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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Licorice

Licorice is a flavouring and confection made from the root of the plant *Glycyrrhiza glabra* and related *Glycyrrhiza* species.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Licorice is a flavouring and confection made from the root of the plant *Glycyrrhiza glabra* and related *Glycyrrhiza* species. It is used in candy, beverages, tobacco products, medicines, and dietary supplements. In Canadian and American English, the spelling “licorice” is common, while “liquorice” is used in Commonwealth English.

Etymology and spelling

The term refers both to the plant-derived flavouring and to the candy made from it. “Licorice” is the standard American spelling, while “liquorice” is common in British and other Commonwealth usage.

Botany

Licorice comes chiefly from *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, a perennial herb in the Fabaceae family. The plant has been cultivated for its roots, which contain the sweet extract used in flavouring.

Uses

Licorice is used in confectionery and also in some beverages, tobacco products, throat lozenges, and medicines. It is sold in multiple forms, including teas, extracts, and supplements.

Health considerations

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, and high intake may cause adverse effects such as elevated blood pressure and fluid retention. Some products remove glycyrrhizin to reduce these risks.

Key facts

  • Licorice originates from the root of the licorice plant, a perennial legume in the bean family.
  • Licorice flavouring is used in confectionery, tobacco, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for much of its sweetness.
  • Excessive intake of licorice can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention.
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Canadian context

Licorice is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a common confectionery flavour and as a term used in Canadian English, which generally follows the Commonwealth spelling “liquorice.”[1][11]

Frequently asked questions

What is licorice?
Licorice is a flavouring and candy derived from the root of *Glycyrrhiza glabra* and related species.
Is licorice the same as liquorice?
Yes. “Licorice” is the American spelling and “liquorice” is the Commonwealth spelling for the same word.
What plant does licorice come from?
It comes mainly from *Glycyrrhiza glabra*, a flowering plant in the pea family.
What is licorice used for?
It is used mainly as a flavouring in candy, but also in beverages, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and supplements.
Why is licorice so sweet?
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a natural compound that is much sweeter than sugar.
Can licorice be harmful?
Yes. Large amounts may cause fluid retention and high blood pressure, especially from products containing glycyrrhizin.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquorice
    Supports: Spelling variants, plant origin, native range, and common uses
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/licorice
    Supports: Botanical identity and use as flavouring/confection
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/licorice
    Supports: Definition, plant source, and candy meaning
  4. University of Rochester Medical Center — https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=19&contentid=Licorice
    Supports: Uses, glycyrrhizin, and health effects
  5. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/licorice
    Supports: Supplement forms, uses, and potential adverse effects
  6. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/144100509/verbatim
    Supports: Species identity, distribution, and flavouring uses
  7. Cambridge Dictionary — https://www.dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/licorice
    Supports: Definition as dried root used for flavouring food and candy