I Tested Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice: The Best Sweet, Chewy Treat I’ve Tried
I’ve always found that some treats do more than satisfy a sweet tooth—they instantly bring a sense of nostalgia, comfort, and curiosity all at once. That’s exactly what comes to mind when I think about Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, a classic confection that has earned a loyal following for its distinctive texture and rich, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re already a longtime fan or simply discovering it for the first time, this iconic licorice has a way of standing out in a crowded world of sweets.
I Tested The Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce)
Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 7 Ounce (Pack of 8))
Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 20 Ounce)
Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) | Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Plant Based, No High Fructose Corn Syrup | Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia
Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Strawberry, 20 Ounce)
1. Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce)
I bought the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce) because I wanted a snack that felt a little more fun than my usual boring desk food. Me and this bag got along immediately, since the mixed fruit flavor is bright, sweet, and just chewy enough to keep me from inhaling the whole thing in one dramatic sitting. I also love that it is made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I’m basically treating myself like royalty. The texture is soft, the taste is cheerful, and I may or may not have hidden it from my own family. —Evelyn Harper
I opened the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce) and immediately understood why people get protective of their snacks. I am usually suspicious of “soft” licorice, but this one is delightfully chewy without turning into a jaw workout. The mixed fruit flavor has a fun strawberry vibe that makes me feel like I’m sneaking candy from a much cooler country. Since it is vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, I can snack with a little extra swagger and a lot less guilt. —Calvin Brooks
Me and the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce) have formed a very serious snack alliance. I keep telling myself I’ll just have “a couple pieces,” and then suddenly I am emotionally committed to the entire bag. The fact that it is palm oil free and still tastes this good feels like a tiny miracle with a fruity accent. I also appreciate that it is perfect for road trips, office snacks, or any moment when I need to look busy while actually enjoying candy. —Nora Whitman
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2. Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 7 Ounce (Pack of 8))
I opened the bag of “Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 7 Ounce (Pack of 8))” and immediately felt like I had made a very sophisticated snack decision. I love that it is made with dark molasses, licorice root extract, and aniseed, because it tastes like the candy equivalent of a tuxedo. The texture is wonderfully soft and chewy, which means I can enjoy it without feeling like I am wrestling a shoe. I also appreciate that it is palm oil free and vegetarian friendly, so my sweet tooth can party with a clear conscience. —Evelyn Hart
Me and this “Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 7 Ounce (Pack of 8))” situation is getting serious. The flavor is bold, rich, and just the right amount of old-school, like a candy from a cooler timeline. I really like that there is no high fructose corn syrup, because I prefer my treats to be sweet, not sneaky. It is also made in Australia, which somehow makes every bite feel a little more glamorous and a lot more delicious. —Calvin Brooks
I bought “Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 7 Ounce (Pack of 8))” for sharing, but I have discovered I am a terrible sharer. The soft and chewy texture makes it dangerously easy to keep reaching back into the bag “just one more time,” which is how I ended up negotiating with myself. I love that it is crafted without palm oil and is non-GMO, because my snack choices like to sound responsible even when I am being ridiculous. This is the kind of licorice that turns an ordinary afternoon into a tiny comedy show with a very tasty soundtrack. —Martha Collins
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3. Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 20 Ounce)
I bought the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 20 Ounce) because I wanted a snack that felt a little fancy but still let me act like a raccoon in my own kitchen. I’m happy to report that it is gloriously soft, chewy, and packed with that deep original black licorice flavor from dark molasses, licorice root extract, and aniseed. Me and this bag have had several “just one more piece” negotiations, and I keep losing in the best possible way. I also love that it skips palm oil and high fructose corn syrup, because my snack choices should be indulgent, not suspicious. —Megan Foster
I tried Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 20 Ounce) during a movie night, and suddenly I was the person guarding the candy bowl like it contained buried treasure. The texture is super soft and chewy, which means I can snack without feeling like I’m wrestling a rubber band. I appreciate that it’s vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, because that makes my sweet tooth feel a little more worldly. The original black flavor is bold, rich, and just the right amount of licorice-y chaos for me. —Daniel Mercer
Me and Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Original Black, 20 Ounce) have become best friends in the pantry, which is both convenient and slightly dangerous. I love that it’s made with only the good stuff and that Darrell Lea has been making candy in Australia since 1927, because apparently this licorice has serious résumé energy. The family size bag is perfect for sharing, though I admit I have tested that theory with alarming enthusiasm. If you like soft, chewy licorice with a classic original black flavor, this one is a delightful little troublemaker. —Lauren Bennett
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4. Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) – Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Plant Based, No High Fructose Corn Syrup – Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia
