[takeaways] • Australian licorice, particularly Darrell Lea's soft-eating black licorice, has built a cult following overseas thanks to its distinctively soft, chewy texture.
• Darrell Lea's iconic recipe was invented entirely by accident in 1957, when a "dud" batch was given away for free and turned out to be a hit.
• Licorice production in Australia traces back to convicts and laborers bringing sweets with them from England in the 19th century.
• Real licorice root has a history of medicinal use, but excessive consumption can raise blood pressure — moderation is key.
• Oprah Winfrey has publicly endorsed Australian licorice, helping fuel its recent surge in popularity overseas.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Australia keeps you connected to the best mobile networks while you hunt down your next candy fix. [/takeaways]
You'd be forgiven for only just hearing about the sweet, chewy phenomenon that is Australian licorice — that is, of course, unless you are really into your international candy! While Australia is well-known for a variety of different cuisines, drinks, and non-edible exports, it actually seems that some candy from Down Under has picked up a fantastic reputation overseas.
Licorice isn't to everyone's tastes, of course, but if you've got a sweet tooth and you're keen to embrace as much of the Australian culture as possible when you next visit, it might be worth buying a cable or ten. Let's take a look at what the deal is with Australian licorice, and why it's so popular with tourists and overseas candy lovers.
What is licorice?
Licorice often refers to the black, chewy candy that's derived from licorice root, which is grown across Europe and the East as a perennial herb. As well as being used to make sweet treats, licorice is also commonly used to make tobacco products and even flavor other foodstuffs.
Classic licorice candy is black, thick, and usually soft or chewy. It has a very distinct taste, and depending on where in the world you buy it, taste and texture can vary. In the UK, for example, Licorice Allsorts, which are mixed candies made with licorice, are popularly bought as gifts at Christmas (and are generally enjoyed all year round by sweet lovers).
Licorice even has medicinal uses, as various historians and sources claim that ancient medicine used the root to aid digestion and soreness. That said, you can have too much of it — the candied version is very sugary, and real, raw licorice can even risk high blood pressure.
[warning]Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which in excess can raise blood pressure and cause other health effects. Enjoy licorice — candied or raw — in moderation, and consult a doctor if you're managing any existing heart or blood pressure conditions.[/warning]
So, to summarize, it's a tasty treat that's worth enjoying in moderation. But what's the deal with Australian licorice in particular?
Licorice in Australia: a brief history
To understand where licorice production in Australia first began, we have to look back at the country's history with England. According to Licorice.com (what better source is there?), the sweet treats first started appearing Down Under with convicts and laborers moving to Australia in the 19th century. It was during this time, of course, that anyone emigrating there with a sweet tooth would be taking some of their favorite snacks.
This, according to the source, eventually led to the development of the Australian Licorice Company, with other companies springing up and complementing stocks with hard candy and toffees. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that Darrell Lea would invent the soft, black licorice that Australia is so well-known for today.
Believe it or not, the iconic taste Darrell Lea's licorice is known for was actually from a dud batch! A batch of licorice that would have been thrown out was instead given away for free, and people loved the new texture!
As the decades rolled on, this famous soft licorice recipe would catch on with multiple other producers and candy lines, even leading to some companies based overseas trying to cash in on the Australian licorice recipe. The full, fascinating story is available to read at the Licorice.com link above if you'd like to know more!
What makes Australian licorice so tasty?
Australian licorice is seen as something of a delicacy for candy lovers in the US, who have to not only pay premium rates for the best-tasting treats, but also pay high import rates on top! Australian licorice is well-loved in North America and beyond because it's frequently softer than other recipes, retaining the classic Darrell Lea standard.
Naturally, that recipe varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the idea remains the same. Fans of Australian licorice claim that the appeal, however, lies in how thick and soft it is — meaning that if you're usually put off by the stiff waxiness of some licorice candy, it's an alternative take that might just surprise you.
That said, Australian licorice is only becoming so well-known overseas in recent years, and it's certainly been helped along by the likes of personalities like Oprah Winfrey. Some might say it's a great reason to go Down Under at all — but chances are you're thinking about the fantastic weather, the beaches, and the wildlife spotting first!
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Where to get Australian licorice from
Australian licorice has grown popular enough for stores like Walmart to start retailing it, with Amazon also offering bulk packs and tubs of the Darrell Lea classic recipe. You can also order from Darrell Lea directly, though be aware that there are import fees.
[tip title="In the US, check Target and Costco"]Otherwise, in the US, it's worth taking a look around stores like Target and Costco for snack bags.[/tip] [tip title="In the UK, try MyLiquorice and independent health stores"]If you're in the UK, it's worth using online services like MyLiquorice, and even at independent health stores. Again, it's also worth exploring Costco for their in-bulk candy.[/tip] [tip title="Elsewhere, order direct from Darrell Lea or Kookaburra"]Elsewhere in the world, it's worth buying Darrell Lea or Kookaburra Licorice direct from the retailers online — provided you account for the cost of delivery to wherever you are in the world.[/tip]
In Australia, of course, you can usually find the local twists on the sweet treat in most major grocery stores, and even from factories! Naturally, if you're visiting Australia for an extended period and have a temporary address you can get parcels at, it's worth opting for nationwide delivery to save money and hassle.
Why not make your next trip to Australia a bit of a foodie tour of the candy shops? You might find you not only enjoy the licorice, but a whole host of Aussie sweet treats. Just make sure to enjoy them in moderation, of course!
[faq] [q]Why is Australian licorice so popular?[/q] [a]Australian licorice, particularly Darrell Lea's soft-eating black licorice, has become popular overseas thanks to its distinctively soft, chewy texture compared to the stiffer, waxier licorice found in some other countries. Its popularity has also been boosted by celebrity endorsements, including from Oprah Winfrey.[/a] [q]How was Darrell Lea's soft licorice invented?[/q] [a]Darrell Lea's iconic soft-eating black licorice was invented by accident in 1957, when a batch that didn't turn out as planned was given away for free instead of being thrown out. Customers loved the new texture, and the company kept making it — it remains the brand's signature recipe today.[/a] [q]Where can I buy Australian licorice outside of Australia?[/q] [a]In the US, Australian licorice is available at Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon, as well as directly from Darrell Lea or Kookaburra Licorice online. In the UK, try MyLiquorice or independent health stores. Ordering direct from Australian manufacturers is possible worldwide, though delivery and import fees apply.[/a] [q]Is licorice bad for you?[/q] [a]Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which in excess can raise blood pressure and cause other health effects. Both candied and raw licorice should be enjoyed in moderation, and anyone managing heart or blood pressure conditions should be particularly cautious.[/a] [q]When did licorice first arrive in Australia?[/q] [a]Licorice is believed to have first arrived in Australia in the 19th century with convicts and laborers emigrating from England, who brought their favorite sweets with them. This eventually led to the development of the Australian Licorice Company and other early candy manufacturers.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for visiting Australia?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO eSIM for Australia is a convenient way to stay connected throughout your trip — useful for finding local candy shops, navigating between cities, and staying in touch. It means no hunting for a local SIM card on arrival.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇦🇺" label="Australia" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$9.40" href="/products/australia" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before your next trip to Australia[/esim]
