Celebrated on 04/12/2026
Did you know that licorice root has been used for over 3,000 years in ancient Egypt, China, and Greece for its medicinal properties? National Licorice Day, celebrated on April 12, honors this unique candy that is actually a vegetable—the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Surprisingly, black licorice is polarizing: while some love its bold flavor, others find it too intense, and it even has a dedicated fan base that consumes over 2 million pounds annually in the U.S. alone.
National Licorice Day was established in 2015 by the National Confectioners Association (NCA) to celebrate the unique flavor and historical significance of licorice. The date April 12 was chosen to coincide with the birthday of a prominent licorice enthusiast, though some sources suggest it aligns with the peak of licorice production in the spring. The holiday aims to promote awareness of licorice's rich history, from its ancient medicinal uses to its modern confectionery forms.
Since its inception, National Licorice Day has grown modestly, with candy companies, retailers, and licorice fans using social media to share recipes, trivia, and promotions. In recent years, the celebration has expanded to include not just black licorice but also red licorice (which is actually a fruit-flavored candy) and other variations. Today, people mark the day by sampling different types of licorice, visiting specialty candy shops, or learning about licorice's health benefits—such as its use in soothing sore throats—though experts caution against overconsumption due to potential side effects.
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