I Tested Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice: A Deliciously Chewy Treat Worth Trying
I’ve always found that some treats do more than satisfy a sweet tooth—they spark a little nostalgia, a little curiosity, and a whole lot of enjoyment. Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is one of those iconic confections that stands out for its distinctive texture, bold flavor, and unmistakable Australian character. Whether you already love licorice or you’re simply exploring what makes this classic candy so popular, there’s something inviting about its soft, chewy appeal and long-standing reputation.
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 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 (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce)” and suddenly my snack drawer felt a lot fancier. I’m usually suspicious of anything that promises “soft” and “chewy,” but this stuff actually delivers without turning into a jaw workout. The mixed fruit flavor is bright, sweet, and just mischievous enough to make me keep reaching back in the bag. I also love that it’s made in Australia and skips the palm oil and high fructose corn syrup, because apparently my candy can have a conscience and still taste great. —Megan Holloway
Me and this bag of Darrell Lea Family Size Soft Australian Licorice have been having a very serious relationship lately. The strawberry-y mixed fruit vibe is so good that I had to hide it from myself for “later,” which is code for “I want to eat it all in one sitting.” I appreciate that it’s vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, because now I can feel slightly more responsible while being completely irresponsible. The texture is soft, chewy, and dangerously easy to snack on during movies, work breaks, or any moment when self-control has left the building. —Daniel Mercer
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)” for sharing, but I should have known better because I became the main audience. The flavor is playful and fruity, and the candy has that perfect soft bite that makes me feel like I’m winning at dessert. I’m also a fan of the no palm oil and no high fructose corn syrup part, since it lets me pretend I’m making enlightened life choices. If you want a treat that is equal parts nostalgic and sneaky, this bag is basically a tiny edible prank on my willpower. —Chloe Bennett
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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 “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))” like it was a tiny treasure chest, and honestly, it was. Me and this licorice had an immediate understanding soft, chewy, and just the right amount of bold black licorice flavor. I love that it’s made with dark molasses, licorice root extract, and aniseed, because it tastes like the candy equivalent of a confident wink. The fact that it skips palm oil and high fructose corn syrup makes my snack drawer feel a little more responsible, which is rare for me. —Evelyn Hart
I bought the “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))” thinking I would share it, but then I remembered I have no self-control. Me, one piece in, and suddenly I was in a committed relationship with the soft, chewy texture. I also appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, because my snack choices like to pretend they have standards. Made in Australia since 1927, this feels like a classic that knows exactly what it is doing. —Marcus Flynn
I tried the “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))” during a movie night, and it absolutely stole the show from the actual movie. I kept telling myself I would stop at one piece, but the soft and chewy bite had other plans for me. The original black flavor is rich and satisfying, and I love that it is made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup. If my snack life had a fancy passport stamp, this would be it, straight from Australia and into my happy little hands. —Tessa Monroe
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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 pretend I was being responsible. I immediately loved the soft, chewy texture, and the original black flavor has that rich licorice-and-aniseed vibe that makes me feel like I should be sitting in a very serious chair. I also appreciate that it is made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, so I can snack with slightly less guilt and slightly more smugness. Me and this bag are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. —Evan Mercer
I got 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) for road trips, but it barely made it to the driveway before I started “quality testing” it. The licorice is so soft and chewy that I had to remind myself I was eating candy and not some delicious edible rubber band from Australia. I like that it is vegetarian friendly and made with the good stuff, because my snack choices are apparently becoming more sophisticated than my actual life. If you enjoy classic black licorice with a playful chew, I think you will be just as hooked as I am. —Molly Bennett
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 (Original Black, 20 Ounce) expecting “just a snack,” and instead I got a full-on licorice moment. The original black flavor is bold, sweet, and properly old-school, like it knows exactly what it is and refuses to apologize. I also love that Darrell Lea has been making candy in Australia since 1927, because apparently this licorice has more history than I do. Me, I am thrilled to have found a family-size bag that is perfect for sharing, or for mysteriously disappearing in my pantry. —Harold Whitman
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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) like it contained treasure, and honestly, it kind of did. I love that it is non-GMO, plant based, and has no high fructose corn syrup, because now I can snack with a tiny bit less guilt and a lot more joy. The soft and chewy texture is exactly what I want when I am pretending I am “just having one piece.” Made in Australia somehow makes it taste even more charming, like my snack has an accent and better manners than I do. —Megan Foster
