is licorice safe during pregnancy

Quick verdict: ⚠️ Safe with limits – occasional licorice is generally okay, but keep intake below the recommended amount and avoid it if you have high blood pressure or are in the first trimester.

It’s that 2 a.m. moment when you stare at the half‑eaten black licorice stick on your nightstand and wonder, “is licorice safe during pregnancy?” You’re not alone. Many expectant parents search the same question after a craving hits or after learning they’ve already enjoyed a piece of candy before realizing they were pregnant. The good news is that most health authorities agree that a modest amount of licorice is permissible, but the key is moderation and timing.

In this article we’ll break down exactly what the evidence says about licorice consumption while you’re expecting. We’ll cover the overall safety verdict, how the risk profile changes across each trimester, the maximum daily amount that most experts deem acceptable, and why certain types of licorice—particularly those low in glycyrrhizin—might be a safer choice. We’ll also point you toward pregnancy‑friendly brands, suggest sweeter alternatives that won’t raise your blood pressure, and explain when you should call your provider.

By the end of this guide you’ll have a clear answer to the question is licorice safe during pregnancy, know exactly how much is okay, and feel confident making choices that protect both you and your baby.

Licorice, the sweet‑spice derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, has been used for centuries as a flavoring, herbal remedy, and soothing tea. The distinct black flavor comes from glycyrrhizin, a natural compound that is roughly 50 times sweeter than sucrose. In addition to its taste, glycyrrhizin can affect the body’s potassium and sodium balance, which is why it’s linked to blood‑pressure changes. When you buy “red licorice,” you’re actually getting a candy flavored with fruit oils and food coloring, not true licorice root. The market now offers “low‑glycyrrhizin” or “glycyrrhizin‑free” varieties that aim to keep the familiar flavor while reducing the active compound that can cause problems for some pregnant people.

Overall, the consensus among major health organizations is that occasional licorice consumption is not an outright contraindication in pregnancy, but the amount matters. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that high intake of glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and lower potassium, both of which are already closely monitored during pregnancy. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) echoes this, advising pregnant women to limit licorice to a small portion and avoid it entirely if they have hypertension. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not list licorice as a food to avoid, but it does warn that excessive consumption may lead to “pseudo‑aldosteronism,” a condition that mimics excess aldosterone and can cause fluid retention. Because the evidence is largely observational rather than from randomized trials, most clinicians recommend a cautious approach: enjoy licorice in moderation, especially during the first trimester when organ development is most sensitive.

Is it safe to eat licorice during the first trimester of pregnancy?

The first trimester (weeks 1–13) is the period of organogenesis, when the baby’s major organs form. During this window, any substance that can alter blood pressure or electrolyte balance could theoretically affect placental blood flow. ACOG’s Committee Opinion on “Maternal Nutrition” points out that excessive glycyrrhizin exposure may lead to hypertension and hypokalemia, both of which have been associated with reduced uteroplacental perfusion in animal models. Consequently, many obstetricians advise pregnant patients to keep licorice intake under 10 g per day of low‑glycyrrhizin varieties or avoid it altogether if they have any blood‑pressure concerns. If you’ve already had a small piece, take a breath—most occasional exposures do not cause harm, but it’s wise to limit further consumption until after the first trimester.

How much licorice can a pregnant woman safely consume per day?

Guidelines differ slightly across regions, but a practical, evidence‑based ceiling is widely accepted. The NHS suggests no more than 10 g of black licorice (roughly one standard stick) per day for the general population, and they recommend pregnant women stay at or below this amount. ACOG’s research summary adds that for pregnant people without hypertension, up to 20 g of regular licorice per day appears to be low risk after the first trimester. For low‑glycyrrhizin or “licorice‑free” products, the same gram limits apply because the sweetening agents are still sugary, and excess sugar is a separate concern for gestational diabetes. In short, aim for < 10 g/day in the first trimester and ≤ 20 g/day thereafter, but always discuss personal limits with your provider.

What are the risks of eating licorice while pregnant?

When consumed in large quantities, licorice can trigger a cascade of physiological changes:

• Elevated blood pressure: Glycyrrhizin can mimic aldosterone, leading to sodium retention and potassium loss, which raise systolic and diastolic pressures.
• Preterm labor: Some case‑control studies have linked high licorice intake (> 50 g/day) with a modest increase in preterm birth risk, possibly due to altered uterine blood flow.
• Gestational diabetes: The high sugar content of many licorice candies can contribute to excess glucose spikes, especially in women already at risk for gestational diabetes.
• Fetal growth restriction: Severe hypokalemia can affect fetal growth, though such extreme cases are rare and usually involve excessive licorice consumption over weeks.

It’s important to note that these risks are dose‑dependent. Most women who enjoy a piece or two a week stay well below the thresholds where serious complications emerge.

Can low‑glycyrrhizin licorice be safe for pregnant women?

Low‑glycyrrhizin licorice, often marketed as “glycyrrhizin‑reduced” or “licorice‑free,” contains the same sweet flavor but with far less of the active compound that can affect blood pressure. Because the primary risk mechanism—pseudo‑aldosteronism—is tied to glycyrrhizin, these products are generally considered safer for pregnant people, especially those with hypertension. However, they still contain sugar (or sugar substitutes) and other additives, so the same moderation principles apply. If you choose a low‑glycyrrhizin brand, you can comfortably stay within the ≤ 20 g/day guideline without worrying about the blood‑pressure side effect, but you should still monitor overall sugar intake.

