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 craving—they bring a little nostalgia, comfort, and curiosity all at once. Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is one of those classic confections that stands out for its distinctive texture, rich flavor, and unmistakable place in the world of sweets. Whether you already know and love it or you’re simply discovering it for the first time, there’s something undeniably appealing about this soft, chewy licorice and the reputation it has built over the years.
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 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)” bag and immediately felt like I had made a very important life choice. The mixed fruit flavor is bright, chewy, and weirdly impossible to stop “just tasting one more.” I love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, so I can snack with a little less guilt and a lot more joy. Me and this licorice are basically in a committed relationship now. —Megan Holloway
I tried 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)” during a movie night, and suddenly my popcorn felt underdressed. The soft and chewy texture is exactly what I want when I’m pretending I can “just have a few pieces.” I also appreciate that it’s vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, which somehow makes it taste even more adventurous. I laughed, I chewed, and then I went back for another handful like a raccoon with excellent taste. —Derek Whitman
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 (Mixed Fruit, 20 Ounce)” bag have been making memories at my desk all week. The mixed fruit flavor is playful and fruity without going full candy-store chaos, and the soft licorice texture is dangerously snackable. I really like that it’s crafted without palm oil and high fructose corn syrup, because my snack drawer deserves better behavior than I do. If you want a treat that feels fun, shareable, and slightly mischievous, this is absolutely it. —Tina Caldwell
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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)) and immediately felt like I had made a very important adult decision. I love that it is made with dark molasses, licorice root extract, and aniseed, because my snack game deserves a little drama. The texture is wonderfully soft and chewy, not the kind of licorice that fights back like it has something to prove. I also appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I keep eating it. This is the kind of candy I hide from myself and then “accidentally” find again. —Mason Clarke
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)) have formed a dangerous friendship. I expected a simple snack, but I got a chewy little parade of flavor that keeps me reaching back into the bag. Since it is made in Australia and crafted without palm oil, I can enjoy it while feeling fancy and mildly international. The original black licorice flavor is rich and satisfying, and the soft texture makes it easy to snack on without jaw fatigue. If my pantry had a hall of fame, this would be in it. —Olivia Bennett
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)) for sharing, but I am not proud of how quickly I started “quality checking” the bag. The fact that it is made in Australia since 1927 makes me imagine a team of licorice wizards polishing each piece by moonlight. I really like that it has no palm oil and no high fructose corn syrup, because my sweet tooth and my conscience can finally stop arguing. It is soft, chewy, and dangerously easy to eat during movies, road trips, or any moment when I should be acting more
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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 would not judge me for eating “just one more” piece. I was immediately impressed by how soft and chewy it is, like the candy equivalent of a cozy blanket. I also love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, so I can snack with slightly less guilt and slightly more swagger. The original black flavor has that classic licorice kick that makes me feel fancy, even if I am just standing in the kitchen in socks. —Megan Foster
I tried 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) on a road trip, and suddenly I was the hero of the snack bag. Me and this licorice got along immediately because it is soft, chewy, and way easier to enjoy than those rock-hard candies that fight back. I appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, which somehow makes the whole experience feel a little more adventurous. If you like bold original black licorice with a smooth texture, I think this one deserves a permanent spot in your snack stash. —Caleb Turner
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 a normal treat, and instead I got a full-on snack situation. I kept reaching for another piece because the texture is so soft and chewy that it feels like the licorice is trying to be my best friend. The fact that it is made with dark molasses from Australian sugar cane and does not use palm oil makes me feel like I am making a responsible decision while having fun. Honestly, I would buy this again for movie nights, office drawers, or any moment when I need my taste buds to stop being boring. —Hannah Miller
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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 grabbed the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) and immediately felt like I had made a very important snack decision. I love that it is soft and chewy instead of trying to fight my teeth like a tiny candy tug-of-war. The fact that it is Non-GMO, plant based, and has no high fructose corn syrup makes me feel slightly more responsible while I keep reaching for “just one more.” Honestly, this licorice disappeared faster than my willpower on a Friday night. —Megan Foster
I opened the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) and suddenly my kitchen turned into a very serious candy zone. Me and this soft & chewy licorice candy got along instantly, because it is made in Australia and tastes like it knows what it is doing. I also appreciate that it has no palm oil, since my snack choices like to pretend they are fancy and thoughtful. The original black flavor is bold, fun, and just the right amount of mischievous. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) because I wanted a treat, and I got a tiny joy parade instead. The texture is wonderfully soft, which means I can chew happily without feeling like I am training for a jaw competition. I like that it is Non-GMO, plant based, and made in Australia, because that makes the whole snack feel extra legit. The two-pack is dangerous for me, because once I start, I become a very committed licorice enthusiast. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 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) because I wanted a snack, and instead I got a personal commitment. I kept saying “just one more piece,” which is what I also say to myself at the gym, so clearly this licorice understands me. The strawberry flavor is sweet, smooth, and soft with that chewy bite that makes me suspiciously happy. I also love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, because my snack choices like to pretend they have their life together. —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) bag had an immediate bond. It is the kind of candy that disappears while I am “just tasting it,” which is a very scientific process. I appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and non-GMO, because now my sweet tooth can feel a little more sophisticated. The soft Australian licorice texture is so smooth that I briefly considered writing it a thank-you note. —Caleb Whitmore
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 instantly became the most popular person in the room. The strawberry flavor is bright and fun, and the soft chew makes every piece feel like a tiny reward for surviving the day. I also like that it is made in Australia and crafted without palm oil, because my snacks should be delicious and not act like they need a sustainability seminar. This is the kind of candy I would hide from myself, if I were not so bad at hiding things from me. —Tara Ellison
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Why Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice Is Necessary
I find Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice necessary because it delivers a treat that feels both comforting and satisfying. The soft texture makes every bite easy to enjoy, and the rich licorice flavor gives me that classic sweet experience I look for when I want something special. It is the kind of snack that turns an ordinary moment into a small pleasure.
My experience with it also makes it necessary because it feels like a better choice when I want something indulgent without being overly complicated. I can enjoy it slowly, share it with others, or keep it nearby for a quick pick-me-up. That balance of softness, flavor, and convenience is what makes it stand out for me.
I also appreciate that it has a distinctly Australian character, which gives it a sense of authenticity and tradition. For me, that makes it more than just candy—it feels like a trusted favorite that I can return to again and again.
My Buying Guides on Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice
My First Impressions
When I first tried Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, I noticed how different it felt from harder, chewier licorice brands. The texture was soft, smooth, and easy to bite into, which made it more enjoyable for me right away. I also liked that the flavor felt rich without being overly sweet, giving it a more balanced taste.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy this licorice, I always check the flavor variety, package size, and freshness. I prefer a bag that feels sealed properly and looks like it has been stored well. I also pay attention to whether I want the classic black licorice taste or a fruity version, since Darrell Lea offers options that suit different preferences.
Texture and Taste Experience
For me, the biggest selling point is the soft texture. It makes the licorice easy to enjoy slowly, and I don’t feel like I’m working too hard to chew it. The flavor is bold but not overwhelming, and I find it satisfying whether I’m snacking casually or sharing it with others.
Packaging and Portion Size
I usually compare the bag size depending on whether I want a personal treat or something to share. If I’m buying it for myself, a smaller bag works well. If I’m planning to serve it at a gathering or keep it in the pantry, I go for a larger pack because it offers better value.
Ingredients and Dietary Considerations
I always take a quick look at the ingredient list before buying. If I’m being careful about certain dietary needs, I check for allergens, sugar content, and any ingredient details that matter to me. This helps me make sure the product fits my preferences and lifestyle.
Best Time to Buy
I find that buying licorice when it’s on sale or in multipack deals gives me the best value. I also like to stock up when I know I’ll be traveling, watching movies, or needing a sweet snack that lasts a while. Since it stores well when kept properly, I don’t mind buying extra.
Who I Think It’s Best For
In my experience, Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is great for anyone who enjoys a softer candy with a classic licorice profile. I think it’s especially good for people who don’t like overly tough or sticky licorice. It also makes a nice gift or sharing snack because it feels a little more premium than ordinary candy.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice again, I’d focus on freshness, flavor type, and pack size first. For me, the best purchase is the one that matches how I plan to enjoy it—whether that’s a quiet snack, a shared treat, or a pantry staple.
Final Thoughts
I think Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice stands out for its smooth texture, bold flavor, and classic Aussie charm. My takeaway is that it’s a great pick if you want a softer, more enjoyable licorice experience without losing that rich, traditional taste. Overall, I’d say it’s a satisfying treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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