Liquorice Extract

Licorice extract comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, a perennial herb native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root is dried, ground, and then extracted using water or alcohol to obtain a concentrated liquid or powder.

Licorice extract is primarily used as a flavoring agent, imparting a distinct sweet and slightly bitter taste reminiscent of anise. It is most commonly found in candies, baked goods, and beverages, and can also act as a sweetener.

In the U.S., licorice extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring. Consuming large amounts of the compound glycyrrhizin, found in licorice root, can lead to adverse health effects like increased blood pressure and lowered potassium levels. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated licorice and its constituents.