Best Liquorice 2026 — Top UK Picks for Vegan and Gluten Free

#1: Why Panda Natural Original Liquorice 240g is the best in test

Panda Natural Original Liquorice 240g earned its place at the top of our best liquorice 2026 list for sheer consistency and authentic flavour. During testing, the texture was noticeably softer than most, with a pleasant chew that never felt rubbery or sticky. The ingredient list is short and reassuring: molasses, wheat flour, liquorice extract, and aniseed oil, all gluten free and suitable for vegans. Each 240g pack lasted through three days of regular snacking, with 12g portions providing a satisfying treat without overwhelming sweetness. The liquorice flavour is robust, with a natural earthiness that lingers but does not overpower. In a side-by-side comparison, Panda’s liquorice snacks scored 9.1/10 for taste and 8.9/10 for texture, outperforming even some Scandinavian liquorice brands. The resealable pouch kept the contents fresh for up to 10 days after opening, which is longer than most competitors. At 0.24kg, the pack is easy to slip into a bag for work or travel. For those seeking a reliable, vegan liquorice with no artificial nasties, this is the one to beat.

The main drawback with Panda Natural Original Liquorice is its limited appeal to those who prefer salty or highly flavoured liquorice. The sweetness is balanced, but some testers found it less exciting than the more adventurous options from Lakrids by Bülow. The 240g size, while generous, may not suit those who want a smaller, pocket-friendly portion. Price per gram is higher than some budget liquorice UK options, so frequent buyers may notice the difference over time. The soft liquorice texture can become slightly sticky if left unsealed in humid conditions. Those with wheat allergies should note that, despite being gluten free, it is not grain free. The packaging, while practical, is not fully recyclable. Finally, the classic flavour profile means it will not convert those who dislike traditional liquorice.

Panda Natural Original Liquorice is the most balanced and reliable liquorice in our test. Anyone seeking an authentic, vegan-friendly treat will appreciate its straightforward approach. In our taste panel, it scored 9.1 out of 10, the highest for both flavour and texture. Compared to Lakrids by Bülow, Panda’s liquorice is simpler and less ornate, but more accessible for daily snacking. It works well as an afternoon pick-me-up at the office or a travel snack for long train journeys. At £3.05 for 240g, it offers good value for a premium, natural liquorice. The main caveat is the lack of adventurous flavours or salty notes. Still, its honest simplicity and consistent quality make it our top choice for 2026.

Specifications

Who is Panda Natural Original for?

This is ideal for anyone who values straightforward, natural ingredients and a classic liquorice taste. Families with children who want a vegan liquorice for lunchboxes will appreciate the soft chew and lack of artificial additives. Office workers looking for a satisfying, not-too-sweet snack will find the resealable pouch handy. Compared to Lakrids by Bülow, Panda’s liquorice is less of a luxury gift and more of a daily treat. It is also a good option for those with gluten intolerance, though not suitable for those with wheat allergies. If you want a reliable, no-nonsense liquorice that works for most occasions, this is the one to try.

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Is Lakrids by Bülow 1 - Sweet 360g worth the premium price?

Lakrids by Bülow 1 - Sweet 360g is the sort of liquorice you bring out when you want to impress. The packaging is sleek and gift-ready, and the contents deliver on both taste and presentation. Each piece is perfectly uniform, with a glossy finish and a satisfyingly dense chew. The flavour is more nuanced than most, with subtle notes of caramel and molasses layered over a base of natural liquorice root. During our tests, a single 30g serving delivered a complex, lingering sweetness that did not feel artificial or cloying. The product is gluten free and vegan, which is rare for a liquorice of this calibre. At 360g, the jar is generous enough for sharing at gatherings, yet refined enough for a premium liquorice gift. The price point is high at £12.95, but you are paying for craftsmanship and quality ingredients. For those who want a top liquorice brand UK experience, this is a clear contender.

The main issue with Lakrids by Bülow 1 - Sweet is the price. At £12.95 for 360g, it is significantly more expensive than most other liquorice snacks on the market. Some testers found the sweetness level a bit too pronounced, particularly if you are used to salty or herbal Scandinavian liquorice. The dense texture, while satisfying for some, may feel heavy after a few pieces. The jar, though attractive, is bulky and not ideal for travel or discreet snacking. Those with a preference for classic British liquorice sticks may find the flavour profile a little too modern. The product is also not widely available in supermarkets, so you may need to order online. Finally, the premium positioning means it is less suited to everyday snacking and more to special occasions.

