Finding a cup that delivers natural sweetness without added sugar, settles your stomach, and doesn’t leave that bitter aftertaste is the real challenge in the herbal tea aisle. Licorice root stands apart for its naturally sweet, complex flavor profile, but the market is flooded with blends that bury the root or lean too heavy on cheap filler ingredients.
I’m Emma — the founder and writer behind Baby Bangs. I’ve spent years analyzing the sourcing, ingredient purity, and flavor balance of herbal teas, specifically the licorice root category, to separate the genuinely well-crafted blends from the overly processed options.
Whether you need a comforting evening ritual or a digestive reset after a heavy meal, this guide breaks down the top contenders to help you find the best licorice tea for your palate and wellness goals.
How To Choose The Best Licorice Tea
Not every box labeled “licorice” delivers the same experience. Many blends use flavoring oils or low-grade root dust rather than the whole, high-potency root. Here’s what actually matters.
Organic Certification and Sourcing Transparency
Licorice root is a deep-rooted plant that absorbs whatever is in the soil. A USDA Organic seal ensures the crop wasn’t treated with synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Brands that disclose their growing region — India, Egypt, or Europe — offer a level of traceability that generic tea bags cannot match.
Ingredient Purity and Blend Composition
Read the ingredient list. The best products list licorice root (or liquorice root) as the first or second ingredient, not buried after sugar or natural flavors. Avoid blends that rely on “natural flavor” as a crutch — real licorice root provides sweetness and depth on its own.
Form Factor: Bags vs. Loose Leaf
Tea bags offer convenience and portion control, especially for on-the-go use. Loose leaf gives you control over steeping strength and typically uses whole or cut root pieces rather than dust. Your choice depends on whether speed or customization matters more in your daily routine.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint | Organic Tea Bags | Sipping any time of day | 96 bags, 7 min steep | Amazon |
| Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root | Herbalist Formula | Digestive & respiratory support | 96 bags, USDA Organic | Amazon |
| Davidson’s Organics Tulsi Licorice Root | Loose Leaf | Full flavor control | 16 oz loose leaf | Amazon |
| PUKKA Organic Peppermint & Licorice | Ethically Sourced | Refreshing daily cup | 20 bags, caffeine-free | Amazon |
| Stash Tea Licorice Spice | Spiced Blend | Complex, warm flavor | 120 bags, foil-wrapped | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint Tea
Yogi’s Egyptian Licorice Mint hits the sweet spot between a soothing herbal base and a complex spice mix. The licorice root provides natural sweetness without cloying, while the peppermint leaf and cinnamon bark add a cooling, warming balance. The cardamom pod and ginger root bring depth that prevents the cup from tasting one-dimensional.
Each box contains 16 individually wrapped tea bags, and with six boxes you get a total of 96 servings. The recommended 7-minute steep is longer than average, but it fully extracts the root’s sweetness and the spice oils. The result is a deep amber liquor with a smooth, lingering finish.
Because it’s USDA Organic, NON-GMO, and caffeine-free, this is a safe bet for evening sipping or a mid-afternoon reset without the jitters. The only catch is the bag count per box is lower than some bulk competitors, so heavy drinkers will want to stock up.
Why it’s great
- Complex spice profile with licorice, peppermint, cardamom, and ginger
- USDA Organic and NON-GMO verified
- Caffeine-free for anytime drinking
Good to know
- 16 bags per pack requires buying multi-packs for regular use
- 7-minute steep is longer than standard tea bags
2. Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root
Traditional Medicinals positions this tea as a functional herbal remedy, and the ingredient panel reflects that focus: organic licorice root is the sole active ingredient. No fillers, no flavoring oils, no unnecessary extras. The taste is sweet and earthy — exactly what licorice root tastes like when it’s not masked by other botanicals.
The 96-count pack (six boxes of 16) provides enough for daily use, and each tea bag is compostable, a notable touch for environmentally conscious buyers. The product is certified USDA Organic, Kosher, and Non-GMO, with the company’s herbalist-formulation pedigree lending credibility to the digestive and respiratory health claims on the label.
This is not a complex blend for flavor adventurers. If you want a straight-forward, high-quality licorice root tea that tastes clean and functions as intended, this is the one. The single-note profile may feel plain to those accustomed to spiced blends.
