# Help me get my hands on some salmiak! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [July 25, 2021, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249 "2021-07-25T14:17:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/1 "2021-07-25T14:17:33Z")
As a lover of licorice, I would like to try salmiak; it is definitely not something I can buy locally. So I would like help locating some to buy; there are, of course, many commercially-produced brands available on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/salmiak-licorice/s?k=salmiak+licorice), but I want to make sure I get the good stuff. Other sites where I can order are absolutely welcome. So advice from any who know would be appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/2 "2021-07-25T14:19:51Z")
Moving this food-related post to Cafe Society. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/3 "2021-07-25T14:31:31Z")
For brick-and-mortars, which I know you’re not necessarily looking for, I’ve bought salmiak at IKEA and CostPlus World Market. The former didn’t have any the last few times I was there, and the latter had several brands, but I haven’t been to CostPlus World Market in a few years as they’ve mostly disappeared from my area (Chicago.) (And I’ve also bought it at a local German grocery store.) ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/4 "2021-07-25T14:38:18Z")
Some years ago we always had licorice in our office, and ever so often someone would bring in salmiak. Venco is one of my favorite brands. They have the [Dubbelzout](https://www.amazon.com/Venco-Double-Salt-Licorice-Pack/dp/B009XV3A36/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Venco&qid=1627223203&sr=8-4) and also their [Schoolkrijt](https://www.amazon.com/Venco-Schoolkrijt-Zacht-Licorice-Ounces/dp/B00MWHB59E/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=salmiak+licorice&qid=1627222992&sr=8-21), which is sweet, but very addictive. [Sallos](https://www.amazon.com/Villosa-Sallos-Pack-of-3/dp/B00IOY31RI/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=sallos&qid=1627223703&sr=8-2) was the one that people would offer to novices, just to see the reactions. And if you like coffee, try their [Sallos X-Presso](https://www.amazon.com/Villosa-Sallos-X-Presso/dp/B004IF112E/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=sallos&qid=1627223703&sr=8-6). ---
**Author:** ![Drsunflower1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drsunflower1/32/12711_2.png) [@Drsunflower1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drsunflower1)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/5 "2021-07-25T14:40:59Z")
If you don’t want licorice but salmiak, go for lakrisal. That’s salmiak in pastilles. Also heksehyl, licorice /salmiak filling. Enjoy, but don’t do too much. It’s not healthy in high doses. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/6 "2021-07-25T14:48:15Z")
> [@Drsunflower1](#): > > lakrisal I"ve never had lakrisal. So it’s ammonium choride-flavored but not licorice? The Wikipedia article seems to say it is, but just not colored black like others. Or is there a “pure” flavor without licorcie? I’d be interested. And, yes, there are warnings about eating too much licorice, not just salty kinds. It’s the glycyrrhizine in licorice root. For worst-case-sceneraio consider: [A man ate 2 pounds licorice – this is what happened to his organs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg76qIZ4BQ8). ---
**Author:** ![Drsunflower1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drsunflower1/32/12711_2.png) [@Drsunflower1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drsunflower1)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/7 "2021-07-25T15:10:17Z")
Yep. Lakrisal is salmiak only. Available in regular and (at least when I was a kid) extra hot, with added pepper. Different from licorice but yummy just the same. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/8 "2021-07-25T15:12:38Z")
Unfortunately, the only ones I can find for sale online are the licorice type. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Drsunflower1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drsunflower1/32/12711_2.png) [@Drsunflower1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drsunflower1)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/9 "2021-07-25T15:32:54Z")
Meh. That’s a pity If you’re the adventurous type and have a well-stocked chemist nearby, the substance is also known as ammoniumchloride. Apparently it’s sold as fertilizer. Otherwise, heksehyl and Napoleon Zwartwit (black/white) balls are an options. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Drsunflower1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drsunflower1/32/12711_2.png) [@Drsunflower1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drsunflower1)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/10 "2021-07-25T15:35:21Z")
> **[Zwart Wit Kogels (Napoleon), Dutch Sweets- Dutch Sweets](https://www.dutchsweets.com/zwart-kogels-napoleon-p-102.html)** > > This hard licorice candy has a deceptively sweet exterior hard caramel type shell, and a surprising burst of salty (zwart-wit) filling inside. These are VERY particular - be careful - you may fall in love with them.New larger size bag! 225g per ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/11 "2021-07-25T16:10:24Z")
> [@Drsunflower1](#): > > heksehy Maybe we’re both talking past each other – those are licorice, too. (And I do know you can buy your own ammonium chloride, though I’ve never done so myself.) ETA: AH!!! I see. I’m being a total idiot. For some reason, my brain farted and was equating salmiak with ammonium chloride, not just salty licorice. I don’t know why, as in my first post I refer to salty licorice as salmiak. Need way more coffee… Mystery solved. ETA2: Maybe mystery not solved – looks like I was interpreting correctly. My brain hurts! ---
**Author:** ![Drsunflower1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drsunflower1/32/12711_2.png) [@Drsunflower1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drsunflower1)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/12 "2021-07-25T16:12:03Z")
Heksehyl is licorice on the outside but it is filled with salmiak. So when it comes to the typical flavour it’s an option. Salty licorice is made salty with salmiak, that’s true. For salmiak-only try the Napoleons. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/13 "2021-07-25T16:14:46Z")
> [@Kron](#): > > As a lover of licorice, I would like to try salmiak Beware, it’s an acquired taste. I brought some home from Iceland and took it to the office. No one liked it. Most people hated it. And it became an office joke, and when someone messed up at work they were threatened with my liquorice. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/14 "2021-07-25T16:22:58Z")
A favorite of mine and a staple of my childhood are [Rheila Salmiak Pastillen](https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B00KTG7CPG/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=rheila+salmiak&qid=1627230137&sr=8-1). Back then, pharmacies here were still allowed to give goodies away with a purchase, and as I often fetched medicines for my grandparents, I got a lot of free samples of Salmiak Pastillen. Like them to this day. ETA: but be careful, it’s rather strong stuff. They burn on the tongue and numb it a bit if you eat a bunch of them in one go. And never, never mix them with orange juice (that applies to all licorice). ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/15 "2021-07-25T16:39:31Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > And never, never mix them with orange juice (that applies to all licorice). What’s this about? I tried googling but all I get is recipes for stuff with orange juice and licorice in it. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/16 "2021-07-25T16:48:41Z")
It’s just my personal taste: Licorice and orange juice just don’t mix, the juice tastes awful if you have eaten licorice before. It’s a bit like drinking juice after brushing your teeth, which has a similar effect on my taste buds. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2021, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/17 "2021-07-25T17:07:40Z")
Ah, I thought it was some sort of health thing to be aware of. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2021, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/18 "2021-07-26T04:39:32Z")
Here’s a good source for ‘salty licorice’~39 varieties, many of which have been recommended above. > **[Best Salty Salmiak Licorice in the World](https://www.licoriceinternational.com/licorice/pc/Salty-Licorice-c43.htm)** > > Salty licorice candy made in Holland, Denmark, Germany combines sweet with salt in soft, firm, chewy candy pieces. It’s a local shop, in my town. I’ve gotten many a delightful gift box there for friends and family. If they do you wrong in any way, let me know and I will drive over there and take them to task. They are about a mile from my house, downhill, so I could walk……but, nah. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2021, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/19 "2021-07-26T04:53:05Z")
Including licorice soap, licorice caramels, licorice lip balm and licorice coffee! ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2021, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249/20 "2021-07-26T04:54:07Z")
Licorice soap? Color me intrigued… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-get-my-hands-on-some-salmiak/947249.md?page=2)