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Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin suppliers and sourcing guide

Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) is the intensely sweet triterpene glycoside in licorice root, from Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species, with a slow-building, lingering licorice taste. It is obtained by extracting licorice root with hot water, precipitating glycyrrhizin with acid and neutralizing it with ammonia to give ammoniated glycyrrhizin, which can be further purified to monoammonium glycyrrhizinate. Food and supplement makers use small amounts in confections, beverages and flavor systems, often alongside other sweeteners or to mask bitterness.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Category
Sweeteners
Also known as
Ammoniated glycyrrhizin · Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate · Glycyrrhizic acid · Licorice sweetener
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of glycyrrhizin

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Ammoniated glycyrrhizin

    Ammonium salt precipitated from licorice extract, a brown powder sold by glycyrrhizin assay.

  • Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate

    More purified, lighter-colored salt with a higher glycyrrhizin content, used where color and purity matter.

  • Licorice extract

    Hot-water extract of the root sold as a liquid, block or spray-dried powder, with lower and more variable glycyrrhizin content.

  • Blends and solutions

    Glycyrrhizin premixed with carriers or other sweeteners to make small doses easier to weigh and disperse.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Glycyrrhizin assay
Glycyrrhizin content by HPLC, or by the AOAC method referenced in 21 CFR 184.1408, which sets dosing.
Identity
HPLC retention time or IR spectrum compared with a reference standard.
Ash
Ash on an anhydrous basis, for which 21 CFR 184.1408 sets limits by form.
Heavy metals and arsenic
Lead and arsenic by ICP-MS against 21 CFR 184.1408 limits or tighter buyer limits.
Moisture
Loss on drying, since ammoniated forms absorb moisture.
Residual solvents and microbiology
Ethanol or other solvents used in purification by GC, plus total plate count, yeast and mold.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep glycyrrhizin powders sealed in a cool, dry place away from light, since ammoniated forms absorb moisture and cake. Because use levels are small, store in containers that are easy to reseal and label clearly to avoid mix-ups with other high-potency sweeteners. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with assay and moisture rechecked on older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Glycyrrhizin content differs widely between licorice extract, ammoniated glycyrrhizin and monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, so dose from each lot's actual assay. Record form and assay on the batch record, since 21 CFR 184.1408 limits are written as glycyrrhizin content of the food as served.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 184.1408 describes ammoniated glycyrrhizin as prepared from the water extract of licorice root by acid precipitation followed by neutralization with dilute ammonia.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 184.1408 sets maximum glycyrrhizin levels by food category as served, for example 0.15 percent in nonalcoholic beverages and 16.0 percent in hard candy, with functional uses as a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 184.1408 lists a maximum of 0.5 percent glycyrrhizin content for vitamin or mineral dietary supplements.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 184.1408 states that these ingredients are not permitted to be used as a nonnutritive sweetener in sugar substitutes.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Glycyrrhizin suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking glycyrrhizin suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of glycyrrhizin can brands buy?

Common forms include ammoniated glycyrrhizin, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, licorice extract and blends and solutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for glycyrrhizin include?

Expect glycyrrhizin assay, identity, ash, heavy metals and arsenic, moisture and residual solvents and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should glycyrrhizin be stored?

Keep glycyrrhizin powders sealed in a cool, dry place away from light, since ammoniated forms absorb moisture and cake. Because use levels are small, store in containers that are easy to reseal and label clearly to avoid mix-ups with other high-potency sweeteners. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with assay and moisture rechecked on older stock.

What is the regulatory status of glycyrrhizin?

21 CFR 184.1408 describes ammoniated glycyrrhizin as prepared from the water extract of licorice root by acid precipitation followed by neutralization with dilute ammonia. 21 CFR 184.1408 sets maximum glycyrrhizin levels by food category as served, for example 0.15 percent in nonalcoholic beverages and 16.0 percent in hard candy, with functional uses as a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent. 21 CFR 184.1408 lists a maximum of 0.5 percent glycyrrhizin content for vitamin or mineral dietary supplements. 21 CFR 184.1408 states that these ingredients are not permitted to be used as a nonnutritive sweetener in sugar substitutes.

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