Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Black Licorice Can Make Your Heart Skip a Beat — Literally

Popular candy contains potassium-lowering compound

black licorice heart issues helpful black licorice

Black licorice has been a fan favorite for generations. While this tasty treat is enjoyable for most people, for some, it can literally make their heart skip a beat.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Registered dietitian Katherine Patton, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, says eating too much black licorice can make your heart skip a beat or two — or even more. Though it happens rarely, black licorice can cause an irregular heartbeat in some people and an excess may cause serious harm.

The dangers of decreased potassium

Black licorice contains a compound that comes from licorice root that can lower your potassium levels. Lower potassium levels can cause those abnormal heart arrhythmias.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration experts blame glycyrrhizin, the sweetening compound derived from the licorice root. This compound can cause potassium levels in the body to decrease and when this happens, some people can experience abnormal heart rhythms.

Others, especially those over 40 with a history of heart disease and/or high blood pressure, may experience other potentially serious problems, including a rise in blood pressure, lethargy and even congestive heart failure.

“If you already have heart disease or high blood pressure, then be a little more aware of how you’re feeling if you eat this kind of licorice,” says Patton. “Stop eating it if you think you notice any type of irregular heartbeats.”

However, she notes that some foods that advertise themselves as “licorice” or “licorice flavor” use anise oil, not true black licorice. Those foods will not put you at risk for arrhythmias.

Advertisement

Also known as sweet root, licorice root has some benefits, too. It’s used primarily in a dietary supplement for bacterial and viral infections, digestive problems and menopausal symptoms. Be cautious because these supplements can raise blood pressure.

How much is too much?

So how much is too much? The FDA says if you’re 40 or older, eating multiple 2-ounce bags of black licorice a day for at least two weeks is overdoing it and could land you in the hospital with arrhythmia or an irregular heart rhythm.

The FDA also reports that black licorice can interact negatively with certain medications, dietary supplements and herbs. It’s best to talk to your doctor to find out if anything you’re taking will interact negatively with the popular candy.

Patton says that while the phenomenon is rare, if you feel funny after eating black licorice and you’ve had heart trouble in the past, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. Other symptoms can include headache, lack of energy or body swelling.

“If you have any concern, I would definitely call your doctor’s office right away and let them know,” Patton says. “If it’s really severe, then I would go to the emergency room. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”​

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Older male in doctor's office with doctor holding tablet showing heart statistics
January 31, 2024/Heart Health
Extra Heartbeats: Should You Be Worried?

They’re rarely cause for concern, but you should still talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms

Wasabi root partially ground up on a mini cutting board
October 24, 2025/Nutrition
3 Wasabi Health Benefits

Wasabi root may protect against cancer, food poisoning and memory loss

Assorted foods with zinc, like cashews, dried apricots and salmon
October 20, 2025/Nutrition
How Zinc Benefits Your Body — and How Much You Need Each Day

You typically get enough of this essential nutrient through foods you eat, like meats, fish, nuts and beans

Assorted whole and sliced citrus fruits
October 17, 2025/Nutrition
8 Reasons To Eat More Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits have nutrients that help support immune system, heart and gut health

Beet salad, with feta, walnuts and greens
October 15, 2025/Urinary & Kidney Health
Beets Can Turn Poop and Pee Red: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Freak Out

Most of the time, beeturia is a curiosity, not a concern

People exercising in gym on elliptical and rowing machine
October 13, 2025/Exercise & Fitness
Easy Does It: Why You Should Target Zone 2 Cardio Workouts

Lower-intensity workouts can deliver high-quality health and fitness results

Variety of vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, including salmon, eggs, milk, nuts, spinach and oranges
October 13, 2025/Nutrition
7 Vitamins and Minerals That Help Boost Your Immunity

Eat your fill of vitamins C, B6 and E, plus zinc and selenium

Pills of different sizes, shapes and colors are surrounded by bottles, mortars and pestles, and plants
October 9, 2025/Heart Health
What You Need To Know About Vitamins and Supplements for Heart Health

The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in the food you eat are essential for a healthy heart, but supplements are another story

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad