Walk into any theater and you'll see the same thing. Red vines. Strawberry twists. Maybe some popcorn if the line wasn't too long. But tucked away on the bottom shelf of the candy aisle—often overlooked and tragically misunderstood—is the dark horse of the Hershey’s lineup. Twizzlers black licorice nibs.
They’re weird. Honestly, they’re polarizing. People either treat them like treasure or act like they're toxic waste. But for those of us who grew up reaching for that purple bag, nothing else hits the same way.
Most people think of Twizzlers as those long, waxy ropes you use as a straw. Nibs are different. They’re bite-sized. They have this dense, chewy snap that the standard twists just can’t replicate. And when you go black licorice? You’re getting into the real chemistry of candy making. We aren't just talking about sugar here. We’re talking about Glycyrrhiza glabra—the actual licorice root—and the deep, earthy profile that makes this snack more of an acquired taste than a cheap sugar rush.
The Chemistry of the Chew: Why Nibs Feel Different
Ever wonder why a Nib feels like a workout for your jaw compared to a standard Twizzler? It's the surface area. Or rather, the lack of it. A standard twist is extruded with a hollow center. It’s designed to be flexible. Nibs are solid nuggets. When Hershey’s produces these, the dough is denser. It has to be to hold that "nib" shape without collapsing.
The ingredients aren't a mystery, but the balance is. You’ve got corn syrup, enriched wheat flour, and sugar. Standard stuff. But the addition of licorice extract and anise oil is where the magic happens. Anise oil is what gives it that distinct "black" flavor that people mistake for pure licorice. Interestingly, if you look at the back of the bag, you’ll see salt listed. Salt is the secret weapon. It cuts through the bitterness of the licorice root and makes the sweetness pop.
Why do people hate them?
It’s the smell. Usually. Anise has a scent that triggers a very specific part of the brain. To some, it’s nostalgic. To others, it smells like medicine. This is actually a genetic thing for a lot of people, similar to how cilantro tastes like soap to about 10% of the population. If you don't like black licorice, you probably never will. Your brain is literally hardwired to reject it.
But if you do like it? You’re likely obsessed. There’s no middle ground with Twizzlers black licorice nibs. You’re either in or you’re out.
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Nutrition, Health, and the Glycyrrhizin Factor
Let’s be real for a second. This is candy. It’s not a superfood.
However, black licorice carries a unique reputation in the health world. Real licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin. According to the FDA, eating too much of the real stuff can actually lead to potassium drops and heart issues. This sounds scary. It’s mostly a concern for people over 40 who have a pre-existing heart condition and eat two ounces of black licorice every single day for two weeks.
The good news for Nib lovers? Twizzlers black licorice nibs use a blend. While they do contain licorice extract, they aren't as concentrated as some of the artisanal salted licorice brands you find in Northern Europe. You'd have to eat an ungodly amount of bags to hit the danger zone.
- Calories: About 140 per serving (which is about 22 pieces).
- Fat: Zero. It’s a fat-free snack, which was a huge selling point in the 90s.
- Sodium: Around 190mg. That’s higher than some fruity candies, thanks to the salt used to balance the anise.
The Manufacturing Mystery: From Twist to Nib
Twizzlers have been around since 1845. The Young & Smylie company started it all, long before Hershey’s took over in 1977. Nibs came later. They were a response to the "snackability" trend. People wanted something they could pour into a bowl or share without tearing long ropes apart.
The process is called extrusion. Imagine a giant play-dough factory. The licorice mixture is heated, pressurized, and pushed through a die. For Nibs, the die is a small, solid shape. A rotating blade snips the "rope" every half-inch or so. This creates that iconic flat end on both sides. Because they are cut while the candy is still warm, the edges slightly round off, giving them that distinct pebble look.
How to Tell if Your Nibs are Actually Fresh
There is nothing worse than a stale Nib. When they get old, they turn into little black rocks that could break a molar. You want them to be pliable.
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Here is the trick: Squeeze the bag.
If the pieces feel like individual units that shift easily, they’re fresh. If the whole bag feels like one solid, frozen brick, put it back. The moisture content in black licorice is finicky. Once that wheat flour starts to dehydrate, the starches crystallize. That’s when the "waxy" complaint comes out. Fresh Nibs shouldn't feel waxy; they should feel like a dense fruit leather.
Real-World Use Cases (Beyond Just Snacking)
Believe it or not, people use these for things other than eating. I’ve seen bakers use them as "coal" for Christmas-themed cupcakes. They’re perfect for it. The uniform size makes them look like tiny rocks.
Fishermen? They swear by them. I’ve met guys on the East Coast who use bits of black licorice as bait for certain types of fish. Apparently, the strong scent of anise travels well underwater. I can’t personally vouch for the catch rate, but the logic holds up. Anise is a common scent used in lures.
The Black vs. Red Debate
We have to address the elephant in the room. Strawberry Nibs exist. They’re fine. They taste like childhood and red dye #40. But they lack the complexity of the black version. Red Nibs are just sugar and cornstarch. Black Nibs are a flavor profile.
In the candy world, "Red" isn't even technically licorice. By definition, licorice must contain extract from the licorice plant. Red Twizzlers are just "fruit-flavored twists." If you want the authentic experience that people have been eating for centuries, you go black. It’s the original. It’s the classic.
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Getting the Most Out of Your Bag
If you find yourself with a bag that’s a little too firm, don't toss it.
Pop them in the microwave for exactly five seconds. No more. The heat softens the wheat flour and makes them taste like they just came off the assembly line in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It’s a game changer.
Also, try pairing them with something salty. A handful of Nibs mixed into a bowl of buttered popcorn is the elite movie-watching experience. The heat from the popcorn softens the candy, and the salt makes the anise flavor much more mellow. It sounds gross until you try it. Then, you're hooked.
Shopping for Nibs in 2026
Availability can be spotty. While the 7oz bags are common in gas stations, the larger 1lb bags are usually found in the "theatre box" section of big-box retailers. If you can't find them locally, buying in bulk online is actually better because you get a higher turnover rate from the warehouse, meaning the candy is often fresher than what’s been sitting on a dusty CVS shelf for six months.
Actionable Steps for the Licorice Lover
If you are ready to dive back into the world of Twizzlers black licorice nibs, do it right. Check the expiration date first—licorice has a shelf life of about a year, but it’s best within the first six months. Look for the "Best By" code on the back of the purple bag.
Next time you're at the store, grab a bag and try the popcorn mix. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, use them as a garnish for a heavy ginger cake. The spicy ginger and the cool anise of the nibs work surprisingly well together. Just remember to keep the bag sealed tight; air is the enemy of the chew. If you leave the bag open overnight, you're basically making gravel.
Store them in a cool, dark pantry. Avoid the fridge—it ruins the texture. Keep them at room temperature, and you’ll have the perfect, snappy snack ready for your next binge-watch session.