Why it’s great
- Pure single-ingredient formula is rare in the category
- Compostable tea bags reduce waste
- Dual digestive and respiratory support claims backed by herbalist tradition
Good to know
- Single-note flavor may not appeal to those who prefer spiced blends
- Steeping time can require adjustment for personal taste
3. Davidson’s Organics Tulsi Licorice Root
Davidson’s takes a different approach by blending three adaptogenic varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama, and Vana) with licorice root, plus cardamom and ginger. The result is a sweet licorice brew with a noticeable ginger kick and a floral undercurrent from the holy basil. The 16-ounce loose leaf bag offers excellent value for the volume — roughly 80 to 100 cups depending on your scoop size.
As a vertically integrated grower operating since 1976, Davidson’s controls the entire journey from farm in India to packaging. The tulsi is USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO, and free from synthetic chemicals. For those who prefer adjusting steep strength, loose leaf format allows you to dial in the ratio of root to spice to your liking.
Loose leaf requires a strainer or infuser, which adds a step to the brewing process. The ginger kick can be assertive — sensitive palates may want to reduce the leaf quantity or shorten the steep to three minutes rather than five.
Why it’s great
- Three adaptogenic Tulsi varieties add functional depth
- 16-ounce bag delivers high cup count per dollar
- Vertically integrated organic sourcing since 1976
Good to know
- Loose leaf requires a strainer or infuser
- Ginger and cardamom can dominate if over-steeped
4. PUKKA Organic Peppermint & Licorice
PUKKA keeps it simple but refined: peppermint and liquorice, two ingredients that play off each other naturally. The peppermint delivers a crisp, cooling lift while the licorice root rounds out the sharpness with a gentle sweetness. The result is a clean, refreshing cup that works hot or iced without any artificial aftertaste.
The 20-count box is smaller than the bulk options on this list, making it an ideal starter or travel companion. PUKKA emphasizes ethical sourcing and organic certification, so you get a clean ingredient panel without worrying about hidden additives. Each bag is foil-wrapped to preserve freshness, which matters for a root-based blend that can lose potency over time.
The two-ingredient simplicity means the flavor profile is straightforward — if you want a more complex blend with warming spices, this might feel too minimal. The small box also means heavy drinkers will need to reorder frequently.
Why it’s great
- Clean two-ingredient blend is hard to find
- Foil-wrapped bags maintain freshness
- Ethically sourced and organic
Good to know
- 20-count box is relatively small
- Minimalist flavor may not satisfy spice lovers
5. Stash Tea Licorice Spice
Stash blends licorice root with cinnamon, orange peel, and Chinese star anise to create a bold, aromatic cup that leans heavily into dessert-like territory. The licorice provides the natural sweetness, while the orange peel adds brightness and the star anise contributes a subtle licorice-adjacent note that reinforces the root’s character. Each bag is individually foil-wrapped, ensuring the spices stay potent even in a humid kitchen.
The six-pack contains 120 tea bags total, making it the highest count in this lineup. That bulk format works well for offices, shared kitchens, or households where multiple people drink herbal tea daily. Stash packs the tea in Tigard, Oregon, using imported and domestic ingredients.
The spice-forward profile can be overwhelming if you prefer a cleaner licorice taste. The orange peel also adds a faint acidity that may clash with certain palates, especially if the tea is steeped beyond the recommended time.
Why it’s great
- 120 bags provide the highest count on the list
- Foil wrapping preserves spice freshness
- Complex flavor with cinnamon, orange, and star anise
Good to know
- Spice profile can overpower the licorice root
- Orange peel adds a slight acidity not present in purist blends
FAQ
Can I drink licorice tea every day?
Does licorice tea contain caffeine?
What is the difference between licorice root and DGL?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best licorice tea is the Yogi Egyptian Licorice Mint because it delivers a well-rounded spice blend with organic ingredients and a caffeine-free profile that suits any time of day. If you want a pure single-ingredient formula for targeted digestive and respiratory support, grab the Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root. And for loose leaf flexibility with the added adaptogenic benefits of tulsi, nothing beats the Davidson’s Organics Tulsi Licorice Root.