Licorice root extract appears in two very different worlds: as a flavoring and sweetening agent in confectionery and beverages, and as a botanical active in supplements. Both uses revolve around one number – glycyrrhizic acid content – and getting that number right is both a formulation decision and a safety decision. This guide explains the grades, the limits and how to specify licorice for each application. Core Nutrix supplies licorice root extract standardized to glycyrrhizic acid 10-26% by HPLC (CAS 1405-86-3), a water-soluble yellow-brown fine powder at 80 mesh, with custom strengths on request.
What Glycyrrhizic Acid Does
- Sweetness: glycyrrhizic acid is roughly 50 times sweeter than sucrose, with the lingering aftertaste that defines licorice flavor.
- Flavor synergy: it rounds and extends sweet and herbal notes, which is why it survives in tobacco-free chewables, teas and candy.
- Botanical activity: the compound drives licorice’s traditional use in digestive and throat-comfort formulas – and its documented effects on blood pressure and potassium at sustained high intakes.
Choosing the Grade
- 10-16% glycyrrhizic acid: food and beverage grades for flavoring, where the sweetness-to-potency balance is the priority.
- 20-26% glycyrrhizic acid: supplement-grade concentrates for digestive and throat products, used at controlled serving sizes.
- Custom strengths: intermediate and higher strengths are available on request for specific formulas.
The Safety Number Every Formulator Should Know
Regulators worldwide treat glycyrrhizic acid as a dose-limited ingredient. The widely cited WHO guidance is a provisional limit of 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day, and finished products that stay under this level – with caution labels for sensitive consumers – are the industry norm. The math is simple: a 26% extract contains 260 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per gram, so a 100 mg daily ceiling allows only about 385 mg of that grade per day. Formulators using high-percentage grades must check serving sizes against this limit, and brands can choose deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) when the goal is digestive support without the glycyrrhizic acid exposure.
Format and Handling
- Water solubility: the extract is water-soluble, making it straightforward in teas, syrups, shots and instant drinks.
- Powder character: yellow-brown fine powder at 80 mesh, suitable for capsules, tablets and dry blending.
- Taste impact: plan the sweet, lingering licorice note as a feature in flavor systems rather than masking it entirely.
- Storage: 24 months sealed in a cool, dry place away from light.
DGL vs Standard Extract: Choosing Your Risk Profile
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is produced by removing most of the glycyrrhizic acid, leaving a material used in digestive products where long-term, higher-serving use is intended. The trade-off is simple: standard extract carries the sweetness and the full botanical profile but is dose-limited; DGL removes the blood-pressure consideration but also removes the sweetness and some of the traditional character.
- Standard extract: flavor and sweetness applications plus controlled-dose supplements under the 100 mg daily ceiling.
- DGL: digestive chewables and long-term formulas without the glycyrrhizic acid exposure.
- Label strategy: state the glycyrrhizic acid content per serving so consumers with blood-pressure concerns can choose knowingly.
How Glycyrrhizic Acid Is Measured
Glycyrrhizic acid is assayed by HPLC against a reference standard, with CAS 1405-86-3 identifying the compound. The COA should state the percentage together with heavy metals, pesticides and microbiology. Because the percentage drives the serving-size ceiling, a missing or vague assay is a disqualifier for supplement applications – the number is a safety datum, not a marketing figure.
Applications by Grade
- Confectionery and chewing gum: food-grade 10-16% extract supplies the classic licorice sweetness and lingering finish.
- Teas and herbal beverages: the water-soluble powder disperses cleanly and rounds the flavor profile.
- Digestive and throat supplements: 20-26% grades at controlled servings, or DGL for the ceiling-free route.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the safe daily intake of glycyrrhizic acid?
The widely cited limit is 100 mg of glycyrrhizic acid per day. Check your serving size against the percentage of your grade – higher-percentage extracts reach the limit quickly.
What is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)?
DGL is licorice processed to remove most of the glycyrrhizic acid, used in digestive products where long-term use and blood-pressure considerations matter. Ask us about DGL options.
Which grade suits beverages?
Food-grade extracts at 10-16% glycyrrhizic acid are the standard for flavor and sweetness in beverages, teas and confectionery.
Which grade suits digestive supplements?
Supplement-grade extracts at 20-26% are common, with the serving size calculated against the 100 mg daily ceiling. DGL removes the ceiling concern entirely.
What documentation ships with each batch?
COA and MSDS with the HPLC assay, heavy metals, pesticides and microbiology. Third-party testing is available on request.
What is the MOQ?
Samples start at 0.5-1 kg depending on the item, and bulk ships in 25 kg drums (premium items from 5-10 kg). Contact us for a quote and a free sample.
Is all licorice candy a concern for blood pressure?
Only if glycyrrhizic acid intake is sustained and high. Many modern candies use anise flavor instead, and products that do use real licorice should keep daily intake within the 100 mg guideline.
