it depends
Check the exact label
Licorice is label-dependent until you read the package, and many traditional licorice candies contain wheat flour. If wheat flour or another non-exempt gluten ingredient is listed, treat the product as unsafe.
Why it matters
The answer depends on the exact label, source, allergen statement, and advisory wording.
Why this can be confusing
- Candy does not always look like a wheat-containing food.
- Red and black licorice can both use wheat flour for texture.
- Glucose syrup and caramel color may distract from the simpler issue: wheat flour in the ingredient list.
- Gluten-free licorice products exist, but the claim has to apply to the exact package.
What to check on the label
- Wheat flour, wheat starch, modified wheat starch, malt, barley malt, or cookie-style inclusions.
- Contains: wheat statements.
- May contain wheat, may contain gluten, or shared-equipment advisory wording.
- A gluten-free claim on the exact package.
- Do not assume red licorice is safer than black licorice without reading the label.
Want a label-specific answer?
Install GlutenScan and scan the ingredients list.
Download on theApp Store