Most red licorice doesn't contain actual licorice, the root that was once used to flavor black licorice. In the United States, anise is often used instead of licorice extract in black licorice. This limits the potential health risks associated with licorice, but you still shouldn't consume red licorice in large amounts because it is a source of empty calories, providing little nutritional value.
Nutrition
One strip of red licorice contains 30 calories and 6 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of which are sugar. Red licorice usually does not contain any fat, cholesterol or protein. Unfortunately, red licorice also does not have any vitamins and minerals. You are also likely to eat more than just one piece of red licorice, so the calories can add up rather quickly.
Sugar
Most Americans consume too much sugar. The American Heart Association recommends that women limit their consumption of sugar to approximately 6 teaspoons per day, or about 100 calories, while men should limit their sugar consumption to approximately 9 teaspoons per day, or about 150 calories. That is equal to about 6 1/4 strips of red licorice.
Glycyrrhizin
Licorice that is flavored using licorice root or licorice extract contains glycyrrhizin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming glycyrrhizin in large amounts may cause numbness in your extremities, muscle pain, weakness, high blood pressure, water retention, headache, paralysis and low potassium levels. If you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant, you should not consume licorice containing glycyrrhizin, notes MedlinePlus.
Considerations
Check the ingredients list to see if your red licorice contains licorice or licorice extract, and if you are worried about glycyrrhizin, choose products that don't contain these ingredients. No matter which type of red licorice you choose, eat it only occasionally and in moderation, saving most of your calories for more nutrient-dense foods.
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