Licorice root isn’t exactly the star of every pantry. The one time we needed it, we spent way too long poking through our spice rack, only to realize we never bought any.
No licorice root? No big deal. We’ve found some great alternatives that get the job done. These substitutes are super simple and probably already sitting in your cupboard.
We’ve tried these ourselves while making teas and desserts, and they worked like a charm. No more giving up on a recipe just because you don’t have this one tricky ingredient. This list makes it easy to swap and keep things tasty.
5 Easy Substitutes for Licorice Root
Here are six simple substitutes you can use in place of licorice root, depending on the flavor profile and recipe.
1 – Anise Seed
It all started when we ran out of licorice root and grabbed anise seeds instead. They’ve got that similar sweet, slightly peppery vibe, but they’re a bit more intense. Use half the amount of anise seeds compared to licorice root because the flavor is stronger.
They’re tiny, easy to grind, and blend well in teas or desserts. They might lean more towards licorice candy territory in taste but still work. Anise seeds are a quick way to keep the recipe working without over-complicating it.
Want to see more anise seed swaps? Check out these great anise seed substitutes for more ideas.
2 – Star Anise
When you need an alternative option for licorice root, think outside the spice cabinet. Star anise has a similar flavor profile to anise seeds but with more depth and sweetness. It brings a bit more of that warm spice factor than the peppery side we get from licorice root.
We love how this star-shaped spice smells and looks in teas and other recipes. If you’re using whole stars, use about half or quarter of one star per teaspoon of ground licorice root needed.
Looking for more ways to use star anise? Check out our star anise substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
3 – Fennel Seeds
This easy-to-find spice is a great alternative to licorice root when you’re in a pinch. It offers that same sweet flavor with just a dash of pepperiness. Use half the amount of fennel seeds compared to licorice root, or grind them into a powder for an even swap.
We like how fennel seeds add just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming other flavors. They blend nicely in teas and work well as toppings on dishes like roasted vegetables or meats.
Want more fennel seed ideas? Check out our fennel seed substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
4 – Licorice Extract
Hold up, licorice extract? How did that get on this list? Yes – we know we’re talking about licorice root substitutes here. But using the extract in place of the root can work when you’re in a tight spot.
Extract is much more potent than ground licorice root, so use it sparingly – no more than a few drops per teaspoon of ground licorice needed. It has a strong flavor and will make your recipe very sweet if not careful.
We love extracts because they pack so much intense flavor into tiny bottles. They’re a great way to quickly add that missing licorice root touch to a recipe.
Want more extract ideas? Check out our extract substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
5 – Fennel Bulb
If you don’t have any fennel seeds on hand, reach for the whole vegetable instead. It’s got that same sweet, slightly peppery flavor when cooked down or used in teas and other recipes The texture will be different than using ground licorice root, but it still works as an alternative.
Slice or dice pieces of fennel bulb and use them to add flavor to dishes like soups, stews, or roasted vegetables. Use about 1/4 cup of chopped fennel bulb per teaspoon of ground licorice root needed.
Want more ways to use fennel bulb? Check out our fennel bulb substitutes guide for tips and recipe inspiration.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.