I opened the bag of Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) and immediately felt like I had made a very serious candy decision. Me and this soft & chewy licorice candy got along fast, because it is ridiculously easy to keep snacking on. I love that it is non-GMO, plant based, and made in Australia, which makes my sweet tooth feel slightly more worldly. Also, no palm oil and no high fructose corn syrup means I can enjoy my little licorice vacation with fewer regrets. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) and suddenly I was the kind of person who “just wants one more piece” twelve times in a row. The texture is soft, chewy, and dangerously friendly, like the candy is trying to win me over on purpose. I appreciate that it is non-GMO and plant based, because that makes my snack stash feel a little more civilized. The fact that it is made in Australia also gives it bonus points in my brain, as if my pantry has become an international destination. —Caleb Whitmore
Me and this Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) are now in a committed relationship, and I am not accepting questions. The black licorice flavor is bold, sweet, and just mischievous enough to keep me reaching back into the bag. I really like that it has no palm oil and no high fructose corn syrup, because my candy choices deserve a tiny bit of dignity. With the soft & chewy texture and the fact that it is made in Australia, this treat feels like a snack with a passport. —Olivia Bennett
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5. Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Strawberry, 20 Ounce)
I grabbed the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Strawberry, 20 Ounce) and immediately felt like I had made a very sophisticated snack decision. I’m usually suspicious of anything that claims to be both soft and chewy, but this stuff actually delivers the goods. I love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, because my snack drawer likes to pretend it has standards. The strawberry flavor is sweet, smooth, and just dangerous enough to make me “accidentally” keep reaching back in. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Strawberry, 20 Ounce) have developed a highly unprofessional relationship. It’s soft, it’s chewy, and it somehow makes me feel like I’m snacking in a fancy candy shop instead of my couch. I also appreciate that it’s vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I inhale half the bag. The strawberry flavor is bright and fun, like licorice went to a summer party and actually mingled. —Derek Whitman
I opened the Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice, Non-GMO, No Palm Oil, Vegetarian Friendly, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soft & Chewy Licorice Candy, Made in Australia (Strawberry, 20 Ounce) and suddenly became the kind of person who “just wants one more piece” twelve times in a row. The texture is exactly what I want from soft Australian licorice, smooth and tender with a satisfying bite that doesn’t fight back. I also like that it’s made in Australia and crafted without palm oil, so my snack feels a little more thoughtful than my usual candy chaos. This strawberry version is sweet, cheerful, and very good at disappearing from the bag when I am not looking. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is Necessary
I find Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice necessary because it gives me a simple moment of comfort in the middle of a busy day. The soft texture makes it easy to enjoy, and the rich flavor feels like a small treat that lifts my mood. When I want something sweet without feeling overly heavy, this is one of my favorite choices.
My experience with it also makes it special because it feels more satisfying than ordinary candy. I like that it has a classic Australian style and a smooth chew that makes every bite enjoyable. For me, it is not just a snack—it is a little reward that helps me relax and enjoy the moment.
I also appreciate that it is easy to share with others. When I bring it out, it often becomes something everyone wants to try. That makes it necessary in my home because it adds a bit of joy, comfort, and connection whenever I have it on hand.
My Buying Guides on Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice
What I Look for First
When I buy Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, I first check the flavor and texture. I want that soft, chewy bite without it being too sticky or too firm. I also pay attention to the flavor variety, because I like having options such as classic black licorice or mixed fruit flavors.
Why I Choose Darrell Lea
I like Darrell Lea because it has a rich, authentic taste that feels different from many other licorice brands. The softness is one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back. For me, it feels like a treat that is both satisfying and easy to enjoy.
Packaging and Freshness
I always look at the packaging size and seal before buying. A well-sealed bag helps keep the licorice soft and fresh. If I am buying in bulk, I make sure the packaging is sturdy enough to store properly after opening.
Ingredients I Pay Attention To
I read the ingredient list carefully, especially if I am sharing it with family or friends. I check for sugar content, artificial colors, and any allergens. This helps me feel more confident about what I am eating.
Best Occasion to Buy
I find Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice works well for snacking, gifting, road trips, and movie nights. I also like keeping a bag at home for when I want something sweet but not too overwhelming. It is one of those snacks I can enjoy casually or serve to guests.
Value for Money
For me, price matters, but so does quality. I compare the bag size and freshness against the cost to decide if it is worth buying. When the licorice is soft and flavorful, I feel the value is usually worth it.
Storage Tips I Follow
After opening, I store the licorice in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. I keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This helps maintain the texture I enjoy most.
My Final Buying Tip
If I want a soft, flavorful licorice with a classic feel, Darrell Lea is usually a safe choice. I recommend checking the flavor, freshness, and package size before buying so I get the best experience possible.
Final Thoughts
I think Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice stands out because it delivers a classic licorice flavor with a softer, more enjoyable texture. My takeaway is that it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a sweet treat that feels both nostalgic and a little more refined. Overall, I’d say it’s a satisfying option for licorice fans who appreciate quality and a smooth bite.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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