Licorice stick vs. licorice candy: which one should you choose for your health?

Natural or industrial, authentic or flavored... The choice between licorice root and licorice candies divides enthusiasts. This comparison will help you make the right choice according to your needs.

Fundamental Differences

Composition and Manufacturing

Licorice root comes directly from the dried root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. This traditional form retains all the natural active ingredients, especially glycyrrhizin, which is responsible for its characteristic sweet taste.

Licorice candies are the result of a complex industrial process. They typically contain diluted licorice extract, added sugars, artificial colors, artificial flavors, and texturizing agents such as gelatin or starch.

Concentration of Active Ingredients

The natural root has a high concentration of glycyrrhizin (2-9% depending on origin), flavonoids, and saponins. This richness explains its recognized therapeutic properties in herbal medicine.

Confectioneries significantly dilute these beneficial compounds. The licorice extract content varies from 0.5% to 3% in most commercial candies, drastically reducing their health impact.

Advantages of Natural Licorice Root

Preserved Therapeutic Benefits

The root retains all its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, unlike sweetened candies. It effectively soothes stomachaches, calms irritated throats, and promotes harmonious digestion.

Controlled Use

Chewing a licorice root allows for natural control of consumption. The effort required to extract the active ingredients automatically regulates the intake, avoiding unintentional excesses.

Prolonged Action

A single root can be chewed for several hours, gradually releasing its active compounds. This prolonged action optimizes the therapeutic effect compared to the rapid consumption of candies.

Disadvantages of Licorice Candies

Additives and Hidden Sugars

Confectioneries often contain refined sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives. These additives can cause blood sugar spikes and are not suitable for people with diabetes or those on a strict diet.

Easy Overconsumption

The pleasant taste and soft texture encourage consuming several candies in a row. This ease of ingestion increases the risk of exceeding the recommended doses of glycyrrhizin.

Loss of Health Benefits

The industrial processing destroys some of the fragile molecules present in the fresh root. The beneficial effects are considerably diminished.

Usage Recommendations

For Therapeutic Benefits

Always opt for natural licorice root if you are looking for effects on digestion, inflammation, or soothing the respiratory tract. Its raw form guarantees the maximum effectiveness of the active ingredients.

For Gustatory Pleasure

Licorice candies remain acceptable for occasional and recreational consumption. Choose products containing at least 2% licorice extract and limit yourself to 2-3 candies per day.

Special Cases to Avoid

People with hypertension, pregnant women, and children under 12 should avoid both licorice roots and candies due to the risks associated with glycyrrhizin.

How to Choose Wisely?

Quality Criteria for Roots

Look for organic licorice roots of Mediterranean origin, untreated and with a uniform golden-brown color. The texture should be firm but not brittle, indicating optimal drying.

Reading Labels for Candies

Avoid products containing synthetic "licorice" flavors. Prefer those that list "licorice root extract" as the first ingredient.

Final Verdict

Natural licorice root largely surpasses industrial candies in terms of both nutritional and therapeutic value. Its authentic form preserves all the benefits of this ancient medicinal plant.

For a health-conscious approach, choose the traditional root without hesitation. Reserve confectioneries for special occasions, keeping in mind that they are more of a treat than a natural remedy.

Discover our complete guide to the benefits of licorice root and learn how to chew it correctly to get all the benefits.