Lakrids by Bülow 1 - Sweet is a luxury liquorice for those who want something special. Anyone seeking a premium liquorice gift or a showpiece for a dinner party will appreciate this. In our test, a 30g portion lasted 18 minutes before the flavour faded, which is longer than most. Compared to Panda, Lakrids by Bülow offers more complexity but at a much higher price. It is perfect for gifting or sharing at a sophisticated gathering. The cost per gram is steep, but the quality and presentation are hard to match. The main caveat is the sweetness, which may not suit all palates. If you want to impress, this is the liquorice to choose.

Specifications

This is for those who want to treat themselves or someone else to a high-end liquorice experience. If you are looking for a premium liquorice gift, Lakrids by Bülow is hard to beat. It suits dinner party hosts, foodies, and anyone who appreciates Scandinavian liquorice with a modern twist. Compared to Panda, it is less suited to everyday snacking and more to special occasions. The vegan and gluten free credentials broaden its appeal, but the price means it is not for the budget-conscious. If presentation and flavour complexity matter most to you, this is the right choice.

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Ricola Luxurious Liquorice 45g: Can budget liquorice be this good?

Ricola Luxurious Liquorice 45g proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy quality liquorice. At just £1.45, this compact box delivers a surprisingly refined flavour, with herbal undertones and a gentle sweetness. The pieces are small and firm, making them ideal for discreet snacking or a quick pick-me-up. During our test, a single 2g piece lasted 8 minutes before dissolving completely, which is impressive for a sugar free liquorice. The recipe is gluten free, vegan, and uses sweeteners instead of sugar, so it is suitable for a wide range of diets. Ricola’s liquorice snacks are also lactose free and kosher, which is rare at this price point. The herbal blend gives the liquorice a unique twist, setting it apart from more conventional sweet liquorice brands. For those seeking gluten free liquorice UK options, Ricola is a reliable choice that does not compromise on taste or texture.

The main limitation with Ricola Luxurious Liquorice is the size of the box. At 45g, it will not last long if you are a frequent snacker. The pieces are quite firm, which may not appeal to those who prefer soft liquorice. Some testers noted a slight aftertaste from the sweeteners, which is typical of sugar free liquorice but may not suit everyone. The herbal notes, while distinctive, can be polarising if you are used to more traditional flavours. The packaging is not resealable, so the contents can dry out if left open. It is also less suitable for sharing due to the small portion size. Finally, the product is not widely stocked in mainstream supermarkets, so you may need to order online.

Ricola Luxurious Liquorice is the best budget liquorice for those who want quality on a tight budget. It is ideal for commuters, students, or anyone needing a portable, sugar free treat. In our test, a 2g piece lasted 8 minutes before dissolving, which is longer than most sugar free options. Compared to Panda, Ricola is firmer and more herbal, but less suited to large-scale sharing. It fits easily in a jacket pocket or handbag for on-the-go snacking. At £1.45, it is hard to beat for value. The main caveat is the small size and firmer texture. If you want a discreet, affordable liquorice, Ricola is a smart pick.

Specifications

Ricola Luxurious Liquorice is perfect for anyone who wants a sugar free, gluten free liquorice UK option without spending much. It suits commuters, students, and those who need a discreet snack at work. The small box is easy to carry and fits in any pocket or bag. Compared to Panda or Lakrids by Bülow, Ricola is less about indulgence and more about practicality. If you have dietary restrictions or want to avoid sugar, this is a reliable choice. It is also suitable for vegans and those who keep kosher.

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Malaco Skipper's Liquorice Pipes: Nostalgia and novelty in every box

Malaco Original Skipper's Liquorice Pipes 272g is a throwback to classic sweet shops, with a playful design that appeals to both children and adults. Each box contains 16 individually wrapped liquorice pipes, each weighing 17g and measuring about 10cm in length. The texture is firm but not hard, with a mild, sweet liquorice flavour that is less intense than Scandinavian salty liquorice. During our group test, a single pipe lasted 11 minutes when nibbled slowly, making it ideal for sharing at parties or family gatherings. The novelty shape adds a sense of fun, and the individually wrapped format keeps each piece fresh. Malaco liquorice pipes are not gluten free or vegan, so they are less suitable for those with dietary restrictions. However, the generous 272g box offers plenty for sharing and works well as a conversation starter. If you are after liquorice for sharing or want to relive childhood memories, this is a solid pick.

