Licorice extract
Licorice extract suppliers and sourcing guide
Licorice extract is the water-extractable portion of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra and related species), made by macerating the dried root and extracting it with boiling water, then concentrating it. It may be further purified with filtration, acids and alcohol. It is sold as a liquid, as a dense paste or block, or as a spray-dried powder, and is used to flavor confectionery, baked goods, beverages and dietary supplements.
- Also known as
- Glycyrrhiza glabra extract · Liquorice extract · Block licorice · Licorice paste · FEMA 2628
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of licorice extract
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Block or paste
Concentrated extract in solid block or soft paste form, traditional for licorice confectionery.
Spray-dried powder
Dried extract powder, sometimes on a carrier such as maltodextrin, for dry blends and tablets.
Liquid extract
Fluid extract at a stated solids or glycyrrhizin content for beverages and syrups.
Standardized extract
Extract specified to a minimum or range of glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) content.
Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL)
Extract with most of the glycyrrhizin removed, sold for supplements and specified to a maximum glycyrrhizin level.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Glycyrrhizin assay
- Glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) content by HPLC, which sets flavor strength and is the basis for food use limits.
- Moisture or solids
- Loss on drying for powder and block, or solids for liquid extracts.
- Ash and acid-insoluble ash
- Total ash and acid-insoluble ash, which indicate mineral content and soil carried over from the root.
- Heavy metals
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, and pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
- Identity
- HPTLC fingerprint against a Glycyrrhiza reference to confirm species.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store licorice extract sealed in a cool, dry place; powder is hygroscopic and cakes if it picks up moisture, and block extract can soften in heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with glycyrrhizin and moisture as the usual retest points.
Lots and expiry dates
Glycyrrhizin content varies with root source and processing, so record it for every lot and adjust dosage to stay within the use limits for each food category. Keep the certificate of analysis on file for labeling and for any glycyrrhizin calculations.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 184.1408 defines licorice extract as the portion of licorice root extracted by boiling water after maceration, sold as a liquid, paste (block) or spray-dried powder.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 184.1408 sets maximum use levels by food category, expressed as percent glycyrrhizin content of the food as served.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 184.1408 does not permit licorice ingredients to be used as a nonnutritive sweetener in sugar substitutes.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 184.1408 sets an ash limit of not more than 9.5 percent for licorice on an anhydrous basis.
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.
Licorice extract suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking licorice extract 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.
Sell licorice extract? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of licorice extract can brands buy?
Common forms include block or paste, spray-dried powder, liquid extract, standardized extract and deglycyrrhizinated (DGL). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for licorice extract include?
Expect glycyrrhizin assay, moisture or solids, ash and acid-insoluble ash, heavy metals, microbiology and identity, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should licorice extract be stored?
Store licorice extract sealed in a cool, dry place; powder is hygroscopic and cakes if it picks up moisture, and block extract can soften in heat. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with glycyrrhizin and moisture as the usual retest points.
What is the regulatory status of licorice extract?
21 CFR 184.1408 defines licorice extract as the portion of licorice root extracted by boiling water after maceration, sold as a liquid, paste (block) or spray-dried powder. 21 CFR 184.1408 sets maximum use levels by food category, expressed as percent glycyrrhizin content of the food as served. 21 CFR 184.1408 does not permit licorice ingredients to be used as a nonnutritive sweetener in sugar substitutes. 21 CFR 184.1408 sets an ash limit of not more than 9.5 percent for licorice on an anhydrous basis.
More flavors, spices and essential oils
- Vanilla extractExtract of vanilla · Pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla beansVanilla planifolia · Vanilla tahitensis
- Vanillin4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde · Vanillic aldehyde
- Ethyl vanillin3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde · Bourbonal
- Natural flavorsNatural flavoring · Natural flavour
- Artificial flavorsArtificial flavoring · Synthetic flavors
- CinnamonCinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) · Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cassia)
- NutmegMyristica fragrans · Nutmeg seed
- CloveSyzygium aromaticum · Eugenia caryophyllata
- CardamomElettaria cardamomum · Green cardamom
- Black pepperPiper nigrum · Peppercorns
- Cayenne pepperCapsicum annuum · Capsicum frutescens
Sell ingredients to brands?
Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.