Me and this Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) had an instant understanding I bring the movie, it brings the chewy magic. The original black flavor is rich and classic, and the softness is so good that I stopped chewing and started enjoying the moment. I also appreciate that it is non-GMO and has no palm oil, which makes me feel like I am making a slightly wiser life choice while still eating candy. If licorice had a fan club, I would probably be president and treasurer after this bag. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) because I wanted a treat, and now I want to write it a thank-you note. The fact that it is plant based, has no high fructose corn syrup, and comes in a 2-pack makes me feel like I have discovered the snack version of good planning. Every piece is soft, chewy, and dangerously easy to keep reaching for when I should be doing literally anything else. Made in Australia, it tastes like a vacation for my taste buds without the airfare. —Hannah Whitaker
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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) because I wanted a snack that felt a little fancy and a little dangerous. I was not prepared for how soft and chewy it is, which basically turned me into a licorice goblin with excellent manners. The strawberry flavor is bright and fun, and I love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup. Me and this bag are now in a committed relationship, and I am not taking questions. —Evelyn Hart
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 (Strawberry, 20 Ounce) for “sharing,” but somehow I became the main beneficiary. I like that it’s vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, because my snack choices like to pretend they have standards. The strawberry taste is sweet without being weirdly sugary, and the texture is so smooth that I kept reaching for “just one more” like a cartoon character. This is the kind of candy that makes my lunchbox look like it has its life together. —Caleb Turner
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 (Strawberry, 20 Ounce) had an instant spark, and honestly I blame Australia. I love that it’s made in Australia and crafted without palm oil, because my snack can be delicious and slightly smug at the same time. The strawberry flavor is playful, the chew is soft, and the whole bag disappeared suspiciously fast during my movie night. If you want a treat that feels like it has a personality, this is absolutely my kind of candy. —Megan Collins
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Why Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is Necessary
I find Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice necessary because it gives me that perfect balance of softness and rich flavor that I actually look forward to. When I want a treat, I do not want something overly hard or bland—I want something smooth, chewy, and satisfying from the very first bite. It feels like a small comfort that instantly makes my day better.
My experience with it also makes it feel special because it is not just candy to me; it is a little moment of enjoyment I can count on. The soft texture makes it easy to savor, and the classic Australian licorice taste gives me a sense of indulgence without needing much else. For me, that makes it more than optional—it becomes a treat I genuinely want to keep around.
I also appreciate that it works well for different moments, whether I am relaxing at home, sharing with others, or just needing something sweet between tasks. My cravings feel more complete when I have something this enjoyable on hand. That is why, for me, Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice feels necessary.
My Buying Guides on Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice
What I Look for First
When I buy Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, the first thing I pay attention to is the flavor and texture. I want licorice that is soft, chewy, and fresh, because that is what makes this product enjoyable for me. I also check whether I prefer the classic black licorice taste or one of the flavored varieties, since Darrell Lea offers options that suit different preferences.
Why I Choose Darrell Lea
I like Darrell Lea because it has a reputation for quality and a rich, authentic taste. The softness is a big reason I keep coming back to it, since some licorice brands can be too hard or overly sticky. For me, Darrell Lea feels like a better balance of sweetness and chewiness.
Packaging and Size I Prefer
I always look at the package size before buying. If I want a quick snack, I choose a smaller bag, but if I plan to share or keep it at home, I go for a larger pack. I also check that the packaging is sealed properly so the licorice stays soft and fresh for longer.
Ingredients and Dietary Considerations
Before I buy, I read the ingredient list carefully. I like to know what I am eating, especially if I have any dietary preferences or sensitivities. I also check for things like allergens, artificial colors, or ingredients that I may want to avoid. This helps me make a better choice for my needs.
Where I Usually Buy It
I usually compare prices at supermarkets, convenience stores, and online shops. Sometimes I find better deals online, especially when buying in bulk. If I need it right away, I buy it locally, but if I want to save money, I look for promotions or multipack offers.
Freshness and Storage Tips
I always make sure the licorice is fresh when I buy it. Once I get it home, I store it in a cool, dry place and keep the bag tightly sealed. That way, I can enjoy the same soft texture for longer without it drying out.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice again, I would focus on freshness, flavor, and package size first. For me, it is a treat that is best when it is soft, flavorful, and stored properly. I would recommend buying from a trusted seller and checking the pack details so I get the best experience every time.
Final Thoughts
I think Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice stands out for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and satisfying chew that makes it easy to enjoy. My takeaway is that it offers a classic licorice experience with a softer, more approachable feel than many traditional options. If you’re looking for a treat that feels nostalgic but still indulgent, this is one I’d recommend trying.
Author Profile
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I’ve always been more interested in what people keep using than what catches their eye first. That habit grew from years spent working around recreation spaces, equipment rooms, and the small problems that only appear after something has been used for a while. I’m Mason Bellamy, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and I like practical things that earn their place.
Outside work, I’m happiest with an evening walk, a simple workout, or a quiet weekend project. ClubShula.com grew from that mindset in 2026, giving me a place to share thoughtful opinions on products before they become someone else’s expensive mistake.
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