: Real licorice comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which is naturally 30–50 times sweeter than sugar .

If you're looking to buy beyond the standard supermarket bins, experts and enthusiasts recommend specific brands and formats: Red Vines Black Licorice Twists, 3.5LB Jar

: While the U.S. often substitutes anise oil for the real thing, countries like the Netherlands are "champions" of the treat, often preferring "double salted" varieties.

For enthusiasts, black licorice isn't just candy; it’s a sensory experience:

: Long before it was a movie theater snack, licorice was used in traditional medicine as a detoxifier and tonic. Buying the "Good Stuff"