Panda Raspberry Licorice 7oz licorice pieces by Panda

I got these because the ingredients were so much better than any other Ive looked at regarding red licorice. I have been on a mission to find the perfect replacement for the junk food version of red licorice (we all know what Im talking about) because its one of my all time favorite candies. Ive tried so many brands. This one seemed like a winner with the ingredients, but Im not a big gan of the consistency. Its more of a softer chewyness. Sticks in my teeth. I could overlook that if the flavor wasn't so earthy. The molasses really stands out. If you like the flavor of molasses then you would enjoy these. It's important to note that Ive never enjoyed the flavor of licorice. Only the red candies with no actual licorice in them. This Panda raspberry licorice has actual licorice in it. That could be another reason Im not enjoying the flavor so much. I bought two bags with high hopes but will end up giving away the second bag, probably to someone who likes licorice flavor. Im happy these exist though for the people who can enjoy them because we all need better options. My mission continues.

I purchased the raspberry variety. I was excited to try them, so I ate a few when they arrived (morning time). Unfortunately, all I taste is molasses, no raspberry. I like molasses in baked items, but, as I discovered after eating a few of these, not in candy. The only way I can describe these is as molasses blobs. I bought two bags, and they're not cheap (sigh). I am sorry. I wish I could have written a better review.

I really enjoy the taste of raspberry licorice.

I try out just about every licorice I come across (all different flavors, other than the black which I just don't care for). Darrell Lea and Wiley Wallaby are two of my favorites & just about all flavors are good from those two brands. Just now getting around to trying this Panda out. I was not prepared for this. "Not good" just doesn't sum it up. I'm not being hyperbolic or dramatic when I say this (Raspberry - Panda) was some of the nastiest tasting licorice/candy/sweet/treat I've ever put in my mouth. Dry, crumbly, not chewy, not sweet, not sour, not tasty, not pleasant or enjoyable. "Fluke"? Possibly - because I can't imagine a company staying in business if this is their peak product. Luckily I had a fresh bag of Wiley - Watermelon arrive at the same time to (not an exaggeration whatsoever) to get rid of the taste of Panda Raspberry. Disappointing. Who wants to try a new licorice that turns out awful? Noone. It's so bad.

I love raspberrries and I love licorice so I had always wanted to try this brand. Probelm is that its always listed at what seems to be a premium price. However, I was extatic that it recently went on sale, and I managed to grab the last 2 bags that day. It arrived today and I just got to try them out. I really like the freshness and texture of this licorice, but the actual flavor has left me puzzled. They taste like Raisin Licorice with just a hint and aftertaste of raspberries. The first ingredient is Molasses, so I think that's the culprit. I have loved other brands flavor of dried raspberries, like Fruit Leather's raspberry strips. I love those. Strong taste of raspberries. I really wish these had that same flavor....