All Haupt Lakrits Swedish black licorice products are gluten-free. Traditional licorice recipes often contain wheat starch as a structural ingredient in the licorice dough, but the Haupt Lakrits range is formulated without gluten-containing ingredients. This makes the full product range available to buyers following a gluten-free diet, without requiring a restricted subset of products.
Does Traditional Licorice Contain Gluten?
Traditional European licorice recipes use wheat flour or wheat starch as a binder in the candy dough. These ingredients contribute to the texture and structure of the licorice but also introduce gluten. American black licorice, including the wheat-flour-based varieties common in the US market, typically contains gluten for the same reason.
The presence of gluten in licorice is not immediately obvious from the product name alone, which means buyers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to check ingredient lists carefully when purchasing licorice from brands that do not specifically address this.
Is All Swedish Licorice Gluten-Free?
No. Swedish licorice as a category includes both gluten-containing and gluten-free products, depending on the producer and recipe. Some Swedish producers use traditional wheat starch formulations. Haupt Lakrits has formulated its full range to be gluten-free, which is specified on product labeling.
If you are buying Swedish licorice from a source other than Haupt Lakrits, you should check the ingredient list and allergen information for each product individually.
The Haupt Lakrits Gluten-Free Range
The complete Haupt Lakrits gluten-free licorice collection includes all products in the standard range. This covers:
- Smalanningar - medium salmiak licorice
- Banana Nostalgic - medium salmiak licorice
- No Name (contains almonds) - medium salmiak licorice
All products ship across the USA.
Gluten-Free Licorice for Different Preferences
The full flavor range is available to gluten-free buyers, which means selection follows the same principles as for any Haupt Lakrits buyer: choose based on your tolerance for salmiak and whether you want chocolate involvement.
For first-time buyers or those new to Swedish licorice, Sweet Swedish Bastards or Chilla Gunilla are the most accessible starting points. For experienced licorice buyers or those who want to explore the salmiak spectrum, Smalanningar provides a benchmark medium-intensity experience. For those who want the most extreme product in the range, Svenskjavlar (world's saltiest) or Hot Swedish Bastards (Carolina Reaper) are available.
For a full breakdown of what each product tastes like and who it is for, see 10 Types of Swedish Licorice You Should Try.
Gluten-Free Licorice Gift Options
Because all Haupt Lakrits products are gluten-free, the full range of gift bundles is available for recipients following a gluten-free diet. This includes the beginner-friendly Easy Bundle and the more intense Bastard Bundle. For a complete gift guide, see The Best Swedish Licorice Gifts in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is licorice candy gluten-free?
It depends on the brand. Traditional licorice recipes use wheat starch, which contains gluten. Haupt Lakrits Swedish black licorice is formulated to be gluten-free across the full range. American licorice brands like Twizzlers typically contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free.
Is black licorice gluten-free?
Not automatically. "Black licorice" covers a wide range of products with varying formulations. Real black licorice made with licorice root may or may not contain gluten depending on the recipe. Haupt Lakrits black licorice is gluten-free. Always check the allergen information for any licorice product you are not familiar with.
What is the best gluten-free licorice?
The best gluten-free licorice uses real licorice root extract rather than artificial flavoring, and is certified or clearly labeled as gluten-free by the producer. The Haupt Lakrits range meets both criteria and covers the full spectrum from mild sweet to extreme salmiak.
Browse the full gluten-free licorice collection. For more on what makes Swedish licorice different, see Swedish Candy Online USA: The Complete Buyer's Guide.