Customer Reviews

Gustaf's Dutch Licorice, Double Salt, 7-Ounce Containers (Pack of 6)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

When I lived on the border of England and Wales, I had a roommate from Copenhagen Denmark, and he got some of this in his Christmas goodie basket from his Mom. At first it is a shock to the system, and I was the only American in the house that didn't spit it out. Soon I was bugging him to get his Mom to send more. It is a testament to the impression that it made that 25 years later I checked Amazon to see if I could get it here.

Before I got home my wife and kids had gotten into the box and tried it. They didn't try a second piece. I however after the initial shock of the first piece, remembered why I liked it. And although this case will probably last me a long time, I do rather enjoy the flavor. But be warned the flavor is HEAVY on the salt and very light on the sweet. But it is a treat that you can enjoy without emptying the whole container in a sitting and wonder where it went. So... if you are adventurous, or if you remember the taste from your European adventures, try this exotic treat.

I love licorice and thought I would try this stuff out. I wondered how a double-salt licorice could have 0 mg of sodium. Well, the answer is, the saltiness is the ammonium chloride. There is no sodium chloride (table salt) in this licorice. I'm not sure that ammonium chloride is any better for you than plain old salt, but since it is 'sodium free' it appears on the surface to be a healthy choice. Bottom line: This stuff is salty. A very close friend of mine is Dutch. He's not the typical, "I'm Dutch because my grandparents came from Holland." He is the real deal. He is not even remotely interested in visits to Amsterdam, like most people are. I told him I had some Dubbel Zout (Dutch for double-salt) and he was over to see me instantly. He loved it. Where most people immediately spat it out or nearly choked on it, he was crazy about it. I think that says a lot about its authenticity. Now, as to the saltiness, if that's not your thing, I suggest not buying six tubs at first (though the price is great), but rather pick up a single tub from an import market. If you have tried the double-salt and think that all of the dutch licorice is like that, then you need to try Gustaf's Licorice Coins (which my friend refers to as single-salt). They are outstanding as well. Both the double-salt and single-salt are interesting and authentic Dutch confections and I highly recommend them both.

Its sad that most of the bad reviews are from people who don't realize what they are purchasing. This is Double Salt Licorice, and its a very salty tasting candy (if you can call it candy). Since its salted with salmiak, it has no sodium (but aluminum).

Anyways, when I was a kid I used to love to get rock salt and let it dissolve on my tongue and thought it was way better than regular candy, so as an adult, I have finally found what I consider to be the perfect treat, highly recommended to those people who love salt. This stuff is pretty much perfect, I've tried many different types of Salt Licorice and along with the amazing Tyrkisk Peber, this stuff is the best (note: I prefer the harder candies not the chewy ones). If you're expecting traditional US licorice (which mostly I don't like) then don't waste your time or money.

Excellent product. I bought this for my boyfriend who is Dutch and loves this kind of candy. It's hard to find in stores and this was as good as he remembered as a kid in Holland. Will buy again!

First of all, I'm a licorice fiend - and not the so-called licorice typically sold in the US. I grew up in Sweden with the real deal - I even bought ultra-bitter licorice sticks from the pharmacy, back when they sold that.

My favorites range from Malaco to Fazer - with ammonium chloride filled licorice candy like Turkish Pepper at the top.

Bassett's is the substitute of choice in the US - not much available here.

With that said, here's what I thought about Gustaf's - and I bought a whole case. It's too flat, it hits a very narrow band of licorice flavor - something missing to make it bloom.

Great chewability, lots of licorice flavor, but no depth - if that makes sense to you. Most other licorice versions that I like hit a much broader range.

It's worth a try, but I suggest that you make this a small portion of a mixed plate of various licorice types.

Sad when people order something they don't know and then give it a bad review! Double salt (tastes exactly as it is described) is an acquired taste! You work your way up to it- you don't start at it.
So in all fairness those bad reviews should be ignored. I am Dutch living in the USA and although there are some better DZ (Dubbel Zout) licorice - Gustaf's are running a very close second.
If you are a double salt fan - you will like these - great price - great product.

This is a good price for this amount of quality licorice. This is the traditional Dutch concoction containing a strong salt taste and smell.
Not for everyone, the taste of this product is less sweet but more long lasting than the licorice candies we are used to eating in America. If you know you like this strongly flavored licorice this is a bargain.

Double salt licorice is a very scary flavor for the uninitiated. People don't like it the first time, then start to crave it if they stay with the taste. If one doesn't like this licorice, it's great to serve to unwanted guests.

And Dutch I am,the double salty "Dropjes" is like taking a sip of the North sea,there was enough in the shipment for me to hide some in every crook&cranny in my house,car and in a special box to keep in my pocket at all times.
Try it,you might like it.

These DZ licorice buttons are what are known in Northern Europe as Salmiak pastilles. Salmiak, or sal ammoniac (ammonium chloride salt) used to be prescribed as a expectorant for head colds. Sal ammoniac is also used as soldering flux to clean metal. The sugar was used to cover the very strong, corrosive taste. Those who've acquired a taste for them crave them. All others spit them out within ten seconds. I use them as a diet aid, as two or three will put you off food for hours. Keep them in their resealable tubs as they attract water from the air.