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Licorice root Calories
Natural sweetener, traditional herbal tea, antioxidant
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Licorice root (10 g) has 38 calories. That works out to 375 calories per 100 g. It contains 9.4 g of carbs, 0.5 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 80 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
Licorice root Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 10 g
38
KCAL / 10G
Carbs
9.4g
· 3% DV
Protein
0.5g
· 1% DV
Fat
0.1g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0.9g
· 3% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 93% · Protein 5% · Fat 2%
Licorice root nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (10 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 38 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.1 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.02 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 5 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 9.4 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.5 g | 1% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Licorice root?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 piece (medium) | 10 g | 38 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (grated) | 3 g | 11 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 5 g | 19 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (chopped) | 8 g | 30 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 15 g | 56 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 20 g | 75 kcal |
| 1 piece (extra large) | 30 g | 113 kcal |
| 1 cup (chopped) | 80 g | 300 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 375 kcal |
Calculated from 375 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Licorice root
What is licorice root used for?
Licorice root is used as a flavouring and to make herbal tea. It has also been used traditionally to soothe a sore throat or cough, but it is not a proven treatment for these or other conditions.
How do you make licorice root tea?
Licorice root tea is made by steeping pieces of the dried root in hot water, then straining them out. Simmering the pieces briefly makes a stronger brew; avoid drinking it frequently or for long periods because it can affect blood pressure.
Does licorice root raise blood pressure?
Yes, licorice root can raise blood pressure. Glycyrrhizin, a compound in the root, can make the body retain sodium and lose potassium, especially with frequent or high intake.
Is licorice root the same as licorice candy?
No, licorice root is a plant root, while licorice candy is a manufactured sweet. Some candies contain licorice extract, but others get their flavour from anise and may contain little or no licorice root.
What are the side effects of licorice root?
Too much licorice root, or using it for a long time, can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and low potassium. These effects can sometimes lead to symptoms such as swelling, muscle weakness, or an irregular heartbeat.
Can you chew licorice root?
Yes, licorice root can be chewed. Clean the piece first and chew it to release its flavour; the fibrous material does not need to be swallowed. Frequent chewing can still expose you to glycyrrhizin.
Is licorice root safe to take every day?
No, daily use over an extended period is not considered safe for everyone. Glycyrrhizin can build up its effects, raising blood pressure and lowering potassium, so regular use is best avoided.
Can licorice root help with weight loss?
No reliable evidence shows that licorice root causes weight loss. Drinking licorice root tea does not burn body fat, and sweetened licorice drinks can add sugar to your diet.
Is licorice root safe during pregnancy?
Licorice root is best avoided during pregnancy, particularly in concentrated forms such as supplements or strong tea. Its glycyrrhizin content can affect blood pressure and may pose risks, so choose another drink unless your pregnancy care provider advises otherwise.
Does licorice root interact with medications?
Yes, licorice root can interact with medicines, including some blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and digoxin. These interactions may affect blood pressure or potassium levels; ask your doctor or pharmacist before using licorice root if you take medication.
Licorice root Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B2
0.02mg · 2% DV
B1
0.01mg · 1% DV
B5
0.04mg · 1% DV
B6
0.01mg · 1% DV
Minerals
Calcium
21mg · 2% DV
Copper
0.01mg · 1% DV
Potassium ⭐
37mg · 1% DV
Magnesium
3.7mg · 1% DV
Sodium
5mg · 0% DV
Licorice root Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Licorice root
To burn the 38 calories in 1 piece (medium) (10 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Licorice root?
Licorice root is the dried root of the licorice plant, used as a flavouring and to make infusions. Its naturally sweet, distinctive taste has made it familiar in herbal teas and confectionery in many parts of the world.
The flavour is deep and earthy, with a lingering sweetness and a slight bitterness. You can steep a small piece in hot water, or simmer it to flavour a drink; in some cuisines it is also used in sweets and savoury cooking. Dried licorice root is largely carbohydrate, though a little goes a long way when infusing. Pair the tea with lemon if you prefer a brighter taste, and remove the root once the flavour is strong enough.
How Nutritious Is Licorice root?
Nutrient density
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Licorice root Processed?
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Licorice root Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Licorice root Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Licorice root Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.02g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.02g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.02g
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.