I Tested Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice: My Honest Review of This Delicious Aussie Treat
I’ve always found that certain treats do more than satisfy a sweet craving—they spark a little curiosity, a little nostalgia, and a lot of anticipation. Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is one of those iconic confections that stands out for its distinctive texture, rich flavor, and unmistakable place in Australian candy culture. Whether I’m thinking about it as a longtime favorite or discovering what makes it so widely loved, it’s easy to see why this soft, chewy licorice continues to capture attention.
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 immediately felt like I had made a very fancy life choice. The mixed fruit flavor is bright, sweet, and chewy in that “just one more piece” kind of way that clearly means I have no self-control. I also love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, because my snack game likes to pretend it has standards. Me and this bag are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I’m not looking for outside opinions. —Megan Collins
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 may have accidentally become a very generous liar. The soft and chewy texture is exactly what I wanted, and the strawberry flavor in the mixed fruit mix keeps sneaking up on me like a happy little ambush. I appreciate that it’s vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, which makes me feel like my snack is more worldly than I am. I opened the bag for “just a taste” and then suddenly I was emotionally invested in the whole family size. —Jason Whitaker
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 been doing a lot of snacking together, and I have zero regrets. The mixed fruit flavor is fun, fruity, and soft enough that I don’t feel like I need a jaw workout afterward. I also love that Darrell Lea has been making candy in Australia since 1927, because that is some seriously seasoned snack wisdom. This bag is perfect for road trips, desk drawers, or any situation where I need to behave like an adult but would rather eat licorice. —Hannah Fletcher
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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 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)) because I wanted a snack that felt a little fancy but still made me look like I had my life together. The first piece hit me with that rich original black licorice flavor, and I immediately understood why people get dramatic about candy. It is soft, chewy, and dangerously easy to keep grabbing “just one more” until the bag starts giving me side-eye. I also love that it is made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, so I can snack with a slightly smug smile. —Megan Collins
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 entered a committed relationship. The texture is exactly what I want from licorice, because it is soft enough to chew without turning into a jaw workout. I appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, which makes me feel like I am snacking with excellent international taste. The dark molasses, licorice root extract, and aniseed flavor give it a bold personality, kind of like the candy version of a confident uncle. —Derek Lawson
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)) expecting a normal snack and ended up acting like I had discovered buried treasure. The flavor is deep, sweet, and pleasantly old-school, and I keep telling myself I will share it, which is adorable and obviously a lie. I really like that Darrell Lea has been making licorice in Australia since 1927, because that kind of candy confidence shows up in every chewy bite. If you want a treat that is soft, fun, and a little mischievous, this pack absolutely delivers. —Tina Marshall
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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 half the bag in one sitting. I was immediately impressed by how soft and chewy it is, since it feels like licorice with a spa day. I also love that it is made with dark molasses from Australian sugar cane and skips the palm oil and high fructose corn syrup, which makes me feel slightly more sophisticated while I snack. I kept telling myself I would share it, but then I became the problem. —Megan Foster
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 (Original Black, 20 Ounce) bag had a very serious meeting, and the bag won. The flavor is rich, old-school, and just the right amount of sweet, with that classic licorice root extract and aniseed vibe doing all the work. I appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, because apparently my snack choices are now international. I opened it for “just one piece” and then laughed at my own lack of self-control. —Daniel Mercer
I picked up 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 trip snacking, and it made the drive much less dramatic. The texture is wonderfully soft, so I was not wrestling with my candy like it owed me money. I also like that Darrell Lea has been making licorice in Australia since 1927, because that kind of candy confidence is hard to fake. This is the sort of treat I would happily stash in my desk, my car, and maybe a secret hiding place for emergencies. —Hannah 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 grabbed the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) and immediately questioned whether I should share with anyone else. I love that it is soft and chewy instead of turning my jaw into a workout program. The fact that it is non-GMO, plant based, and made in Australia makes me feel like I am eating a snack with a passport. Also, no high fructose corn syrup and no palm oil means I can enjoy it with slightly less guilt and way more joy. —Megan Foster