Can you supply DGL?
Yes – deglycyrrhizinated licorice is available for digestive products, with the residual glycyrrhizic acid level stated on the COA.
How is licorice extract stored?
Sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; shelf life is 24 months under these conditions, confirmed on the COA.
What documentation ships with each batch?
COA and MSDS with the HPLC assay, contaminant panel and mesh data. Third-party testing is available on request.
What is the MOQ?
Samples start at 0.5-1 kg depending on the item, and bulk ships in 25 kg drums (premium items from 5-10 kg). Contact us for a quote and a free sample.
Can licorice extract be used in beverages?
Yes – the water-soluble powder disperses cleanly in teas, syrups and functional drinks, where the sweet lingering note becomes part of the flavor profile.
What mesh is the powder supplied at?
The standard grade is 80 mesh, suitable for capsules, tablets and dry blending. Other particle sizes are available on request.
How do I keep the serving under the daily limit?
Multiply your grade percentage by the serving size in milligrams – for example, 300 mg of a 26% extract carries 78 mg of glycyrrhizic acid – and keep the total at or below 100 mg per day.
What is the MOQ?
Samples start at 0.5-1 kg depending on the item, and bulk ships in 25 kg drums (premium items from 5-10 kg). Contact us for a quote and a free sample.
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What you can expect from Core Nutrix
- Every batch released against the specification you approve, with a full COA (assay by HPLC/UV, heavy metals, microbiology, residual solvents, pesticide residue screened to EU MRLs).
- Free samples with COA and MSDS - freight collect, credited against your first bulk order.
- Third-party test reports, allergen and GMO statements, shelf-life and stability data supplied on request.
- Documentation support for your market entry: EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims, US 21 CFR 101.93 structure/function support, California Proposition 65 statements.
- One working day to a quotation, OEM/ODM projects from 100-500 kg, private label, custom specifications and packaging.
This is technical, business-to-business information for manufacturers and brand owners - not a consumer label and not medical advice. Where a claim is made about a finished consumer product, it must comply with the rules of the destination market; we supply the supporting technical documentation so your team can review it. Ask us for anything your market requires - we are glad to help.
Bonjour, proposez-vous des échantillons gratuits pour les laboratoires de R&D ? Nous avons besoin de 500 g pour des tests internes. Quel est le délai pour la France ?
Bonjour Philippine, oui, l’échantillon gratuit est de 1 kg minimum. Pour 500 g, nous pouvons faire une exception. Expédition sous 1-3 jours via DHL. – Core Nutrix Team
Yazı çok faydalı, özellikle 10-26% aralığındaki farkları netleştirmiş. Türkiye’ye DDP ile gönderim yapmaları bizim için büyük kolaylık. Numune talebinde bulunacağız.
What is the minimum order for a custom blend with licorice extract as the base? Also, do you provide stability testing support for new formulations?
For custom blends, MOQ is 25 kg. We can provide stability data and third-party testing support based on your formulation needs. Contact us for details. – Core Nutrix Team
Bra artikel! Vi använder DGL i våra tuggtabletter för magen. Att veta att det inte påverkar blodtrycket gör stor skillnad för våra kunder i Norden.
Hola Héctor, para 500 kg a México recomendamos envío marítimo con término FOB o CIF. El tiempo de producción es de 7-15 días, más el tránsito marítimo. – Core Nutrix Team
¿Cuál es el tiempo de entrega para un pedido de 500 kg a México? ¿Pueden enviar por barco y cuál es el término INCOTERMS recomendado?
文章非常实用。我们采购26%的甘草酸用于出口欧洲的补充剂。100毫克的每日限制确实需要精确计算。希望未来能增加更多关于溶解度的数据。
Sì, possiamo produrre DGL liquido su specifica. Per private label, il MOQ è 25 kg (un fusto). Forniamo anche packaging personalizzato. – Core Nutrix Team
Avete una versione liquida del DGL? E qual è il MOQ per la produzione privata con etichetta personalizzata?
Praktyczny artykuł. Limit 100 mg to podstawa, ale warto też wspomnieć o interakcjach z lekami. My stosujemy DGL w pastylkach, a współpraca z dostawcą układa się świetnie.
Guter Überblick über die verschiedenen Konzentrationen. Wir nutzen die entglycyrrhizinierte Variante für unsere Magen-Darm-Produkte. Die Qualitätsdokumente sind jedes Mal einwandfrei.
Yes, every batch ships with a COA. We can customize packaging for retail, including 500 g bags, as part of our OEM/private label service. – Core Nutrix Team
Do you provide a certificate of analysis for every batch? Also, can you customize the packaging size for retail, like 500 g bags?