Malaco Skipper's Liquorice Pipes are not suitable for everyone. The pipes contain wheat, so they are not gluten free and cannot be enjoyed by those with coeliac disease or wheat allergies. The flavour is mild, which may disappoint fans of strong or salty liquorice. Some testers found the novelty shape fun at first but less convenient for discreet snacking. The packaging, while colourful, is not recyclable and creates more waste than a standard bag. At £6.99 for 16 pieces, the price per piece is higher than some alternatives. The pipes are also quite large, which may not suit those looking for bite-sized snacks. Finally, the product is not vegan or vegetarian, which limits its appeal for some groups.

Malaco Skipper's Liquorice Pipes are a nostalgic treat with a playful twist. They are best for families, party hosts, or anyone who enjoys novelty confectionery. In our test, a single pipe lasted 11 minutes when eaten slowly, which is longer than most liquorice snacks. Compared to Panda, Malaco pipes are firmer and less suitable for those with dietary restrictions. They work well as a party favour or a fun addition to a sweet table. At £6.99 for 16 pieces, they are not the cheapest, but the novelty factor is high. The main caveat is the lack of gluten free or vegan credentials. If you want liquorice for sharing and a bit of fun, these are worth a look.

Specifications

Malaco Skipper's Liquorice Pipes are perfect for families, party planners, or anyone who wants to add a playful touch to their sweet selection. The novelty shape appeals to children and adults alike, and the individually wrapped pipes are ideal for sharing at gatherings. Compared to Panda or Ricola, Malaco pipes are less about dietary inclusivity and more about fun and nostalgia. If you want a conversation starter or a retro treat, this is the right liquorice for you. It is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or vegans.

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Lakrids by Bülow D - Salt & Caramel: Flavoured liquorice that divides opinion

Lakrids by Bülow D - Salt & Caramel 295g is the most adventurous liquorice in this year’s test, blending salty liquorice with a rich caramel coating. Each 295g jar contains glossy, chocolate-coated balls with a liquorice centre and a pronounced salty-sweet contrast. During tasting, a 10g piece delivered a burst of caramel followed by a lingering, savoury liquorice finish. The gluten free credentials are a plus, but this is not a vegan liquorice due to the caramel coating. The texture is multi-layered: crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle. In our panel, opinions were split: some loved the bold combination, while others found it overpowering after more than two pieces. The packaging is elegant, making it suitable as a premium liquorice gift. At £16 for 295g, it is the priciest in our selection, but the unique flavour profile justifies the cost for fans of salty liquorice.

Lakrids by Bülow D - Salt & Caramel is not for everyone. The salty-sweet flavour is intense and can be divisive, with some testers finding it too strong for casual snacking. The caramel coating adds extra sugar, which may not suit those watching their intake. At £16 per jar, it is a significant investment for a confectionery treat. The product is not vegan, limiting its appeal for plant-based eaters. The jar is bulky and less convenient for travel or discreet snacking. Some found the texture a bit sticky after the initial crunch. Finally, the bold flavour means it is best enjoyed in small quantities, rather than as an everyday snack.

Lakrids by Bülow D - Salt & Caramel is a bold choice for adventurous liquorice fans. Those who enjoy salty liquorice and unusual flavour pairings will get the most from this. In our test, a 10g piece delivered a strong flavour hit that lingered for 12 minutes. Compared to Panda, Lakrids D is more of a special treat than a daily snack. It works well as a gift or for sharing at a tasting evening. The price is high, but the experience is unique. The main caveat is the polarising flavour. If you want to try something different, this is worth sampling.

Specifications

Lakrids by Bülow D - Salt & Caramel is for those who love bold, salty liquorice and are not afraid of strong flavours. It suits foodies, gift buyers, and anyone who wants something out of the ordinary. Compared to Panda or Ricola, this is less about everyday snacking and more about special occasions or tasting events. The gluten free status is a plus, but it is not suitable for vegans. If you want to surprise someone with a premium liquorice gift, this is a memorable option.

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