Salty Licorice (Salmiak): The Candy That Divides the World
Salty licorice, or salmiak, is the candy that splits the world in two. Here is what it is, why Scandinavians love it, and how to try it without regret.
Salty licorice, known as salmiak, is black licorice flavored with ammonium chloride, which gives it a sharp, salty, almost tongue-numbing kick. It is hugely popular across Sweden, Finland, and the Nordics, and polarizing everywhere else. The salt is not table salt; it is salmiak salt, and it ranges from mild to genuinely intense.
What is salmiak?
Salmiak is licorice plus ammonium chloride, a salt that tastes savory and sharp rather than sweet. We break the flavor down in What is salmiak?.
Why do Scandinavians love it?
Swedes and Finns grow up on it, so what tastes shocking to outsiders tastes like childhood to them. It is a genuine point of national identity and pride.
How salty does it get?
There is a whole scale, from gentle salted licorice to the famously intense salty licorice cats and Djungelvral, which locals use to test newcomers.
How to try salty licorice
Start mild, take small bites, and expect salt, not sweetness. Our step-by-step guide to eating salty licorice walks you through it. When you are ready, build a pick-and-mix with a few salmiak pieces in the bag, or start with the licorice options from BUBS.
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Gustav Lindqvist · Candy Master
Gustav grew up in Sweden on a strict Saturday-candy schedule, mixing his lördagsgodis bag at the lösgodis wall before he could spell salmiak. He has spent years tasting his way across Scandinavian candy, and now curates the range at TheSweetsTruck, from BUBS sour skulls to the saltiest licorice most people cannot finish.
Last updated 6/5/2026