Salty licorice, known as salmiak, is a type of licorice flavoured with salmiak salt (ammonium chloride), which gives it a bold, salty, slightly sharp taste on top of sweet licorice. It's hugely popular across Sweden and the Nordic countries, where it's a staple of pick-and-mix candy. It's an acquired taste for many first-timers, but licorice lovers adore it.
If you've ever tried a piece of Nordic candy and been surprised by a salty, sharp kick where you expected sweetness, you've met salmiak. Here's what salty licorice is, what it tastes like, and why Swedes can't get enough of it.
What is salmiak salt, and why is the licorice salty?
Regular licorice gets its flavour from licorice root and is usually sweet. Salty licorice adds one key ingredient: salmiak salt, also known as ammonium chloride. That's what gives salmiak its distinctive salty, tangy, almost sharp edge, quite different from the sweet, chewy licorice most Americans know. The amount of salmiak salt varies from mild to intense, so salty licorice ranges from gently savoury to seriously bold.
What does salty licorice taste like?
The first thing you notice is the salt. It hits before the licorice does. Underneath is the familiar deep, slightly aniseed licorice flavour, but the salmiak makes it tangy and moreish rather than simply sweet. Milder salty licorice is pleasantly savoury; the strongest versions are intense and pack a real punch. It tastes nothing like American red 'licorice' (which usually contains no real licorice at all).
Is salty licorice an acquired taste?
For a lot of first-timers, yes. That initial salty hit can be surprising if you're expecting sweet candy. But like dark chocolate, strong coffee or a sharp cheese, it tends to grow on you and once it clicks, it's genuinely moreish. In the Nordic countries, people grow up with it, which is why it's so beloved there. Our advice: start with a milder salty licorice before working up to the bold stuff.
Why is salty licorice so popular in Sweden and the Nordics?
Scandinavians are among the biggest licorice lovers in the world, and salmiak is a cultural staple. It's a core part of lördagsgodis, the Swedish 'Saturday candy' tradition and a fixture in any Swedish pick-and-mix. It comes in dozens of forms: coins, fish, twists, coated pastilles, soft and hard. For many Swedes, a bag of candy without some salty licorice in it just isn't complete.
How do Swedes eat salty licorice?
The Swedish way is pick-and-mix, or lösviktsgodis. Candy sold by weight, where you build your own bag and add as much or as little salty licorice as you like. It's an everyday treat rather than something reserved for special occasions, mixed in among sweet and sour candies for variety.
Is salty licorice vegan or gluten-free?
Often, yes, but it depends on the specific product. Many Swedish salty licorice candies are gluten-free and gelatin-free, and plenty are vegan, but some contain gelatin or wheat, so it's always worth checking the individual product. At Nantasket Sweets, we list the dietary details on each product so you can choose with confidence.
Where to try authentic Swedish salty licorice
The best way to try salmiak is to build your own pick-and-mix and add a few pieces alongside candies you already love. At Nantasket Sweets, our salty licorice is imported fresh from Sweden from milder salmiak to the bold, proper Nordic stuff and we ship it across the US. If you're new to it, start small; if you already love it, you've found your people.
Shop Salty Licorice · Build Your Own Pick-n-Mix
FAQ
Q. What is salty licorice?
A. Salty licorice is licorice flavoured with salmiak salt (ammonium chloride), which gives it a bold, salty, tangy taste on top of sweet licorice. It's a Nordic favourite and a staple of Swedish pick-and-mix candy.
Q. What is salmiak?
A. Salmiak is the name for salty licorice, and also for the ingredient that makes it salty, which is salmiak salt, or ammonium chloride. It's especially popular in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and the wider Nordic region.
Q. What does salmiak taste like?
A. Salty and sharp first, then deep, aniseed-like licorice underneath. Milder versions are gently savoury; the strongest are intense. It tastes nothing like sweet American red licorice.
Q. Is salty licorice an acquired taste?
A. For many first-timers, yes the salty hit can be surprising. But like dark chocolate or strong cheese, it tends to grow on you, and licorice lovers adore it. Starting with a milder salty licorice helps.
Q. Is salty licorice vegan or gluten-free?
A. Many salty licorice candies are gluten-free, gelatin-free and vegan, but it depends on the product. Some contain gelatin or wheat. Always check the individual product's dietary details.
Q. Is salty licorice safe to eat?
A. Enjoyed as a normal treat, it's simply candy. As with all black licorice, it's best in moderation. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, and eating very large amounts regularly can affect blood pressure, but ordinary treat-sized portions are nothing to worry about.