National Licorice Day is celebrated every year on April 12. Created in 2004 by Licorice International and the National Confectioners Association, this day recognizes the wide range of licorice treats enjoyed around the world—from classic ropes and twists to modern candies and regional variations. All of these trace their origins to the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, known for its distinct flavor and long history of medicinal use.
Licorice has been used for over 4,000 years, beginning with ancient civilizations like Egypt and China, where it was valued for its soothing properties. Egyptian herbal blends often included licorice root, and traditional Chinese medicine used it to ease coughs and aid digestion.
The Greeks and Romans also embraced licorice for its health benefits, helping spread its use throughout Europe. Eventually, it transitioned from remedy to sweet, becoming especially popular in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, where both sweet and salty versions are still loved today.
While real licorice continues to be used for its medicinal qualities, many candies labeled as licorice—especially in the U.S.—contain no licorice root at all, instead using fruity flavors and a similar texture.
National Licorice Day invites people to enjoy this unique plant-based treat while learning more about its fascinating past and global appeal.
When Is National Licorice Day Celebrated?
National Licorice Day takes place on April 12 every year. Mark your calendar to indulge in this bold-flavored treat! Here’s when it will occur in the coming years:
| Year | Date & Day of the Week |
|---|---|
| 2025 | April 12, Saturday |
| 2026 | April 12, Sunday |
| 2027 | April 12, Monday |
| 2028 | April 12, Wednesday |
| 2029 | April 12, Thursday |
| 2030 | April 12, Friday |
Fun Facts About Licorice
Licorice is more than just a candy—it has a rich history and some surprising uses. Here are some fun facts to celebrate:
- Ancient Roots: Licorice root has been used in traditional medicine for over 4,000 years, prized for its soothing properties.
- Not Just Sweet: In countries like the Netherlands and Finland, salty licorice is a beloved treat, offering a completely different flavor profile.
- A Versatile Ingredient: Licorice extract is used in candies, teas, and even medicines for its natural sweetness and potential health benefits.
- A Misunderstood Favorite: While black licorice has a loyal fan base, its strong flavor often divides opinions, making it a candy people either love or avoid.
- Modern Twists: Most fruity licorice candies, like red licorice, don’t actually contain licorice root but are inspired by its chewy texture.
Ways to Celebrate National Licorice Day
National Licorice Day is the perfect time to indulge in this bold and versatile treat. Here are some fun ways to celebrate:
- Try International Varieties: Explore salty licorice from Scandinavia, traditional black licorice from Europe, or fruity twists popular in the U.S.
- Pair Licorice with Tea: Brew a licorice-flavored tea and enjoy its naturally sweet and soothing taste.
- Learn Licorice History: Read about licorice’s use in ancient medicine or its evolution into a beloved candy.
- Share the Love: Post photos of your licorice stash or fun licorice facts on social media using hashtags like #NationalLicoriceDay or #LoveLicorice.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
