Gluten Free Licorice
You’re exactly where I was a few years ago, scouring the internet for the right information on gluten free products. Maybe you’re even wondering why this “gluten” thing is such an issue these days when it used to be nearly unheard of. Another question I asked was “why is there flour in licorice, one of my favorite sweet treats?” I’m here to help provide great tasting gluten free licorice products.
Firstly, did you know that “gluten” isn’t actually the problem? I didn’t know that. But that’s what we are all told, that we are “gluten” free. Gluten is the structure that develops in a dough while it rises and becomes stretchy and elastic. That natural process doesn’t seem like it would be the source of our gluten free issues. What we are allergic to is the wheat (namely the wheat processed in the United States).
Trust Your Own Body
Now, I will be honest with you, I am gluten intolerant. I do not have celiac. My opinions are based on my trials of trying the products I share with you or similar products. If you are celiac, please do your own research and try at your own risk. Start small, be your own voice of reason.
The reason I’m passionate about sharing this information? I wish someone was there to tell me about this. The thought had not even crossed my mind. Yes, I was able to eat whatever I wanted in Europe, but being able to purchase that in the States? It started in 2022 when I visited friends in Minneapolis taking me to a small bakery that baked with all imported flour. It was one of the best days of my life, eating so many fun treats and breads. I thought, “Well if they can import flour, why can’t I buy imported flour and other imported products?”
Gluten Free Licorice
Let’s get on with it. You came here for licorice not a lecture!
Yum Earth Gluten Free Licorice - Pomegranate
They also make strawberry and peach, but pomegranate seems the most flavorful to me. I was hooked on these for awhile, they are so easy to snack on, and can be easy to find in stores like a Natural Grocer. Sometimes they can be a bit hard to chew, depends on the batch.
Scottie Dogs Gluten Free Red Licorice
I think my mom first found these at Menards, Aldi or Woodman’s, but I haven’t seen them in stores out west. These are very chewy and sticky, and have a very strong strawberry flavor.
“Gluten Free” Imported Licorice
While these imported licorice products may not be good for celiac, I’ve found that with an intolerance, I am not bothered by products made in other countries. See my recommendations below.
Darrell Lea Red Licorice Strawberry Twists
I’ve had the multi-flavor Darrell Lea Twists (below) and they were easily my favorite texture and flavors. I haven’t had the strawberry yet, but I bet it is amazing!
They also make most of their flavors in both Twists and not twisted. Here’s the not twisted.
Darrell Lea Mixed Flavors
I think I found this at Costco once, and I loved them so much I couldn’t stop eating them! Darrell Lea twists have an amazing chew texture that doesn’t get stuck in your teeth like others can. Here’s the untwisted version.
Gluten Free Imported Food
Now that you’ve dipped your toe into the world of imported gluten free licorice, you’re bound to be curious about other products. Are there other imported foods you can purchase and eat from the grocery store? YES! I keep discovering more and more products that are made in other countries. The most recent discovery is pasta. I have found so many boxes of pasta that are made in Italy. I’ve found many random treats that are imported, just look at the packaging and see if it is made in another country.