Sweet vs Salty Liquorice

The great liquorice divide

If you've ever bitten into what you thought was a classic liquorice sweet and been hit with an unexpected savoury punch, you've discovered the great divide in the liquorice world: sweet versus salty.

Classic British sweet liquorice

Traditional British liquorice — think Pontefract Cakes, Allsorts, and soft eating liquorice — is built around sugar, molasses, and the distinctive anise-like flavour of the liquorice root itself. It's smooth, chewy, and unmistakably sweet, which is why it's been a staple of British sweet shops for generations.

Salty liquorice / salmiak

Salty liquorice, often called salmiak, is a different tradition altogether — rooted in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, where liquorice is paired with ammonium chloride to create a sharp, savoury edge that catches newcomers off guard. It's an acquired taste for some and an instant favourite for others; there's rarely a middle ground.

Which should you try first?

Which one's for you? If you love classic, comforting sweetness, start with our Classic Liquorice range. If you're feeling adventurous — or you grew up somewhere that treats salty liquorice as a national treasure — our Salty Liquorice collection is the place to start, with Nordic-style salted pieces that deliver that authentic savoury kick.

Plenty of liquorice fans end up loving both. The best way to find out where you land is to try a bit of each — start with our Family Favourites gift boxes for classic British sweet styles, or head to the Salty Liquorice collection if you want to explore the Nordic tradition.