Licorice
Swedish licorice runs from mild and sweet to sharply salty salmiak — Djungelvrål, Tyrkisk Peber, Salta Katten and Skipper's Pipes are the icons. Buy authentic Swedish licorice and salt lakrits shipped from Sweden to 100 countries.
What is Swedish licorice?
Swedish licorice (lakrits) is one of the country's defining flavours, ranging from mild sweet liquorice to the eye-wateringly salty salmiak sweets that visitors either love or fear. The hallmark of Nordic licorice is ammonium chloride, the ingredient that gives saltlakrits its sharp, tongue-tingling taste. Brands like Malaco, Fazer, Bubs, Cloetta and Haribo Sverige make up the licorice shelf, with classics including Djungelvrål, Salta Katten, Tyrkisk Peber, Skipper's Pipes, Lakritsremmar and Dumle.
Top Swedish licorice brands and products
| Brand | Strength | Must-try product |
|---|---|---|
| Malaco | Liquorice and salty mixes | Djungelvrål, Skipper's Pipes, Gott & Blandat |
| Fazer | Salty and chocolate-covered | Tyrkisk Peber, Dumle Original |
| Cloetta | Mild liquorice classics | Lakritspipor, Polly Original |
| Bubs | Veggie-friendly liquorice gummies | Bubs Skum, Godfather Skum |
| Haribo Sverige | Salty and fruity mixes | Salta Katten, Skipper Mix |
Salty licorice (saltlakrits) explained
Salty licorice, called saltlakrits or salmiak, is liquorice flavoured with ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl). It gives the candy a sharp, tingling, salty-bitter character on top of the deep liquorice base, and is a defining Nordic flavour found in everything from sweets to ice cream and even vodka. The intensity ranges from mild (Djungelvrål Mild, Lakritspipor) through medium (Salta Katten, Skipper's Pipes) to brutally salty (Tyrkisk Peber, Djungelvrål Original, Salt & Salmiak). For first-timers, mild is the right starting point.
Mild vs medium vs strong: how to choose
If you've never had salty licorice, start with milder products: Lakritspipor (sweet liquorice pipes), Polly Original (chocolate-covered foam liquorice) and Dumle (chocolate-covered toffee with a hint of liquorice) introduce the flavour without the salt punch. Medium options like Salta Katten (salty cats) and Skipper's Pipes add real salmiak heat. Strong items — Tyrkisk Peber, Djungelvrål Original and Salt & Salmiak — deliver the full Nordic intensity and are best enjoyed one piece at a time.
Why Swedes love salt licorice
Salty licorice became popular in Sweden and the wider Nordic region in the early 20th century, when ammonium chloride was sold in pharmacies as a cough remedy and gradually moved into confectionery. It is now a cultural marker: Swedes love the contrast of salt, sweet and bitter, and salmiak appears in candy, ice cream, vodka (Salmiakki Koskenkorva), licorice fudge and even savoury cooking. For Swedes living abroad, salt lakrits is one of the strongest taste memories of home and one of the most-ordered categories.
Buying Swedish licorice abroad
Most international markets carry mild liquorice, but real Swedish salt lakrits — Djungelvrål, Tyrkisk Peber, Salta Katten — is rarely on foreign shelves. Butik Hemlängtan ships authentic Swedish licorice to 100 countries. Licorice is hand-packed in our Dalarna warehouse, and the candy travels well in original packaging. See our shipping information for delivery options. Browse the wider Swedish candy category, or pair licorice with Swedish chocolate and potato chips.
Frequently asked questions
What is salty Swedish licorice?
Salty Swedish licorice (saltlakrits or salmiak) is liquorice flavoured with ammonium chloride, giving it a sharp, tingling, salty-bitter taste on top of the deep liquorice base. Examples include Djungelvrål, Tyrkisk Peber, Salta Katten and Skipper's Pipes. It is a defining Nordic flavour.
What's the difference between Djungelvrål and Tyrkisk Peber?
Djungelvrål is a Malaco salty liquorice with a soft chewy core and a salmiak coating, available in mild and original strength. Tyrkisk Peber is a Fazer hard candy with a fizzy salmiak powder centre and a sharper bite. Both are classics; Tyrkisk Peber is generally more intense.
Where can I buy Swedish licorice abroad?
Swedish licorice from Malaco, Fazer, Cloetta, Bubs and Haribo Sverige can be ordered directly from Butik Hemlängtan (swedishfoodshop.com), which ships authentic Swedish liquorice to 100 countries. Orders are hand-packed in our Dalarna warehouse. Delivery options appear at checkout — see our shipping information.
What's the strongest Swedish salty licorice?
The strongest mainstream Swedish salty liquorices are Tyrkisk Peber, Djungelvrål Original and Salt & Salmiak, all rated for adult palates. They contain higher ammonium chloride levels and deliver the full salmiak intensity that defines Nordic liquorice culture.
Is licorice safe to eat in large amounts?
Pure licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which in very large amounts (more than around 100g of pure licorice daily over weeks) can affect blood pressure and potassium levels. Sweden's national food agency (Livsmedelsverket) advises moderate consumption, especially for pregnant women and people with heart or blood pressure conditions.
What does salmiak taste like?
Salmiak tastes intensely salty and slightly bitter, with a tingling sensation on the tongue and a sharp, almost ammonia-like top note layered over the deep, sweet-bitter base of regular liquorice. It is unfamiliar to most non-Nordic palates and is often described as "love it or hate it" on first try.
How is licorice shipped internationally?
Swedish licorice is shipped in original sealed packaging, with standard shipping (Europe, road) or express shipping (worldwide, air). Liquorice candy is shelf-stable and travels well; gel-filled and chocolate-covered varieties are packed with extra protection in our Dalarna warehouse.
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