By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
8.6PM Score
Products Evaluated
4
Reviews Analyzed
1,068
Brands Ranked
3
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Mint licorice is a polarizing yet deeply satisfying confectionery niche that bridges the gap between a refreshing palate cleanser and a decadent treat. Unlike standard fruit-flavored candies, mint licorice relies on a sophisticated interplay between the deep, earthy notes of anise or fennel and the sharp, cooling sensation of peppermint or spearmint. For the uninitiated, it can be an intense experience, but for enthusiasts, it is a nuanced candy that offers a complex sensory profile. Whether you are looking for a hard candy to stave off breath issues or a chewy, artisanal piece to enjoy with a cup of tea, choosing the right variety requires an understanding of texture, peppermint intensity, and the base licorice composition.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Mint Licorice
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
Sugar-Free Fruit Hard Candy, Individually Wrapped Fruit Flavored Kosher Certified Parve - Hard Candy!
A Sugar-Free Hard Candy in the Choice of Your Flavor: Banana, Blueberry, Butter Rum, Butterscotch, Cherry, Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Cinnamon, Creamy Coconut, Coffee, Grapefruit, Grape, Green Apple, Lemon, Lemon Lime, Licorice, Mango, Orange, Peach, Icy Peppermint, Pina Colada, Pineapple, Raspberry, Root Beer, Spearmint, Strawberry., Watermelon, Wintergreen.
This candy is made with sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that is metabolized by the human body slower than other sugars. Sorbitol comes from fruits such as Peaches, Prunes, Pears and Apples and has been thoroughly tested & widely used for over 100 Years.
Gluten-free, Naturally Sweetened, Zero Net Carbs, No Aftertaste - Sugar-Free Candy is a Great Alternative for Candy Lovers Who are Watching their Sugar Intake.
Great Value! Choose Between our 1/2 Lbs, 1LB, 2LB, or 5 Pound Bulk Options!
Can you actually enjoy a sweet, nostalgic treat without the inevitable sugar crash? Fruidles has managed to solve this dilemma with their mango-flavored hard candy buttons. Unlike many sugar-free alternatives that leave a medicinal coating on your tongue, these suckers use sorbitol to deliver a clean, natural sweetness that avoids that dreaded artificial aftertaste. The mango flavor is bright and punchy, making it a legitimate substitute for traditional candy. Since they are individually wrapped, they are incredibly convenient for keeping in a desk drawer or a bag. They are gluten-free, Kosher certified Parve, and feature zero net carbs, which makes them a smart choice for anyone monitoring their glucose levels without sacrificing the simple joy of a fruit candy.
Sugar-Free Fruit Hard Candy, Individually Wrapped Fruit Flavored Kosher Certified Parve - Hard Candy!
A Sugar-Free Hard Candy in the Choice of Your Flavor: Banana, Blueberry, Butter Rum, Butterscotch, Cherry, Chocolate, Chocolate Mint, Cinnamon, Creamy Coconut, Coffee, Grapefruit, Grape, Green Apple, Lemon, Lemon Lime, Licorice, Mango, Orange, Peach, Icy Peppermint, Pina Colada, Pineapple, Raspberry, Root Beer, Spearmint, Strawberry., Watermelon, Wintergreen.
This candy is made with sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that is metabolized by the human body slower than other sugars. Sorbitol comes from fruits such as Peaches, Prunes, Pears and Apples and has been thoroughly tested & widely used for over 100 Years.
Gluten-free, Naturally Sweetened, Zero Net Carbs, No Aftertaste - Sugar-Free Candy is a Great Alternative for Candy Lovers Who are Watching their Sugar Intake.
Great Value! Choose Between our 1/2 Lbs, 1LB, 2LB, or 5 Pound Bulk Options!
A sudden burst of tropical pineapple and creamy coconut hits your palate the moment this Pina Colada button begins to dissolve. Finding a sugar-free treat that avoids that medicinal, artificial aftertaste is usually a struggle, but Fruidles managed to nail the flavor profile here. These mini hard candy suckers use sorbitol to provide a slow-metabolized sweetness, making them a smart choice for anyone watching their carb intake or managing sugar levels. Each piece comes individually wrapped, which is perfect for keeping them fresh in a desk drawer or a purse. Since they are Kosher certified Parve and gluten-free, they work well for a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing that classic hard candy satisfaction.
Läkerol Dents Strawberry is a soft and sugar-free chewing lozenge with a taste of strawberry and mild mint. The lozenge contains xylitol which promotes oral health.
Cloetta Lakerol Dents Strawberry Pastilles deliver a refreshing burst of fruit and mint without the sugar crash. These soft, sugar-free chewing lozenges strike a sophisticated balance between a sweet strawberry profile and a subtle, cooling mint finish. What sets them apart for anyone conscious of their dental hygiene is the inclusion of xylitol, which actively promotes oral health while you enjoy the flavor. This four-box bundle of 36g packs ensures you always have a stash on hand, whether you are at your desk or on the go. It is a smart, functional treat that satisfies a sweet craving while keeping your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Soft Toffees with lots of good milk with a hint of licorice and mint for a delicious pleasure. Licorice and Mint Flavored Soft Milk Candy.
Country of Origin: Italy
A daily pampering thought also for vegetarians. Gluten-free, certified vegetarian and halal.
