Licorice During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

You have a bag of licorice candy in front of you and wonder: can I eat this now that I'm pregnant? It's a question many expectant mothers ask, and the answer is more nuanced than you might think.

Short answer: Pregnant women should avoid eating large amounts of licorice. There is significant uncertainty around what constitutes a safe amount, and food safety authorities recommend caution. That said, one piece of licorice won't ruin everything.

What Makes Licorice Problematic During Pregnancy?

The problem isn't licorice candy itself, but a compound called glycyrrhizic acid (also written as glycyrrhizin). This substance occurs naturally in the roots of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and is what gives licorice its distinctive flavor.

How Does Glycyrrhizic Acid Affect the Fetus?

Glycyrrhizic acid is a hormone-disrupting substance. It resembles the hormone cortisol found in our bodies and can block the breakdown of cortisol, causing cortisol levels to rise.

During pregnancy, the placenta normally acts as a protective barrier that prevents large amounts of stress hormones from reaching the fetus. Research suggests that glycyrrhizic acid can weaken this protection.

What Does the Research Say?

Finnish studies that have followed children of mothers with high licorice intake have produced some of the most important findings in this area. Here are the key results:

Premature Birth

High intake of glycyrrhizic acid during pregnancy was associated with up to a 50% increased risk of premature birth (birth before week 37). Children of mothers with high intake also had shorter average gestational periods.

Cognitive Effects in Children

Studies showed that by age eight, children of mothers with high glycyrrhizin intake had:

• Lower scores on intelligence tests
• Poorer memory
• More attention problems and difficulty concentrating
• Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva

Effects on Pubertal Development

A study that followed children until ages 12–13 found that girls whose mothers ate a lot of licorice during pregnancy were:

• Taller and heavier on average
• More advanced in puberty than their peers

These effects were observed in both boys and girls.

How Much Licorice Is Safe During Pregnancy?

Here's the problem: There is no established safe level.

Scientific assessments have concluded that the data is too uncertain to set an exact limit for how much licorice pregnant women can safely eat. Even 500 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per week (the lowest dose at which negative effects were observed) is an uncertain threshold.

To Put It in Perspective

• 500 mg glycyrrhizic acid per week equals approximately 250 grams of licorice candy per week
• That works out to roughly 71 mg per day
• Previously, 100 mg per day was suggested as a safe level, but more recent assessments consider this too high

The Amount Varies Between Products

Glycyrrhizic acid content varies significantly between different licorice products:

Official Recommendations

Most health authorities advise that pregnant women should not eat large amounts of licorice during pregnancy. They do not set a specific limit but recommend avoiding excess.

In practice, this means:

• A single piece of licorice eaten by accident is not cause for concern
• Regular, daily licorice intake in larger amounts should be avoided
• Licorice tea should be limited or avoided (it can contain significant amounts of glycyrrhizic acid)
• If in doubt, the safest approach is to avoid licorice entirely during pregnancy

How Do Different Countries Approach This?

Finland

Finland takes the strictest stance. Finnish health authorities advise pregnant women to avoid licorice altogether. Previously, a limit of 50 grams per day was set, but it has since been removed entirely. Most of the research in this field comes from Finland, and authorities have chosen to apply a strict precautionary principle.

Finnish pediatrician Eero Kajantie, who has led much of the research, stresses that the risk is small for any individual fetus, but that it shows up at the population level.

United Kingdom / United States

The NHS and AAP both advise pregnant women to limit licorice intake, particularly products containing real licorice root. Neither body sets an exact quantity, but both recommend avoiding regular, large amounts.

Most Other Countries

Most countries follow similar guidance: avoid large quantities, but there is no outright ban. The EU has introduced labeling requirements for licorice products with high glycyrrhizic acid content.

What About Other Products That Contain Licorice?

Glycyrrhizic acid isn't found only in candy. Be aware of:

Licorice Tea and Herbal Teas

Licorice tea can contain significant amounts of glycyrrhizic acid. Health authorities generally advise caution with herbal teas during pregnancy, as they can contain plant toxins. Choose rosehip tea or pure fruit-based teas instead.

Supplements Containing Licorice Root

Some supplements and natural remedies contain licorice root extract. These can have very concentrated levels of glycyrrhizic acid and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Medicinal Licorice

Licorice root has traditionally been used in natural medicine for stomach and throat problems. Talk to your doctor before using any licorice-based preparations during pregnancy.

Salmiak

Salmiak candy often contains licorice and therefore glycyrrhizic acid. The same caution applies here as for regular licorice candy.

Licorice Toxicity — A General Risk

It's not only pregnant women who should watch their licorice intake. Large amounts of licorice can cause licorice toxicity in anyone, with symptoms including:

• High blood pressure
• Swollen legs (edema)
• Headache and dizziness
• Low potassium levels in the blood
• General malaise

These symptoms occur because glycyrrhizic acid disrupts the body's electrolyte balance. For pregnant women who may already experience elevated blood pressure and swelling, this is an additional reason for caution.

