What spice is used to flavor licorice candy?

The spice used to flavor licorice candy is anise. Anise, also called aniseed, is a flowering plant whose small seeds have a sweet, aromatic flavor that resembles black licorice.

Licorice candy gets its name from the root of the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra. That root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound many times sweeter than sugar, but modern candy often relies heavily on anise oil for its recognizable flavor. Some recipes combine licorice extract, anise, molasses, sugar, and other flavorings.

A common mix-up is confusing anise with star anise. They are different plants, although both contain anethole, the aromatic compound responsible for much of their similar licorice-like taste. Fennel also has a related flavor and is sometimes mistaken for anise.

Real licorice extract is not present in every black licorice product. Some candies use anise flavor alone, while red licorice usually contains fruit flavorings and no licorice root at all.