Hola Héctor, sí ofrecemos términos DDP para Argentina. Para 50 kg, podemos cotizar con envío marítimo o aéreo. Envíenos su código postal para calcular el flete. – Core Nutrix Team
¿Hacen envíos a Argentina con documento de importación? Necesito saber si pueden ofrecer DDP para un pedido de 50 kg del extracto al 20%.
Tôi đánh giá cao thông tin về giới hạn 100 mg mỗi ngày. Chúng tôi sử dụng loại 10% cho trà thảo mộc, và việc kiểm soát liều lượng rất quan trọng. Giao hàng nhanh đến Việt Nam.
Qual è il prezzo per 10 kg di estratto al 10%? E per quanto tempo è valido il campione gratuito? Vorremmo testarlo prima dell’ordine.
Il prezzo per 10 kg dipende dalla quantità. Il campione gratuito è valido finché non viene esaurito; per i test consigliamo di ordinare 1 kg. – Core Nutrix Team
Artikelnya sangat informatif. Kami pakai grade 16% untuk minuman herbal di Indonesia. Kiriman via laut lebih hemat untuk 25 kg, dan COA selalu lengkap. Terima kasih!
Ja, wir können die Löslichkeit anpassen. Eine OEM-Anpassung dauert in der Regel 7-15 Tage nach Bestätigung der Spezifikationen. – Core Nutrix Team
Finally a clear explanation of DGL vs regular extract. As a formulator in Nigeria, I need to be careful with hypertension risks. The 10% grade is perfect for our herbal teas.
Können Sie die Löslichkeit des Extrakts in Wasser anpassen? Wir brauchen eine sofort lösliche Variante für Pulvergetränke. Wie lange dauert eine OEM-Anpassung?
Здравствуйте, интересует оптовая цена на 26% экстракт при заказе 100 кг. Возможна ли оплата по аккредитиву? И есть ли сертификат ISO?
Здравствуйте, для 100 кг предоставим специальную цену. Оплата возможна по аккредитиву. Сертификаты ISO, HACCP, Kosher и Halal предоставляются по запросу. – Core Nutrix Team
Excellent article sur les grades. Nous achetons le DGL pour des compléments digestifs, et la question de la tension artérielle est cruciale. Merci d’avoir précisé les options sans acide glycyrrhizique.
Yes, Kosher certificate is available on request. Shelf life is 24 months when stored sealed in a cool, dry place, which is fine for Dubai. – Core Nutrix Team
Do you have Kosher certification for the licorice root extract? Also, what is the shelf life if we store it in a sealed drum in Dubai’s climate?
Artykuł bardzo pomocny. Używamy 10% ekstraktu w karmelach, ale limit 100 mg jest krytyczny — dzięki tabeli łatwiej nam obliczyć porcję. Czy mogę dostać większą próbkę na testy stabilności?
Kan ni skicka prover till Sverige med DHL? Vi vill testa 10% extraktet i en dryck. Finns det ett minsta beställningsvärde för prover?
Good article. I’ve been using the 16% grade for a sports hydration product, and the sweetness profile is solid. Third-party testing gave us confidence, and the sample arrived within 3 days.
はい、粒子サイズのカスタマイズに対応しています。25kgバルクは通常7〜15日で出荷可能です。ご要望の仕様でOEMも承ります。 – Core Nutrix Team
Hej Elin, vi skickar prover till Sverige med DHL. Fri frakt gäller för prover, men ni står för fraktkostnaden. MOQ för prover är 1 kg. – Core Nutrix Team
グリチルリチン酸26%グレードを化粧品用に検討中です。粒子サイズのカスタマイズは可能ですか？また、25kgのリードタイムを教えてください。
Very useful breakdown of the 100 mg daily limit. As an importer in the Middle East, I appreciate that you ship with DDP terms, it simplifies customs for us. We’ll request a sample for our beverage line.
Hola Florencia, sí ofrecemos DGL en polvo. La muestra es de 1 kg, certificado Halal disponible bajo pedido. Enviamos con DHL a España y cada lote incluye COA y MSDS. – Core Nutrix Team
¿Ofrecen DGL en polvo con grado alimentario? Necesito saber si el MOQ es de 1 kg para muestra y si tienen certificado Halal para el envío a España.
As explicações sobre a diferença entre 10% e 26% são muito claras. Como trabalhamos com chás funcionais, o grau de 12% é o que usamos para equilibrar doçura e limite diário. O prazo de 7 a 15 dias para o lote de 25 kg cabe no nosso planejamento.
Olá Renato, para 5 kg podemos enviar como amostra ou lote menor, com COA e MSDS inclusos. Amostras em estoque saem em 1-3 dias úteis; o frete DHL para o Brasil é calculado no fechamento. – Core Nutrix Team
Preciso de 5 kg do extrato de alcaçuz com 10% de ácido glicirrízico para testes no Brasil. Qual o prazo de entrega via DHL e vocês emitem COA e MSDS?