Net Wt.: 1Lb. Packed in resealable Zip-Lock Stand Up Pouches. Approximately 50 pieces per pound
They are soft and taste great. High-quality ingredients were carefully chosen for the secret recipe. Bonelle doesn't have any gluten, artificial colors, or things that come from animals. The gelatin desserts you've always wished for!
SweetGourmet Bonelle Toffee Mint & Licorice delivers a sophisticated trifecta of creamy milk, refreshing mint, and subtle licorice in every bite. These Italian-made soft toffees feel like a premium indulgence rather than a standard grocery store snack, thanks to a secret recipe that prioritizes high-quality ingredients. I was particularly impressed by the texture. They are incredibly soft and melt away without the artificial colors or gelatin found in many similar candies. Because they are gluten-free, halal, and 100% vegetarian, they work perfectly as a guilt-free daily treat for almost anyone. The one-pound bag comes in a convenient resealable stand-up pouch, which keeps the approximately 50 individual pieces fresh and easy to store in a pantry.
The foundation of any mint licorice product is the licorice itself. Not all licorice is created equal, and the base will dictate how the mint flavor is perceived. True licorice is derived from the root of the licorice plant, providing a robust, slightly bitter, and woody undertone. This is ideal if you want the mint to act as a high-contrast accent. On the other hand, many mass-market 'licorice' candies are actually flavored with anise oil or artificial essences. These are often sweeter and less complex. If you prefer a sophisticated, adult flavor profile, look for products that emphasize real licorice extract. If you prefer a candy that is purely about the sweetness and the cooling sensation, an anise-flavored base may be more approachable.
Determining the Mint Profile
The 'mint' aspect of this category is incredibly broad. When shopping, you must decide which type of cooling sensation you desire. Peppermint is the gold standard for intensity. It is sharp, bright, and provides a powerful 'zing' that cuts through the heaviness of the licorice. This is the best choice for those using the candy as a breath freshener. Spearmint, conversely, offers a softer, sweeter, and more herbal cooling effect that complements the natural sweetness of the licorice without overpowering it. Some premium brands even incorporate menthol for an extra-intense cooling effect, which is excellent for those who enjoy a high-sensory experience.
Texture and Form Factor
How you intend to consume the candy should dictate its physical form. Mint licorice generally falls into three categories: hard candies, chewy ropes/twists, and soft jellies. Hard candies are long-lasting and perfect for slow dissolution, making them ideal for office snacking or travel. Chewy licorice, often found in ropes or sticks, provides a more substantial mouthfeel and a longer-lasting flavor release as you chew. If you prefer something more delicate, look for mint-infused licorice jellies, which offer a gummy texture and a more immediate burst of flavor. Pay attention to the 'bite'—some chewy licorices can be quite tough, while others are soft and easy to consume.
Ingredient Quality and Sweetness Levels
Because mint and licorice are both potent flavors, the sugar content plays a massive role in the balance. High-quality mint licorice will not be cloyingly sweet. Instead, the sugar should serve as a vehicle to carry the herbal notes. Check the ingredient list for natural peppermint oils rather than artificial flavorings to ensure a clean, non-chemical aftertaste. Additionally, be mindful of the use of glycyrrhizin (the natural sweetener in licorice root), as it has a much stronger, more lingering sweetness than cane sugar. For a more refined experience, look for brands that balance these elements to ensure the mint remains the star of the show.
Summary Recommendation Logic
When making your final selection, use this logic: If you want a refreshing palate cleanser, go for a hard peppermint licorice. If you want a snack to enjoy while working, choose a chewy mint-infused licorice rope. If you are a connoisseur looking for depth, seek out artisanal brands using real licorice root and natural peppermint oils. Avoid products that list 'artificial flavors' as the primary source of mint if you want a premium experience.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Black licorice typically uses real anise extract for a bold, herbal flavor, while red licorice is fruit-flavored and often uses strawberry or cherry profiles. Mint-infused versions are unique because they add a cooling sensation to either base.
Yes. If you find the medicinal taste of black licorice overwhelming, mint-flavored varieties provide a refreshing counterpoint that mellows the intensity of the licorice root.
High-quality brands use real licorice extract, while budget options may rely on artificial flavorings and starch. Always check the ingredient list if you are looking for an authentic botanical taste.
Not always. Many licorice products use gelatin for texture. Look for labels specifying pectin or starch-based thickeners if you follow a vegan diet.
Seek out a balance where the mint doesn't overpower the licorice. A premium candy should have a smooth, non-sticky texture and a lingering, clean finish rather than a chemical aftertaste.
Mint can have a strong 'cooling' effect that some children find startling. For younger kids, look for 'mild mint' varieties or those with a higher sugar-to-extract ratio.
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air will cause the candy to harden and lose its characteristic chewiness.
Research & Insights
Our Analysis of Mint Licorice
1,068Reviews Analyzed
4Products Evaluated
5.5Avg PM Score
3Brands Ranked
Top 10 Mint Licorice Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our editorial analysis.
We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 1,068 reviews
on Mint Licorice, using our
selection criteria to identify the best options in the categories.
Our findings reveal that most customers typically select Mint Licorice priced around
$10.99.
Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the
top 4 Mint Licorice for your consideration..
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Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 4 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
Fruidles Sugar-Free Mango Fruit Hard Candy
Fruidles Sugar-Free Pina Colada Fruit Candy
Cloetta Lakerol Dents Strawberry Sugar-Free Pastilles
SweetGourmet Bonelle Mint and Licorice Milk Toffee