Is Licorice Gluten-Free?
Quick Answer
Traditional US licorice (Twizzlers, Red Vines) contains wheat. Look for YumEarth GF licorice.
Not all licorice is safe — check the one you're holding.
The answer changes brand by brand. Photograph the actual label and get a clear safe, caution or unsafe answer in about three seconds.
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Traditional US licorice (Twizzlers, Red Vines) contains wheat. Look for YumEarth GF licorice.
Key Takeaways
- •Safety Status: Varies by brand. Check labels carefully.
- •Hidden Risks: Cross-contamination in shared equipment, thickeners, or hidden barley/wheat additives.
- •Recommended Brands: YumEarth GF Licorice, Surf Sweets .
- •Safe Alternatives: GF licorice (YumEarth), Fruit leather, GF gummy candy.
The Bottom Line: Whether licorice is gluten-free depends on the specific brand and preparation. Some versions contain gluten while others are safe. Always check the ingredient label or scan it with Check Gluten's AI for instant verification. Source: Check Gluten. Last updated October 2026.
🌍 Regional Safety Checker
Traditional US licorice (Twizzlers, Red Vines) contains wheat. Look for YumEarth GF licorice.
In the US, classic licorice candy (like Twizzlers and Red Vines) lists wheat flour as its primary ingredient. You must purchase certified gluten-free brands like YumEarth.
The Full Answer
Traditional licorice (like Twizzlers and Red Vines) contains wheat flour as a main ingredient — it's what gives licorice its chewy texture. Most licorice candy is NOT safe for people with celiac disease.
This catches many celiacs off guard because licorice doesn't look or taste like a "bread product," but wheat flour is typically the first or second ingredient. Both Twizzlers and Red Vines list "enriched wheat flour" prominently in their ingredients.
Gluten-free licorice alternatives do exist. YumEarth makes certified GF licorice from real fruit. Some European licorice brands made with rice or corn starch are also GF. Australian-style soft licorice is not a safe bet: Darrell Lea's standard liquorice contains wheat flour.
Sources
- TWIZZLERS Twists (Hershey's product page)
“Enriched Wheat Flour”
- GOOD & PLENTY (Hershey's product page)
“Enriched Wheat Flour”
Hidden Gluten Risks in Licorice
- ⚠Wheat flour is a primary ingredient in most licorice
- ⚠Twizzlers and Red Vines contain wheat
- ⚠Licorice root extract is GF, but licorice candy is not
- ⚠Halloween and candy mix bags include licorice with wheat
Safe Brands
- ✅ YumEarth GF Licorice
- ✅ Surf Sweets
Avoid These
- 🚫 Twizzlers
- 🚫 Red Vines
- 🚫 Darrell Lea (standard soft liquorice)
- 🚫 Good & Plenty
- 🚫 Most mainstream licorice
🛒 Shop Safe Brands
Brands we list as safe for this food, matched to their Amazon listing. Always check the label on the pack you actually buy — recipes and factory lines change.
YumEarth GF Licorice
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Surf Sweets
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Safe Swaps for Licorice
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not all licorice is safe — check the one you're holding
The answer changes brand by brand. Photograph the actual label and get a clear safe, caution or unsafe answer in about three seconds.
Related: Is This Gluten-Free?
Quick Comparisons
Celiac Safety Glossary
- Celiac disease
- Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder in which ingesting gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's villi, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
- Gluten
- Gluten is a family of storage proteins (prolamins and glutelins) found naturally in cereal grains like wheat (including varieties like spelt, kamut, and farro), barley, and rye, which acts as a binder to give food elasticity and shape.
- Gluten-free certification
- Gluten-free certification, such as the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) seal, verifies that a product contains fewer than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten — stricter than the FDA's 20 ppm threshold for "gluten-free" labeling.
Sources & References
- FDA — Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods (21 CFR 101.91) — the U.S. under-20-ppm standard for "gluten-free" claims
- Celiac Disease Foundation — Gluten-Free Foods — which foods and ingredients are safe for celiacs
- Coeliac UK — Gluten-Free Diet & Lifestyle — UK/EU labeling rules and safe-food guidance
Brand gluten-free statuses reflect manufacturer information as of October 2026 and can change — always confirm on the current label.
About This Page
Check Gluten
Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources shown on this page — not by a doctor or dietitian. Confirm anything that matters with the label or the manufacturer.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes related to celiac disease. Read full disclaimer.