# Double Salt licorice: Any fans of the stuff? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 30, 2008, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089 "2008-11-30T20:51:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/1 "2008-11-30T20:51:55Z")
I finally tried a _drop_ last night. Double Zout. A friend had brought it back from the Netherlands. My grandmother had always talked about the ‘good’ licorice she use to have as a kid back in the Oude Lande, that she missed so much. So I figured this must be it. Now I’m okay with licorice. It’s an acquired taste, and I’ve managed to acquire somewhat of a taste for it, over time. I’m okay with salt, too. My blood pressure carefully regulated, I manage to ingest rather salty dishes, and enjoy such salt-based treats as soy sauce, vegemite, and, well, salt licks. So I tried it. Gosh, that was salty. Like in ‘ocean wave up your nose and in your face’ salty. Saltier than soy, saltier than vegemite. Heck, it was saltier than that heaping bowl of salt I’d once enjoyed as a treat. I check out some info on the product: Contains Ammonium chloride salt. Hmmmm. For when sodium chloride just isn’t salty enough. I frankly didn’t even notice much licorice flavor. Just a sort of ubersalt with undertones of something dark, and not dark like a nice dark chocolate, or even beef drippings, but dark like polder bottoms or cheeses gone horribly wrong. Seeing my stunned response to that _drop_, my friend offered me a different licorice candy: One sweetened with honey. I expected a more traditional licorice candy here. But no, it too was a Double Zout, only with honey added. \<\\> Extra sugar didn’t help. Here’s an online review of [Double Zout](http://www.bad-candy.com/old/bc2/doublezout/doublezout.html). I didn’t think it was as bad as the reviewer said, but I really can’t argue with him too much. Sorry, Grandma Mercotan. I’d prefer to suck a pickled herring. Or a tablespoon of vegemite. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/2 "2008-11-30T20:53:29Z")
The most vile substance known to man. _Blecch_ to the Googleplex power. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/3 "2008-11-30T21:27:22Z")
Not sure I like the idea of super-salty licorice. This time of year, though, I like to indulge in small amounts of real licorice (the local Trader Joe’s carries imported licorice from Australia - most of the stuff sold in the U.S. is ersatz and flavored with anise). Maybe one advantage of the real salty kind is you don’t eat much and are less likely to suffer negative health effects through [licorice overindulgence](http://gerd.emedtv.com/licorice/is-licorice-safe-p2.html). > [@Qadgop](#): > > I manage to ingest rather salty dishes, and enjoy such salt-based treats as soy sauce, vegemite, and, well, salt licks. If you run across salt licks when out in the woods, better keep a sharp eye out and make sure you’re wearing bright orange clothing. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/4 "2008-11-30T21:46:02Z")
The boyfriend likes it. I like salt, I like licorice, how bad can it be?.. I touched a disc with my tongue and my body said “NO!” I’ve never felt my entire being reject something in quite that manner before. My mouth told me in no uncertain terms that it was not responsible for the consequences if I put that thing in it, and it had unionized with my esophagus and stomach, at the very least. ---
**Author:** ![auRa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c4cdca/32.png) [@auRa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auRa)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/5 "2008-11-30T22:18:42Z")
Mmmmmm. Salmiakki. I’m thinking it’s probably somewhat of an acquired taste. I used to offer my Texas friends samples which I brought back from Finland with me; I think one or two asked for more. Most got a fairly weird look on their faces and tried to say something polite. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/6 "2008-11-30T22:21:49Z")
I am asking for some for Christmas. ---
**Author:** ![Juggler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/juggler/32/3194_2.png) [@Juggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Juggler)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/7 "2008-11-30T22:25:26Z")
Interesting. I wonder if it’s “better” than the swedish [djungelvrål.](http://www.butik-hemlangtan.m.se/produkteng.asp?varaID=43&kategori=2) Are you up for a review if I send you a package Qadgop? ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@Mister\_Owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Owl)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/8 "2008-11-30T23:06:53Z")
It goes great with beer. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/9 "2008-11-30T23:07:53Z")
Dubbel Zout is AWFUL, truly horrifying. However, I have had some Scandinavian salted licorice that was great - simply strong licorice with salt liberally applied to the surface only. Different from “drops.” Joe ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/10 "2008-11-30T23:09:17Z")
> [@Juggler](#): > > Interesting. I wonder if it’s “better” than the swedish [djungelvrål.](http://www.butik-hemlangtan.m.se/produkteng.asp?varaID=43&kategori=2) > > Are you up for a review if I send you a package Qadgop? Sure, I’m game. ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2008, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/11 "2008-11-30T23:48:56Z")
A coworker had some of this a while back. He was passing it out to anyone who was brave (or was it stupid) enough to give it a try. After seeing the facial contortions on half a dozen other people, I \*\*\*had \*\*\*to give it a try for myself. It wasn’t the most disgusting thing I’ve tasted (that would be a full packet of Splenda), but it’s definitely on my “did that, don’t really need to do it again” list. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/12 "2008-12-01T00:04:39Z")
I just tried it again a few moments ago. It’s starting to grow on me… ---
**Author:** ![elelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@elelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elelle)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/13 "2008-12-01T00:32:45Z")
I really love all of the licorice/anise flavors, since a kid; just love that sweet odd spice kinda tang. Love the salty tang playing off the intense sweet in Dutch licorice, too. Qadgop, here’s a nice licorice, the root, page by [Steven Foster](http://www.stevenfoster.com/education/monograph/licorice.html), a reputable guy with plants, thought ya might want to know some of that history. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/14 "2008-12-01T00:32:42Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > I just tried it again a few moments ago. > > It’s starting to grow on me… No - no, **Quadgop** , not you too! You fools, you’re in danger! YOU’RE NEXT! ---
**Author:** ![panamajack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/47e85d/32.png) [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/15 "2008-12-01T00:41:43Z")
I was introduced to this by not knowing that ‘zout’ mean ‘salt’ and not, say, ‘sweet’ (it was the only packet in a German shop, and I’d previously had the same brand from an Indonesian place so I figured it’d be okay. Next time I’ll learn Dutch.) Once you get over the initial shock and get used to the ammonium chloride taste, it’s not so bad if you suck on it slowly. Though the licorice flavor isn’t all that strong. I kind of wonder what the health effects of ammonium chloride are. Doesn’t seem like it’d be bad for you in the same way as too much sodium, but I wonder. ---
**Author:** ![Suburban\_Plankton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suburban_plankton/32/219_2.png) [@Suburban\_Plankton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suburban_Plankton)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/16 "2008-12-01T00:46:56Z")
Yeah, I remember seeing aluminum chloride in the ingredients list and thinking “this isn’t supposed to be in food, is it?” > [@Wikipedia](#): > > Ammonium chloride is sold in blocks at hardware stores for use in cleaning the tip of a soldering iron and can also be included in solder as flux. > > Other uses include a feed supplement for cattle, in hair shampoo, in textile printing, in the glue that bonds plywood, as an ingredient in nutritive media for yeast, in cleaning products, and as cough medicine. Its expectorant action is caused by irritative action on the bronchial mucosa. This causes the production of excess respiratory tract fluid which presumably is easier to cough up. It is also used in an oral acid loading test to diagnose distal renal tubular acidosis. > > Ammonium chloride is used in snow treatment, namely on ski slopes at temperatures above 0 °C, to harden the snow and slow its melting. mmmmmm…yummy! ---
**Author:** ![Pyper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pyper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pyper)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/17 "2008-12-01T01:19:18Z")
I like black licorice, but double zout is probably the worst thing I’ve ever tasted in my life. Like chewing on a burnt tire that had been driving on a salt-encrusted road. ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/18 "2008-12-01T01:30:03Z")
Here’s yer key phrase, kids: > [@](#): > > Its expectorant action is caused by irritative action on the bronchial mucosa. This causes the production of excess respiratory tract fluid which presumably is easier to cough up. Double Zout ain’t candy… it’s cough medicine. Much like I understand Jägermeister is supposed to be. I’d heard about the Finns having a proclivity for the stuff, but not the Dutch. Me? I like salt licorice. 'S tasty. ---
**Author:** ![fandango](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b5ac83/32.png) [@fandango](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fandango)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/19 "2008-12-01T01:39:34Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > I just tried it again a few moments ago. > > It’s starting to grow on me… It will. I was in a long car ride with a guy when he offered me my first piece. I thought it would be my last, but then I had another, and another, and by the end of the ride I was asking where to buy the stuff. The stuff he had had a 3 out of 3 of some saltiness rating scale on the package. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2008, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089/20 "2008-12-01T01:55:40Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > I just tried it again a few moments ago. > > It’s starting to grow on me… So does athletes foot, and other fungus … just because it grows on you doesnt mean it _should_ [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-salt-licorice-any-fans-of-the-stuff/475089.md?page=2)