Drop it like it’s hot: why the Dutch are obsessed with liquorice

When you think of Dutch treats, stroopwafels and cheese might spring to mind. But there’s one snack that truly runs through the veins of the Netherlands: liquorice, or in America ‘licorice’ and as we call it in Holland, drop. Whether you love it or think it tastes like something from a pharmacy, drop is deeply woven into Dutch culture. So, what’s the story behind this salty (or sweet) obsession?

Where does liquorice come from?

Liquorice originally comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, better known as liquorice root. This natural sweetener has been used for thousands of years, not just for its flavour but also for its medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans chewed on liquorice root to soothe coughs and sore throats.

In the Netherlands, liquorice gained popularity centuries ago, especially because of its use in herbal remedies. Dutch apothecaries used liquorice extract for cough syrups and throat lozenges — and somewhere along the way, we realised it’s also just a great snack!

Why do the Dutch love drop so much?

Honestly? No one is completely sure! But some theories point to our seafaring past. Dutch sailors chewed liquorice to keep their throats moist on long voyages. Add to that our love for bold flavours, and you’ve got a nation hooked.

Plus, we just love things you can endlessly debate about. Soft or hard? Sweet or salty? Mild or double-salted? Drop sparks passionate conversations at every Dutch family gathering.

Dutch liquorice habits

We don’t just eat drop — we celebrate it. Dutch office desks often have a secret stash hidden in a drawer, road trips are incomplete without a bag of drop in the glove compartment, and there’s a whole etiquette to sharing your favourite pieces (tip: don’t snatch the last one unless you’re sure you’re among friends).

And we even hand it out to unsuspecting foreign guests. There’s no faster way to test your visitors’ adventurous spirit than offering them a piece of double-salted drop!

The many types of drop

The world of drop is delightfully varied:

• Sweet liquorice. For those with a mild tooth

• Salty liquorice. A true Dutch classic

• Double-salted (Dubbelzout) For the brave-hearted only

• Honey liquorice. Sweet and mellow

• Salmiak drop. With a punch of ammonium chloride, sharp and bold

• Gummy-soft or hard drop. Chewy or firm, depending on your mood

• Liquorice coins, cats, cars, fish… you name it, we’ve made a drop version of it!

Famous Dutch liquorice brands

We take our drop seriously — and our brands reflect that craftsmanship:

• Venco: the household name for classic Dutch liquorice.

• Klene: “the liquorice master since 1876.”

• Autodrop: famous for its fun, car-shaped sweets.

• Oldtimers: authentic, artisanal drop with natural ingredients.

• Red Band: for those who like a playful mix.

• De Bron: sugar-free options for guilt-free indulgence.

🎉 Mini-quiz: What does your favourite liquorice say about you?

Curious what your liquorice choice reveals about your personality? Let’s find out!

1. You always go for sweet liquorice.
➡️ The peacemaker
You love balance and good vibes. You’re the person who makes sure everyone is having a great time — sweet with a bit of zing, just like you!

2. You reach straight for double-salted.
➡️ The adventurer
You’re not afraid of a challenge. Bold flavours? Bring them on. You live life to the fullest.

3. Honey liquorice is your go-to.
➡️ The caregiver
Warm-hearted and thoughtful, you’re the one people turn to for comfort. Life’s sweet, but you like it with a bit of depth.

4. Autodrop, obviously!
➡️ The playful spirit
You’re the life of the party. Always on the move, always ready for fun. You believe snacks should make you smile.

5. Oldtimers, of course.
➡️ The traditionalist
You appreciate quality and heritage. No fuss, just great taste. You love classics that never go out of style.

6. English liquorice assortment is your pick.
➡️ The creative soul
You thrive on variety and surprises. Life’s too short for the same thing every day!

Disclaimer: This quiz is 100% unscientific but 100% fun, best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a bowl of drop 😉.

🖤 Fun Facts About Drop (perfect for impressing your friends)

1. The Netherlands is the world champion of liquorice consumption.
We eat around 32 million kilos of drop every year, that’s nearly two kilos per person!

2. Liquorice started as medicine.
It was originally a remedy for sore throats and digestive troubles. Some say it still works, we just enjoy the side effects more!

3. Yes, there is liquorice hair gel.
Due to its sticky natural properties, liquorice extract has even been used in natural hair gels. Stylish and sweet!

4. Non-Dutch people just don’t get it.
Especially our salty varieties leave foreigners baffled. They often think it belongs in a pharmacy, not a snack bowl. More for us!

5. Liquorice is related to peanuts and peas.
The liquorice plant belongs to the legume family, along with beans, peas and peanuts. Who knew?

6. There are over 100 liquorice shapes.
From cars to coins, cats to tulips, drop comes in every shape imaginable.

7. Liquorice & wine pairings exist!
Yes, some liquorice varieties go surprisingly well with wine or spirits. There are even tasting events dedicated to it!