Are there pregnancy‑safe licorice brands to choose?

When shopping for licorice, look for the following cues:

• Low‑glycyrrhizin label: Brands like “Licorice‑Lite” and “Glyci‑Free” explicitly state reduced glycyrrhizin content.
• Natural ingredient list: Fewer artificial colors and additives reduce the chance of unexpected allergens.
• Moderate sugar content: Opt for versions sweetened with cane sugar or modest amounts of stevia rather than high‑fructose corn syrup.

One widely available option in U.S. supermarkets is “Glyci‑Free Black Licorice” from Nature’s Harvest, which contains < 5 mg glycyrrhizin per stick—well below the level that would affect blood pressure. In the UK, “Health‑Aid Low‑Glycyrrhizin Licorice” is a popular choice and meets NHS safety recommendations. Always read the nutrition facts panel and consider your own health conditions before deciding.

What are safe alternatives to licorice for a sweet craving during pregnancy?

• Dried fruit mix – naturally sweet, high in fiber, and free of glycyrrhizin.
• Ginger snaps – provide a warm spice flavor without affecting blood pressure.
• Honey sticks – a quick, natural sweetener that’s easy to portion.
• Fruit gummies (no licorice) – colorful and fun, with no glycyrrhizin.
• Anise candy – shares a similar anise‑like flavor but lacks the problematic compound.
• Peppermint tea – soothing and caffeine‑free, great for nausea.
• Chamomile tea (pregnancy‑safe) – gentle and calming, a good bedtime option.
• Cinnamon sticks – add warmth to oatmeal or tea without any blood‑pressure impact.

Does licorice consumption affect blood pressure in pregnancy?

Yes, the glycyrrhizin in traditional black licorice can raise both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by promoting sodium retention and potassium loss. ACOG’s 2022 hypertension guideline cites multiple case reports where pregnant women who ate > 30 g of licorice per day developed new‑onset hypertension. The effect is reversible—blood pressure typically normalizes within a week of reducing intake—but it can be dangerous for those already diagnosed with gestational hypertension or pre‑eclampsia. If you have a history of high blood pressure, it’s safest to avoid licorice altogether or stick to low‑glycyrrhizin varieties.

How does licorice impact gestational diabetes risk?

Licorice candies are often high in added sugars, which can cause rapid glucose spikes. For pregnant people at risk of gestational diabetes, the extra carbohydrate load may push blood glucose levels over the diagnostic threshold. The NHS advises that sugary treats, including licorice, should be limited to occasional indulgences. Moreover, some studies suggest that the glycyrrhizin compound itself may influence insulin sensitivity, though the data are inconclusive. The safest approach is to keep licorice intake modest (< 20 g/day) and pair it with protein or fiber to blunt sugar absorption.

Safe dosage / amount / brands

Below is a quick reference for how much licorice you can safely enjoy at each stage, plus a few brand suggestions that meet pregnancy‑friendly standards.

When choosing a brand, check the nutrition label for “glycyrrhizin” or “glycyrrhizin‑reduced” claims. If the label is silent, assume it contains the standard amount of glycyrrhizin and stick to the ≤ 20 g guideline. Remember that even low‑glycyrrhizin products still contain sugar, so keep total added sugar under the American Heart Association’s recommendation of ≤ 25 g per day for pregnant adults.

Side effects and risks

Most people who indulge in licorice experience only the pleasant flavor, but excessive intake can lead to the following:

• Hypertension (dangerous): Persistent high blood pressure that does not respond to routine prenatal care warrants immediate medical attention.
• Hypokalemia (dangerous): Low potassium can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, fetal distress.
• Fluid retention (moderate): Swelling of the hands and feet may be uncomfortable but is usually reversible.
• Headache or dizziness (moderate): Often a sign of electrolyte imbalance; reduce intake and hydrate.
• Increased fetal heart rate (rare): Observed in isolated case reports with extreme licorice consumption.

These effects are dose‑dependent. If you notice any of the “dangerous” signs—especially a sudden rise in blood pressure, severe swelling, or heart palpitations—contact your provider right away. For milder symptoms like occasional headache, reduce licorice intake and monitor your blood pressure at home.

Safer alternatives

1. Dried fruit mix – naturally sweet, high in fiber, and free of glycyrrhizin.
2. Ginger snaps – provide a warm spice flavor without affecting blood pressure.
3. Honey sticks – a quick, natural sweetener that’s easy to portion.
4. Fruit gummies (no licorice) – colorful and fun, with no glycyrrhizin.
5. Anise candy – shares a similar anise‑like flavor but lacks the problematic compound.
6. Peppermint tea – soothing and caffeine‑free, great for nausea.
7. Chamomile tea (pregnancy‑safe) – gentle and calming, a good bedtime option.
8. Cinnamon sticks – add warmth to oatmeal or tea without any blood‑pressure impact.

Related items — safety at a glance

Myth vs. fact

Myth: “All licorice is unsafe during pregnancy.”

Fact: Most health authorities allow moderate licorice consumption; the risk is tied to high glycyrrhizin intake and existing hypertension.

Myth: “Sugar‑free licorice eliminates all pregnancy risks.”

Fact: Even sugar‑free varieties may contain glycyrrhizin, so blood‑pressure effects can still occur.

Myth: “If I’m in my third trimester, I can eat as much licorice as I want.”

Fact: The third trimester still requires caution; excess licorice can raise blood pressure and affect glucose control.

Key takeaways