How to Store Licorice: Root, Powder and Sticks
Dried root sticks or fine powder: licorice is stored differently depending on its form. Here are the habits that best preserve its characteristic sweet taste and quality over time.
Dried licorice root sticks are fairly stable and keep in a closed container, away from moisture, for 12 to 24 months. Licorice powder, more exposed to air and light, needs an opaque airtight jar and keeps roughly 6 to 12 months after opening. A practical companion to our page licorice in Ayurveda and our guide best licorice.
Why do sticks keep better than powder?
As with many dried roots, the surface exposed to air is far smaller for a whole stick than for finely ground powder. Powder therefore oxidizes faster and loses its characteristic sweet taste sooner. Three simple precautions limit this:
- Opaque, airtight container for powder, closed after each use;
- Closed bag or jar for sticks, away from ambient moisture;
- Tempered cupboard, away from a source of heat or moisture.
What research says about storing plant powders
A study by Sharma, Kabra, Kabra and Baghel (2016), published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (see the study on Google Scholar), shows that dried medicinal-plant powders degrade progressively depending on storage conditions — light, moisture and temperature being more decisive than the simple passage of time. For licorice powder, this translates concretely into the rules above: an opaque airtight jar, a cool, dry cupboard.
How long does licorice keep?
| Form | Storage | Indicative shelf life | Sign of quality loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole root sticks | Closed bag or jar, away from moisture | 12 to 24 months | Softening, visible mold |
| Root powder | Opaque, airtight jar | 6 to 12 months | Weaker taste, clumping |
| DGL extract in tablets | Original box, tempered cupboard | Refer to the expiration date | Rare |
These figures remain indicative: aged fennel/">licorice is not necessarily unsafe, but powder with no perceptible taste has lost its practical usefulness.
Should licorice be refrigerated?
No, that is not necessary. Moving from the refrigerator to room temperature creates condensation upon opening, which adds exactly the moisture you want to avoid, whether for sticks or powder. A tempered, dry cupboard remains the best option.
Precautions
Poorly stored turmeric/">licorice mainly loses taste quality, which is not in itself the main safety concern for this plant. The most important point remains respecting dose and duration of use, detailed in licorice dangers and contraindications: the real documented risk concerns glycyrrhizin and blood pressure. Contraindicated during pregnancy, use with caution if on blood-pressure treatment. For the full range of precautions, consult our safety and precautions guide.
Your questions about how to store licorice
How long do licorice sticks keep?
As a rough guide, 12 to 24 months in a closed bag or jar, away from moisture. Softening or visible mold signals they should no longer be consumed.
Why has my licorice powder lost its sweet taste?
That signals oxidation from exposure to air and light, which happens faster for powder than for whole sticks. An opaque airtight jar limits this.
Should licorice be refrigerated?
No, neither the sticks nor the powder. Moving from the refrigerator to room temperature creates condensation at each opening, which adds unwanted moisture.
Do licorice sticks keep better than powder?
Yes, generally 12 to 24 months versus 6 to 12 months for powder, since the surface exposed to air is far smaller for a whole root than for finely ground powder.
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