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National Licorice Day

Celebrate National Licorice Day with your favorite flavor - get creative and try new recipes, or indulge in a classic treat!

Monday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYCandy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Licorice Day on April 12! This tasty treat has been around since ancient Egypt, when people would make licorice from the root of a flowering plant. Today, licorice is enjoyed all over the world in many different forms - from hard candy to soft chews and even liquid concentrate. No matter how you enjoy it, National Licorice Day is the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth with some delicious black or red licorice!

TIMELINE

National Licorice Day Timeline

Early Licorice Use

Ancient Egyptians used licorice root for its medicinal properties, with records found in tombs including King Tut's.

Early European Consumption

Licorice begins to be consumed in Europe; it is believed that the plant was brought to England by Dominican monks.

Commercial Licorice Production Starts

Commercial licorice candy manufacturing starts in the UK, making licorice more widely accessible.

American Licorice Company

The American Licorice Company, makers of the popular Red Vines brand, was founded, significantly impacting the US confectionery market.

Food Uses Expand

With consumer interest in natural ingredients growing, licorice root gained popularity in teas, beverages, and liquor concoctions.

National Licorice Day

National Licorice Day was founded by the Licorice International, aiming to celebrate the history and various uses of licorice.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Licorice Day

Create your own licorice recipes

Gather up some licorice and other ingredients, like chocolate chips, marshmallows, nuts, and coconut flakes. Then mix and match to make your own licorice creations.

Go on a licorice hunt

Visit the local candy store or grocery store and explore all the different types of licorice they have in stock. See how many different flavors you can find!

HOST

Host a licorice tasting party

Invite friends over for a licorice tasting party. Have everyone bring their favorite type of licorice and vote on who has the tastiest treat.

MAKE

Make licorice art

Grab some licorice and create a fun masterpiece! Use pieces of licorice to put together an abstract piece of art or replicate a famous painting.

PLAY

Play licorice games

Compete with your friends in some fun, licorice related games such as Licorice Lick Race, Licorice Jenga, or Licorice Toss. Get creative and have fun!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Licorice Day

Easy to find

If you're craving some delicious licorice, grabbing some is easy. With the abundance of drug stores, convenience stores and supermarkets across the country, you can pick up some licorice and satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!

Licorice is a classic treat

Who doesn't love licorice? It's a classic candy that has been around for centuries, and its distinctive sweet flavor still brings a smile to people's faces. From chewy fruit-flavored sticks to bite-sized twists, licorice will always have a special place in our hearts!

Variety of flavors

There are so many different types of licorice that there really is something for everyone. Whether you like fruity or traditional black licorice, there's sure to be something that tickles your taste buds. The abundant variety also makes it great for parties or family gatherings!