Swedish licorice is one of the most unique and exciting parts of Swedish candy culture. While many people around the world are used to sweet licorice, Swedish licorice often comes with bold flavors, salty notes, chewy textures, and a deep traditional taste that makes it stand out from regular candy.

For beginners, Swedish licorice can feel surprising at first. Some varieties are sweet and mild, while others are salty, strong, and intense. But once you start exploring different types, you will understand why licorice is such an important part of Scandinavian candy culture.

In this guide, we will explore the best Swedish licorice candies you need to taste, what makes them special, and how to choose the right licorice if you are trying it for the first time.

What Makes Swedish Licorice Special?

Swedish licorice is different because it is not always sweet. In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, licorice can be sweet, salty, chewy, soft, hard, mild, or very strong. This variety makes it one of the most interesting candy categories to explore.

Many Swedish licorice candies include salmiak, which gives the candy a salty and bold flavor. This taste may feel unusual for beginners, but it is loved by many Scandinavian candy fans.

Swedish licorice is also popular because of its texture. Some pieces are soft and chewy, while others are firm, layered, filled, or coated with sugar or salt. This makes every licorice candy feel different.

Sweet Licorice vs Salty Licorice

Before trying Swedish licorice, it helps to understand the difference between sweet and salty licorice.

Sweet Licorice

Sweet licorice has a smoother, milder, and more familiar taste. It is usually easier for beginners to enjoy because it has a soft sweetness with a classic licorice flavor.

Salty Licorice

Salty licorice has a stronger and more intense taste. It often includes salmiak, which creates a salty, bold, and slightly sharp flavor. This type of licorice is very popular in Sweden, but it may take some time to get used to.

If you are new to Swedish licorice, start with sweet or mild licorice first, then slowly try stronger salty options.

1. Malaco Salt Sill

Malaco Salt Sill is one of the most famous salty licorice candies in Sweden. These fish-shaped licorice pieces have a strong salty flavor and a chewy texture that makes them memorable.

This candy is perfect for people who want to experience classic Swedish salty licorice. It may be intense for beginners, but it is a must-try for serious licorice lovers.

Why You Should Try It

Malaco Salt Sill gives you a true Scandinavian licorice experience. It is salty, chewy, bold, and traditional.

Best For

Licorice fans who already enjoy salty and strong flavors.

2. Djungelvrål

Djungelvrål is one of the strongest and most famous salty licorice candies in Sweden. The name means “jungle roar,” and the flavor definitely lives up to the name. It has a very salty coating and a powerful licorice taste.

This candy is not always beginner-friendly, but it is one of the most iconic Swedish licorice candies. If you want to test your love for salty licorice, Djungelvrål is a bold choice.

Why You Should Try It

It is a classic Swedish salty licorice candy with a strong and unforgettable flavor.

Best For

Adventurous candy lovers who want an intense licorice experience.

3. Malaco Gott & Blandat Licorice Mix

Malaco Gott & Blandat Licorice Mix is a great option for people who want to try different licorice pieces in one bag. It usually includes a variety of shapes, textures, and flavors, making it perfect for beginners and licorice fans.

This mix gives you a softer introduction to Swedish licorice compared to very strong salty candies.

Why You Should Try It

It offers variety and lets you explore different licorice styles in one pack.

Best For

Beginners who want to try Swedish licorice without choosing only one strong flavor.

4. Fazer Tyrkisk Peber

Tyrkisk Peber is a famous Nordic licorice candy known for its strong salty flavor and hard candy shell. It has a bold, peppery, and salty taste that becomes more intense as you eat it.

Although Fazer is a Finnish brand, Tyrkisk Peber is extremely popular in Sweden and is commonly found in Scandinavian candy selections.

Why You Should Try It

It offers a strong, spicy, salty licorice experience that feels very different from regular candy.

Best For

People who enjoy bold flavors and hard candies.

5. Lakrisal

Lakrisal is a classic salty licorice tablet candy with a unique powdery texture. It has a strong salmiak flavor and dissolves slowly in the mouth.

This candy is small but powerful. It is popular among people who enjoy intense licorice without needing a chewy texture.

Why You Should Try It

It is a classic Scandinavian licorice candy with a bold salty taste in a simple tablet form.

Best For

Licorice lovers who enjoy strong salmiak flavor.

6. BUBS Licorice Skulls

BUBS Licorice Skulls are a fun and modern way to enjoy Swedish licorice. BUBS is known for soft, chewy candies, and their licorice-style skulls bring a playful texture to the traditional flavor.

These are usually easier to enjoy than very strong salty licorice candies because they often combine licorice with fruity or sweet notes.