Common Licorice Products and Their Content

Knowing how much glycyrrhizic acid different products contain is useful. Content varies considerably, but here are some guidelines:

Candy With High Licorice Content

• Pure licorice laces/ropes — among the products with the highest content
• Salmiak pastilles — varies, but can be high
• Licorice roots (for chewing) — very concentrated glycyrrhizic acid
• Salted licorice — often high content

Products With Lower Licorice Content

• Licorice chocolate — chocolate dilutes the licorice content
• Licorice ice cream — relatively low content per serving
• Mixed candy bag with a few licorice pieces — low total intake

Licorice-Flavored Products (Often Safe)

• Anise-flavored candy — synthetic flavoring, no glycyrrhizic acid
• Anise-flavored desserts — anise-based, not licorice
• Pastilles with menthol and licorice flavor — check whether they contain real licorice

Labeling Requirements for Licorice Products

In the EU and many other countries, there are labeling requirements for products containing glycyrrhizic acid:

• Confectionery with more than 100 mg/kg glycyrrhizic acid: must be labeled "contains licorice"
• Confectionery with more than 4 g/kg: must additionally be labeled "contains licorice — people with high blood pressure should avoid excessive consumption"
• Drinks with more than 300 mg/kg: similar warning labeling

This labeling does not currently apply specifically to pregnant women, but it helps you identify products with high content.

Safe Alternatives to Licorice During Pregnancy

Craving something sweet? Here are some safe alternatives:

• Chocolate — in moderate amounts (be mindful of caffeine in dark chocolate)
• Fruit candy — without licorice flavoring
• Gummy bears — most types are safe
• Nuts and dried fruit — healthier and filling
• Popcorn — a light snack
• Fruit with chocolate dip — satisfies the sweet craving

What If You've Already Eaten a Lot of Licorice?

Have you been eating licorice before you knew you should limit it? Don't panic.

Research shows that the risk is statistically elevated with regular high intake, but that doesn't mean every exposed baby will have problems. The risk for any individual fetus is small.

As Finnish pediatrician Eero Kajantie, who is behind much of the research, says: "Pregnant women who have eaten licorice do not need to worry. Licorice's effect on the fetus is small, and many other factors matter more."

Practical advice:

1. Stop eating licorice going forward during your pregnancy
2. Don't worry about what has already been consumed
3. Talk to your midwife or doctor if you are concerned

Licorice While Breastfeeding

A common question is whether licorice should also be avoided while breastfeeding. The research here is less clear than for pregnancy:

• Most of the studies underlying the warnings involve exposure during pregnancy, not breastfeeding
• Glycyrrhizic acid can theoretically transfer to breast milk, but there is little research on amounts and effects
• Most official warnings apply specifically to pregnant women

General recommendation: Be moderate with licorice while breastfeeding too, but it is not as strict as during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or pediatrician if you are unsure.

Summary: Practical Guide

Here's the short version to take away with you:

Avoid during pregnancy:

• Large amounts of licorice candy
• Licorice root (for chewing)
• Licorice tea in large quantities
• Supplements containing licorice root
• Salmiak in large amounts

Safe during pregnancy:

• A single piece of licorice eaten by accident
• Candy with synthetic licorice/anise flavoring (no real licorice)
• Other types of candy that contain no licorice

When unsure:

• Read the ingredients list
• Look for warning labeling
• Choose a different candy — better safe than sorry

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat one piece of licorice while pregnant?

Yes, a single piece of licorice is not dangerous. The risk is associated with regular, high intake over time — not isolated incidents. Health authorities say that pregnant women "should not eat a lot of licorice," implying that small amounts on isolated occasions are not problematic.

Is salted licorice worse than sweet licorice?

Both types contain glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhizic acid is the issue. Salted licorice (salmiak) also has a high salt content, which can contribute to fluid retention. There is no strong evidence that one type is significantly worse than the other, but both should be limited.

What about licorice flavor in ice cream and other foods?

It depends on whether the product contains real licorice root or synthetic licorice flavoring. Products with synthetic flavoring (anise taste) contain no glycyrrhizic acid and are safe. Products with real licorice contain glycyrrhizic acid, but usually in lower amounts than pure licorice candy.

Can licorice affect my blood pressure during pregnancy?

Yes, glycyrrhizic acid can raise blood pressure. Pregnant women who already have elevated blood pressure or preeclampsia should be especially careful with licorice. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.

From what stage of pregnancy should I avoid licorice?

Research suggests that the effects apply throughout the entire pregnancy. There is no data indicating that one trimester is safer than another. The safest approach is to limit licorice intake throughout the whole pregnancy.

Sources

• Niemi, M. et al. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Research on glycyrrhizin exposure during pregnancy (2018).
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Opinion on glycyrrhizinic acid and its ammonium salt.
• WHO. Recommendations on nutrition during pregnancy.
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Nutrition guidance for pregnant women.
• EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings — labeling requirements for licorice-containing products.