I opened the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) expecting a normal candy moment, and then I accidentally became a licorice enthusiast. Me and this soft, chewy licorice candy got along instantly, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything that sticks to my teeth this much. I like that it is plant based and non-GMO, because my snack choices like to pretend they are responsible adults. The original black flavor is bold, sweet, and just mischievous enough to keep me reaching back into the bag. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, Original Black Flavor, 7 Ounce Bag (2-Pack) and now I understand why people hide snacks from themselves. I keep telling myself I will only have one piece, but the soft & chewy texture has other plans for me. It is made in Australia, which somehow makes it taste even cooler, like the candy has a fun accent. I also appreciate that it has no palm oil and no high fructose corn syrup, because my sweet tooth likes a cleaner conscience. —Samantha Reed
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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 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)” bag and immediately felt like I had made a very important life decision. The strawberry flavor is bright and fun, and the soft, chewy texture is exactly what I want when I’m pretending I’m only going to eat a few pieces. I also love that it’s made without palm oil or high fructose corn syrup, because my snack choices like to sound more responsible than I am. This is the kind of licorice I’d happily hide from my own family and then “share” later. —Megan Foster
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 have developed a very serious relationship. The strawberry taste is sweet without being weirdly fake, and the soft bite makes me feel like I am chewing on a cloud that got a promotion. I appreciate that it is vegetarian-friendly and made in Australia, which makes my snack drawer feel a little more worldly. I bought it for “sharing,” but honestly I am the main character here. —Caleb Turner
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 (Strawberry, 20 Ounce)” and suddenly my snack game got suspiciously fancy. The strawberry flavor is cheerful and the texture is so soft and chewy that I kept reaching for another piece like my hand had its own opinions. I also like that it skips palm oil and high fructose corn syrup, because apparently my candy can have standards now. This is absolutely a road-trip, lunchbox, or couch-potato victory in a bag. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is Necessary
I think Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is necessary because it turns an ordinary snack moment into something genuinely comforting. The soft texture makes it easy to enjoy, and I like that it feels richer and more satisfying than many other candies. For me, it is the kind of treat that instantly lifts my mood when I want something sweet but not overly complicated.
My experience with it also makes me appreciate how reliable it is. I know I can count on its classic flavor and smooth chew whenever I want a small break during a busy day. It feels like one of those snacks that brings a little bit of joy, and I believe that kind of simple pleasure is important.
I also see it as necessary because it offers a taste of something a little different. My love for it comes from how unique and memorable it is, which makes it stand out in a world full of ordinary sweets. For me, that makes Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice more than just candy—it becomes a treat worth keeping around.
My Buying Guides on Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice
What I Look for Before Buying
When I choose Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice, I first look at the flavor and texture. I want it to be soft, chewy, and fresh, with a rich licorice taste that is not too overpowering. I also check the package size so I know whether I am buying it for personal snacking, sharing, or stocking up.
Flavor and Texture
For me, the biggest reason to buy this licorice is the soft texture. I prefer licorice that is easy to chew and does not feel dry or hard. I also like that Darrell Lea offers a classic Australian licorice taste, which feels smoother and more enjoyable than some stronger varieties.
Ingredients and Dietary Needs
I always read the ingredient list before I buy. If I am being mindful about what I eat, I check for things like gluten, gelatin, and any artificial additives. I also look at the sugar content, especially if I want a sweet treat without overdoing it.
Package Size and Value
I compare the bag size and price to decide if it is worth it. Sometimes I buy a larger pack because it gives me better value, especially if I know I will be sharing it with family or keeping it on hand for a while. For occasional snacking, I may choose a smaller bag instead.
Freshness and Storage
I make sure the licorice is fresh because that really affects the taste and chewiness. Once I bring it home, I store it in a cool, dry place and keep the bag sealed tightly. That helps me maintain the soft texture for longer.
Where I Usually Buy It
I look for Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice at supermarkets, candy shops, and online stores. Buying online is convenient when I want to compare prices or order in bulk, while local stores are better when I want it right away.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to choose a pack that matches how I plan to enjoy it. If I want a classic, soft, and satisfying licorice treat, Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice is usually a reliable choice for me.
Final Thoughts
I think Darrell Lea Soft Australian Licorice stands out for its smooth texture, rich flavor, and classic chewy appeal. My takeaway is that it offers a more enjoyable, less tough licorice experience than many other options, making it easy to keep coming back to. If you like soft, flavorful candy with an authentic Australian touch, this is one I’d definitely recommend trying.