Why You Should Try It

They offer a fun shape, soft texture, and a more modern Swedish candy experience.

Best For

Beginners and candy lovers who want licorice in a softer, more playful form.

7. Salty Licorice Pipes

Salty licorice pipes are classic Scandinavian-style licorice candies shaped like small pipes. They often have a firm chewy texture and a rich licorice flavor.

Some versions are sweet, while others have a stronger salty taste. These candies are popular because of their unique shape and traditional flavor.

Why You Should Try It

They are classic, chewy, and full of old-school licorice character.

Best For

People who enjoy traditional licorice with a firm bite.

8. Licorice Coins

Licorice coins are simple round pieces of licorice that can be sweet, salty, soft, or firm depending on the brand. They are commonly found in pick & mix candy selections.

These are great for people who want a basic licorice candy without too many extra flavors or coatings.

Why You Should Try It

They offer a simple and classic way to enjoy Swedish licorice.

Best For

Beginners who want to start with a traditional licorice shape.

9. Chocolate-Covered Licorice

Chocolate-covered licorice is a great choice for people who want a smoother and more balanced licorice experience. The chocolate helps soften the strong licorice flavor and adds sweetness.

This combination works especially well for beginners who may find salty licorice too intense.

Why You Should Try It

It combines creamy chocolate with bold licorice for a balanced and enjoyable taste.

Best For

Chocolate lovers and beginners who want a softer introduction to licorice.

10. Pick & Mix Licorice Selection

One of the best ways to explore Swedish licorice is through a pick & mix bag. This allows you to try several types of licorice at once, including sweet, salty, chewy, soft, and coated varieties.

A good licorice pick & mix might include:

• Sweet licorice pieces
• Salty licorice fish
• Licorice coins
• Licorice skulls
• Chocolate-covered licorice
• Mild salmiak candies

This is the best option if you are not sure which licorice style you like yet.

Best Swedish Licorice for Beginners

If you are new to Swedish licorice, start with milder options. Good beginner choices include:

• Sweet licorice pieces
• Chocolate-covered licorice
• BUBS licorice-style candies
• Mild licorice coins
• Licorice mix bags

These options give you the flavor of licorice without being too strong or salty.

Best Swedish Licorice for Bold Candy Lovers

If you already enjoy strong flavors, try:

• Djungelvrål
• Malaco Salt Sill
• Lakrisal
• Tyrkisk Peber
• Strong salty licorice mixes

These candies are more intense and give you the full Scandinavian salty licorice experience.

Why Do Swedish People Love Salty Licorice?

Salty licorice is deeply connected to Scandinavian candy culture. Many people in Sweden grow up eating it, so the flavor becomes familiar and nostalgic. For those who are not used to it, the taste may feel strong at first, but for many Swedish candy fans, salty licorice is a classic treat.

It also adds variety to candy bags. A Swedish pick & mix bag is not complete for many people without at least a few licorice pieces.

How to Enjoy Swedish Licorice

If you are trying Swedish licorice for the first time, do not start with the strongest salty candy. Begin with mild or sweet licorice and slowly work your way up to stronger options.

You can also mix licorice with other candies. Pairing licorice with chocolate, sweet gummies, or fruity foam candy can make the experience more balanced.

For the best tasting experience, try a small amount first and notice the flavor, texture, and aftertaste. Swedish licorice is meant to be explored slowly.

Is Swedish Licorice Good for Gifts?

Yes, Swedish licorice can make a unique and interesting gift, especially for adventurous candy lovers. A licorice gift box or pick & mix selection is perfect for people who enjoy trying new flavors.

For beginners, choose a mixed gift box that includes both mild and stronger licorice options. This gives the recipient a chance to explore without being overwhelmed.

Sweet, Salty, or Mixed: Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice depends on your taste.

Choose sweet licorice if you want something mild, smooth, and beginner-friendly.

Choose salty licorice if you enjoy bold, strong, and traditional Scandinavian flavors.

Choose a mixed licorice bag if you want to explore different types and discover your favorite.

Final Thoughts

Swedish licorice is one of the most unique candy experiences you can try. From mild sweet licorice to bold salty salmiak candies, there is a wide range of flavors and textures to explore.

If you are new to licorice, start with sweet or chocolate-covered options. If you already love strong flavors, try classics like Malaco Salt Sill, Djungelvrål, Lakrisal, and Tyrkisk Peber.

Whether you enjoy soft chewy pieces, salty fish-shaped candies, hard licorice drops, or mixed pick & mix selections, Swedish licorice offers something truly special. It may not taste like regular candy, but that is exactly what makes it worth trying.