Plock Candy guide
Salty licorice and salmiak
Salty licorice is licorice candy flavored with ammonium chloride, a salt known in the Nordic countries as salmiak. It tastes sharp, salty and slightly tingling over a sweet licorice base. It is a favorite in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, and it is the flavor that surprises first-time visitors most.
- Also called
- Salmiak, saltlakrits (Swedish), salmiakki (Finnish), zoute drop (Dutch)
- Key ingredient
- Ammonium chloride, added to licorice extract
- Taste
- Salty and sharp with a slight tingle, then sweet licorice
- Most popular in
- The Nordic countries, the Netherlands and northern Germany
- Eat it
- In moderation: licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin
What is salmiak?
Salmiak is the Nordic name for ammonium chloride, the salt that gives salty licorice its bite; its old English name is sal ammoniac. Candy makers mix it into licorice or dust it on the surface, and the more they add, the stronger and more tongue-tingling the candy becomes. Some salty licorice uses ordinary salt instead.
What does salty licorice taste like?
The first impression is salty and sharp, closer to a savory snack than a sweet. An earthy, sweet licorice flavor follows, and strong salmiak pieces leave a light tingle on the tongue. People who did not grow up with it usually find it an acquired taste, so it is best tried one piece at a time.
Is salty licorice Swedish?
It is Nordic more than strictly Swedish. Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway all have long salty licorice traditions, and the Netherlands has its own version, zoute drop. In Sweden it is a standard part of any pick-and-mix, and Malaco's Djungelvrål, salty licorice monkeys, is one of the best-known Swedish examples. More about Swedish licorice.
Is salty licorice good for you?
It is candy, so enjoy it in moderation. Real licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which in large amounts can raise blood pressure and lower potassium. The US Food and Drug Administration advises that people aged 40 and over who eat two ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could develop an irregular heart rhythm. Salty licorice adds salt on top.
Where to try salty licorice in San Francisco
Licorice is one of the pick-and-mix categories at Plock Candy, 3101 Fillmore St. Add one or two salty pieces to a mostly sweet mix to find out whether you like it before you scoop a whole bag.
Frequently asked questions
Why do people eat salty licorice?
Mostly because they grew up with it. In the Nordic countries and the Netherlands salty licorice is an everyday candy, and fans enjoy the contrast of salty, sweet and sharp flavors that other candy does not have.
What is the difference between licorice and salmiak?
Licorice candy gets its flavor from licorice root extract. Salmiak licorice adds ammonium chloride, which makes it salty and sharp. All salmiak candy is licorice-flavored, but most licorice sold in the US is sweet rather than salty.
Is salmiak an acquired taste?
For most people, yes. First-timers often find it surprising. Starting with a mild salty licorice rather than a strong double-salted salmiak makes it easier to decide whether you like the flavor.