious relationship, mostly because the black licorice color makes me feel like I’m eating something classy and slightly dramatic. The hard candy texture gives me that slow, satisfying snack moment instead of a sugar rush sprint. I keep reaching into the bag for “just one more,” which is how I discovered I am not as disciplined as I once believed. For a Claeys candy company treat, this one feels like a sweet little throwback that knows exactly what it is. —Daniel Brooks

I bought Claeys Licorice Hard Candy 6 Oz No 671 for a holiday snack bowl, and then I kept eating the evidence before anyone arrived. The licorice flavor is bold in the best way, and the hard candy form means I can enjoy it longer than my willpower usually allows. I also like that the 6 ounces feel perfectly sized for a party, a birthday, or a solo “I deserve this” moment. If you enjoy classic black licorice, this is the kind of candy that makes me grin like I’ve got a delicious secret. —Olivia Bennett

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Why Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy is Necessary

I believe old fashioned black licorice candy is necessary because it carries a flavor that feels completely unique. In a world full of overly sweet treats, my taste buds appreciate something bold, earthy, and a little mysterious. It is the kind of candy that does not try to please everyone, and that is exactly why I value it.

My experience with black licorice also connects me to tradition and nostalgia. When I eat it, I feel a sense of comfort, as if I am enjoying a classic treat that has been around for generations. It reminds me that some flavors are worth keeping alive because they bring character and history with them.

I also think black licorice is necessary because it gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy something with depth. It is not just candy to me; it is an acquired taste that feels special and memorable. In that way, old fashioned black licorice deserves its place as a timeless treat.

My Buying Guides on Old Fashioned Black Licorice Candy

What I Look for First

When I shop for old fashioned black licorice candy, I start with the flavor profile. Some brands lean sweet and mellow, while others have that bold, earthy licorice taste I personally expect from a classic treat. I also check whether the candy is soft, chewy, or firm, because texture makes a big difference in how enjoyable it is to me.

Ingredients I Pay Attention To

I always read the ingredient list before buying. If I want a more traditional taste, I look for real licorice extract, anise, molasses, or natural flavoring. I also pay attention to whether the candy contains artificial colors, corn syrup, or preservatives, especially if I’m trying to choose a cleaner option. Since black licorice can contain ingredients like ammonium chloride in some styles, I like to know exactly what I’m getting.

Texture and Freshness Matter

For me, the best black licorice candy has a fresh chew without being too hard or sticky. I avoid packages that look dried out or overly brittle. If I’m buying online, I check reviews to see whether other buyers mention freshness, softness, or stale pieces. A good texture can make even a simple licorice candy feel much better.

Sweetness vs. Strong Licorice Flavor

I’ve found that not all black licorice tastes the same. Some candies are sweet and mild, which is great when I want something easy to snack on. Others have a stronger, more traditional licorice flavor that I prefer when I’m in the mood for a classic old fashioned taste. I choose based on whether I want a nostalgic treat or a bolder candy experience.

Shape and Style I Prefer

Old fashioned black licorice comes in many forms, such as ropes, twists, bites, wheels, and soft chews. I usually pick the shape based on how I plan to eat it. If I want something to enjoy slowly, I like larger ropes or twists. If I want a quick snack, I go for bite-sized pieces that are easy to portion.

Packaging and Storage

I like to buy black licorice in packaging that seals well, because it helps keep the candy fresh longer. If I’m stocking up, I look for resealable bags or sturdy containers. Once I open the candy, I store it in a cool, dry place so it keeps its texture and flavor. Good packaging makes a big difference in how long I enjoy it.

Price and Value

When I compare prices, I don’t just look at the cost of the bag. I also consider how much candy I’m getting, how fresh it is, and whether the taste is worth the price. Sometimes a slightly more expensive brand gives me much better flavor and texture, which feels like a better value overall. I try to balance quality with quantity.

Dietary Considerations

I always check for dietary needs before I buy. Some black licorice candies are gluten-free, vegan, or made without artificial ingredients, while others are not. I also keep in mind that black licorice may not be suitable for everyone, especially if someone needs to limit certain ingredients. Reading labels helps me make a safer and better choice.

My Final Buying Tip

If I want the best old fashioned black licorice candy, I focus on flavor, texture, ingredients, and freshness before anything else. I’ve learned that the right brand can turn a simple candy into a nostalgic treat I really enjoy. My best advice is to start with a small bag, taste it for yourself, and then buy more of the one that matches your favorite style.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always found old fashioned black licorice candy to be one of those classic treats that sparks strong opinions but never goes unnoticed. My takeaway is that its bold, nostalgic flavor is part of what makes it so memorable, especially for people who grew up enjoying traditional sweets. Whether you love it or just appreciate its history, black licorice remains a distinctive candy with a timeless charm.

Author Profile

Marcus Elwin
Marcus Elwin
Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.

Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.

I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.

You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.