What Does Licorice Taste Like: Bittersweet Truth Revealed

Licorice has a distinctive bittersweet flavor profile dominated by a strong anise-like sweetness with earthy undertones, followed by a lingering salty aftertaste that divides palates worldwide—approximately 20% of people genetically perceive it as intensely bitter rather than sweet.

If you've ever wondered what does licorice taste like but hesitated to try it, you're not alone. This polarizing flavor has passionate devotees and equally passionate detractors. Understanding exactly what to expect can help you decide whether to give it a chance or avoid it completely.

The Science Behind Licorice's Unique Flavor Profile

Real licorice derives its distinctive taste from glycyrrhizin, a compound found in the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. This natural sweetener is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar but with a complex flavor journey:

• Initial impression: Intense sweetness reminiscent of anise or fennel
• Middle notes: Earthy, woody undertones with subtle medicinal qualities
• Aftertaste: Salty, slightly bitter finish that lingers on the palate

According to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, glycyrrhizin activates both sweet and bitter taste receptors simultaneously, explaining why some people experience licorice as predominantly sweet while others perceive overwhelming bitterness. This genetic variation in TAS2R38 receptors affects approximately 1 in 5 people—making licorice one of the most genetically divisive flavors.

Real Licorice vs. Licorice-Flavored Products: A Critical Distinction

Most Americans have never actually tasted real licorice. What's commonly sold as "licorice" in the US typically contains anise oil rather than genuine licorice root extract. This crucial difference explains why European visitors often express confusion when trying American "licorice" candies.

Characteristic	Real Licorice (European)	Licorice-Flavored (American)
Primary Flavor Compound	Glycyrrhizin (from licorice root)	Anethole (from anise)
Sweetness Level	Moderate with bitter aftertaste	Consistently sweet
Aftertaste	Distinctly salty/bitter	Clean, sweet finish
Texture	Chewy with fibrous quality	Smooth, uniform chew

Why Licorice Creates Such Strong Reactions

The extreme polarization around licorice taste isn't just preference—it's biochemical. A 2022 study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center revealed that people with certain genetic markers perceive glycyrrhizin as intensely bitter at concentrations where others detect only sweetness. This explains why:

• Northern Europeans typically enjoy salty licorice (salmiakki) while Americans often find it unpalatable
• Some people describe licorice as "tasting like medicine" while others compare it to sophisticated gourmet candy
• Cultural exposure plays a significant role in developing a taste for licorice

Interestingly, the European Food Safety Authority notes that genuine licorice consumption should be limited to 100mg of glycyrrhizin daily for most adults, explaining why traditional licorice candies contain regulated amounts of the active compound.

Describing Licorice to First-Time Tasters

If you've never experienced licorice, imagine this flavor progression:

1. First contact: Immediate sweet sensation similar to anise or star anise
2. 3-5 seconds in: Earthy, woody notes emerge with subtle tobacco-like qualities
3. 10 seconds in: Salty undertones develop, particularly in European varieties
4. After swallowing: Lingering bittersweet aftertaste that can last several minutes

Food scientists at UC Davis describe authentic licorice as having "a flavor arc that evolves over time, unlike most candies that deliver a single-note sweetness." This complexity makes it particularly challenging to describe using conventional flavor references.

Common Misconceptions About Licorice Flavor

Several persistent myths cloud understanding of licorice's true taste:

• Myth: All black candy is licorice
  Reality: Most black candies in America use anise oil, not actual licorice root
• Myth: Licorice tastes like root beer
  Reality: Traditional root beer uses sassafras, not licorice, though some modern versions include both
• Myth: Licorice is always sweet
  Reality: Authentic licorice has a complex profile with significant bitter and salty components

When exploring licorice for the first time, start with small amounts of authentic European licorice to experience the genuine flavor profile before deciding whether you enjoy what does licorice taste like in its purest form.

Is real licorice the same as what's sold in American candy stores?

No, most American 'licorice' candies contain anise oil rather than actual licorice root extract. Real licorice has a more complex bittersweet profile with earthy notes, while American versions are consistently sweet with a simpler anise flavor.

Why do some people hate licorice while others love it?

Genetic differences affect how people perceive glycyrrhizin, licorice's primary compound. Approximately 20% of people have taste receptors that register it as intensely bitter rather than sweet, creating a fundamental biological reason for the strong polarization in preferences.

Does licorice really taste salty?

Authentic European licorice, particularly varieties like salmiakki, contains ammonium chloride which creates a distinctive salty flavor component. This is completely different from American licorice candies which are purely sweet without salty notes.

How would you describe licorice flavor to someone who's never tried it?

Imagine the sweet anise flavor of star anise or fennel combined with earthy tobacco notes, followed by a salty-bitter aftertaste that lingers. It's a complex flavor journey rather than a single-note sweetness like most candies.