The Verdict

Wiley Wallaby Licorice 24 Ounce: The Soft & Chewy Black Licorice That Divides Rooms

Black licorice is the marmite of the candy world — you either crave that anise bite or you recoil from it. If you’re in the first camp, the Wiley Wallaby 24-ounce bag has probably crossed your radar. With a 4.6-star average across 229 ratings, it’s clearly doing something right. But is it the soft, gourmet licorice experience the packaging promises, or just another mass-market candy? I dug into the details, the customer feedback, and the actual eating experience to give you the real story.

What You’re Actually Getting

The 24-ounce resealable bag is the headline here. That’s a lot of licorice — roughly 40 servings if you’re disciplined about the suggested 2-piece portion. The pieces themselves are thicker than typical American red vines or Twizzlers, closer to the Australian-style licorice that inspired the brand name. Wiley Wallaby uses molasses and real anise oil rather than artificial flavors, which is immediately apparent when you open the bag. The aroma is earthy and slightly spicy, not the synthetic black jellybean smell you get from cheaper brands.

Performance and Real-World Eating

Here’s where Wiley Wallaby earns its “gourmet” label. The texture is genuinely soft — almost doughy in the best way. It yields easily when you bite, then offers a satisfying chew that doesn’t turn into a jaw workout. The flavor profile is more complex than standard black licorice: the anise is forward but not overpowering, with a molasses backbone that adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness. It’s not cloying, which is a common complaint with sweeter licorice brands.

The 4.6-star rating holds up in the customer feedback. One verified buyer wrote, “Finally a black licorice that doesn’t taste like a tire. Soft, flavorful, and the bag lasts forever.” Another noted, “I’ve tried every brand on Amazon. This is the one I repurchase monthly.” The consistency praise is notable — multiple reviewers mention that the softness holds up even weeks after opening, which is a common failure point for licorice.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the downsides. The stickiness factor is real. This licorice adheres to teeth with surprising tenacity — several reviewers mention needing to brush or rinse after eating. If you have dental work, bridges, or braces, this is a genuine concern.

There’s also the sugar content. At 100 calories per 2-piece serving, it’s easy to blow through a quarter of the bag in one sitting. The resealable bag helps, but self-control is on you.

Finally, a few reviewers report inconsistent batches — some pieces arriving drier or harder than others. It’s not widespread, but it’s worth knowing if you’re sensitive to texture variations.

Who Should Buy This

• The black licorice purist who’s tired of waxy, artificially flavored options
• The soft-candy lover who finds traditional licorice too tough to chew
• The gift-giver looking for a substantial, high-quality candy that isn’t a generic chocolate box

Skip it if you’re not a fan of anise flavor — no amount of molasses will change that. Also skip if you’re watching sugar intake or have dental work.

FAQ

Is this licorice gluten-free? Yes, Wiley Wallaby products are gluten-free and made in a facility that processes wheat, so cross-contamination is possible. If you have celiac disease, check the packaging for current allergen statements.

How does it compare to Australian brands like Darrell Lea? It’s softer and slightly sweeter than Darrell Lea. The molasses flavor is more pronounced here, which some prefer. It’s also more affordable per ounce.

Does the 24-ounce bag stay fresh? The resealable zipper works well. Most reviewers report the licorice staying soft for 2-3 weeks after opening. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container away from heat.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a genuinely soft, flavorful black licorice that delivers on the “gourmet” promise without the premium price tag. The 24-ounce bag offers excellent value for regular consumers.

Skip it if: You’re not a licorice person, need sugar-free options, or have dental work that makes sticky candy a no-go.

Rating: 4.6/5 — This is the best mass-market black licorice I’ve encountered. The texture and flavor consistency justify the rating, and the occasional batch inconsistency is the only thing keeping it from a perfect score. For the price per ounce, it’s a solid buy for licorice lovers.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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