Panda Licorice Chew, 7 oz (Package May Vary)

The Verdict

Let’s be clear about something upfront: this is not a coffee maker. This is a bag of black licorice. If you’re reading this expecting a review of a drip machine or an espresso grinder, you’re in the wrong place — but if you’re a coffee drinker who likes a strong, bitter-sweet counterpoint to your cup, Panda Licorice Chew might just be the pairing you didn’t know you needed.

What’s Actually in the Bag

The 7-ounce package contains roughly 25-30 individual twists of soft black licorice. The pieces are about 4 inches long, coated in a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking. As the “Package May Vary” warning suggests, you might receive either a stand-up resealable pouch or a flat pillow bag depending on the fulfillment batch. The candy itself is consistent regardless of packaging.

Texture and Flavor — The Real Story

Here’s where Panda separates itself from the pack. Most mass-market licorice (cough, Twizzlers, cough) is essentially flavored wax — chewy in the way a rubber band is chewy. Panda is different. The texture is genuinely soft and yielding, almost like a firm gummy. It pulls apart cleanly and doesn’t leave that sticky film on your teeth that cheaper licorice does.

The flavor is where it gets interesting. This is real anise oil, not artificial licorice flavoring. The initial hit is sweet and aromatic, followed by a pleasant saltiness that cuts through the sugar. It’s not as aggressively salty as Nordic brands like Lakrids by Bülow, but it’s far more balanced than American supermarket licorice. The finish is clean, with a slight cooling sensation from the anethole.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

Scrolling through the 229 ratings, a clear pattern emerges. One verified purchaser put it simply: “Finally, licorice that actually tastes like licorice. Soft, chewy, and the salt is perfect.” Another long-time buyer noted, “I’ve been buying this for years. It’s the only licorice my Finnish husband approves of, and he’s picky.”

The soft texture gets repeated mentions. Multiple reviewers who grew up eating Panda overseas note that the current U.S. packaging still delivers the same product they remember. A reviewer who buys in bulk stated, “These don’t last long in my house. My kids steal them from my desk.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the drawbacks. The “Package May Vary” factor is real — some buyers have received bags where the twists were slightly dried at the tips, likely from storage issues in transit. It’s not a dealbreaker, but if you’re expecting every piece to be perfectly pliable, you might occasionally be disappointed.

The flavor profile also won’t work for everyone. If you’re used to the sweet, mild licorice from brands like Wiley Wallaby, Panda’s salt-forward approach might catch you off guard. And if you’re expecting the hard, intensely salty Scandinavian style, this will feel soft and mild by comparison.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re a black licorice lover who wants something softer than hard Scandinavian varieties but more authentic than American candy. Coffee drinkers will find the salty-sweet profile pairs beautifully with dark roasts — the saltiness actually enhances the coffee’s bitterness in a pleasant way.

Skip it if: You only like red licorice, you’re looking for a hard texture, or you need something sugar-free. This is unabashedly sweet and indulgent.

FAQ

Is Panda licorice actually soft or is it like Twizzlers? It’s genuinely soft — closer to a firm gummy than Twizzlers’ rubbery texture. It pulls apart easily and doesn’t leave a waxy residue.

Does it contain real licorice root? No, it’s flavored with anise oil, which has a similar taste profile. If you’re looking for actual glycyrrhizin from licorice root, this isn’t it — but the flavor is authentic.

How should I store it? Keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. The resealable pouch works fine, but transferring to a jar will keep the pieces from drying out at the tips.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.6/5 — Panda Licorice Chew earns its score through consistent quality and an authentic flavor profile that’s hard to find in American supermarkets. The soft texture is a genuine selling point, and the salt-sweet balance is expertly calibrated.

Buy it if you want real licorice flavor in a soft, chewy format. Skip it if you prefer hard Scandinavian licorice or need something sugar-free. For everyone else — especially coffee drinkers looking for a bold counterpoint to their brew — this 7-ounce bag delivers exactly what it promises.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.