• Home
  • National Licorice Day

National Licorice Day 2027

National Licorice Day is April 12th. A holiday made for us! While the official holiday was created in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association and Licorice International, we’ve been celebrating licorice in our own way for much longer. American Licorice Company has been making Red Vines since 1914, and we’ve had plenty of fun finding new ways to celebrate along the way. This year, the curtain's about to go up on another year of celebrating.

Countdown to National Licorice Day!

The house lights are dimming.
Here's your countdown to April 12th.

Learn the history

Frequently Asked Questions

Your National Licorice Day questions, answered.

When is National Licorice Day?

National Licorice Day falls on April 12 every year. Mark your calendar — it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a twist or two.

What is National Licorice Day?

National Licorice Day is April 12th—a day dedicated to celebrating one of candy’s most iconic flavors! The holiday was established in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association and Licorice International. Whether you’re a black licorice loyalist, an Original Red fan, or somewhere in between, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a little licorice.

Is Red Vines actually licorice?

That depends on the flavor! Red Vines® Black Licorice Twists contain real licorice extract, while our famous Original Red® flavor does not. But Red Vines has long been known as a licorice candy because of its classic chewy texture and twisted shape. So, technically? Some Red Vines are licorice by ingredient, while the whole Red Vines family has earned its place in the licorice aisle.

Why does Red Vines celebrate National Licorice Day?

Because we’ve been making licorice candy since 1914—so you could say we have a pretty good reason to celebrate! National Licorice Day is a chance for us to honor the candy, the fans, and more than a century of Red Vines® history. After all, a holiday about licorice wouldn’t be complete without a little Red Vines.

How can I celebrate National Licorice Day?

The rules are simple: eat licorice! Grab your favorite Red Vines® flavor, share a pack with friends, build the ultimate licorice stash, or settle the age-old debate over which flavor reigns supreme. However you celebrate, April 12th is the perfect day to give your favorite chewy candy the spotlight.

Does Red Vines do anything special for National Licorice Day?

You’ll have to keep an eye on us! National Licorice Day is always a special occasion at Red Vines®, and we love finding new ways to celebrate with our fans. From special content and fun surprises to opportunities to join in on the festivities, there’s always something worth watching for when April 12th rolls around.

Where can I buy Red Vines?

Red Vines® can be found at retailers across the country and online. Use our Product Locator to find a store near you, or shop online if you’d rather have your licorice delivered straight to your door.

Red Vines Favorites

The flavors we always come back to.

Front of RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz tray
Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists in a jar near other poolside snacks
Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists alongside s'mores supplies
Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists on a picnic table with patriotic decorations
Grape licorice twists in a row
RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz tray with candy in front
Back of RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz tray
12 count box of RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz trays
Front of RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz tray
Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists in a jar near other poolside snacks
Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists alongside s'mores supplies
Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists on a picnic table with patriotic decorations
Grape licorice twists in a row
RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz tray with candy in front
Back of RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz tray
12 count box of RED VINES Grape Licorice Twists 5oz trays

Red Vines Grape Licorice Twists, 5oz Tray

$2.99
Front of Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar in limited-edition football graphics
Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar with limited-edition football graphics on a table with football snacks and decor
Front of Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar in limited-edition football graphics, sitting on a coffee table while the big game is on TV
Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar in limited-edition football graphics sitting on a picnic table with game day snacks and decor
Four 3.5lb RED VINES Original Red Licorice Candy Jars in limited-edition football labels
Front of Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar in limited-edition football graphics
Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar with limited-edition football graphics on a table with football snacks and decor
Front of Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar in limited-edition football graphics, sitting on a coffee table while the big game is on TV
Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists 3.5lb Jar in limited-edition football graphics sitting on a picnic table with game day snacks and decor
Four 3.5lb RED VINES Original Red Licorice Candy Jars in limited-edition football labels

Red Vines Original Red Licorice Twists, 3.5LB Jar

$12.99
Front of RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray
RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray with candy twists
RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray with candy twists in front
Back of RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray
12 count box of RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray
Front of RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray
RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray with candy twists
RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray with candy twists in front
Back of RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray
12 count box of RED VINES Made Simple Berry Twists 4oz Tray

Red Vines Made Simple Berry Twists, 4oz Tray

$2.99
Front of Red Vines Red and Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag with mixed licorice pieces in front of bag and a bucket of popcorn nearby
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis Bag surrounded by mini red and black licorice
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis Bag next to a film clapperboard with mini black and red licorice in front
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag with red and black licorice mini licorice pieces in front of bag
Back of Red Vines Red and Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag
Case of 12 Red Vines Red and Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis in 12oz Bags
Front of Red Vines Red and Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag with mixed licorice pieces in front of bag and a bucket of popcorn nearby
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis Bag surrounded by mini red and black licorice
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis Bag next to a film clapperboard with mini black and red licorice in front
Red Vines Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag with red and black licorice mini licorice pieces in front of bag
Back of Red Vines Red and Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis 12oz Bag
Case of 12 Red Vines Red and Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis in 12oz Bags

Red Vines Red & Black Licorice Classic Mix Minis, 12oz Bag

$3.99
Shop All

Recipes to Celebrate With

A little licorice makes every celebration sweeter.

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars with Red Vines Sugar Free Strawberry Twists

Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars

A creamy vanilla shake blended with a handful of Red Vines for a sweet, chewy twist.

Make this recipe
No-Jito Flight

No-Jito Flight

Vanilla ice cream piled high with chopped Red Vines, hot fudge, and a cherry on top.

Make this recipe
PB&J Snack mix with pretzels, chex, peanuts, peanut butter chips, and Red Vines Original Red and Grape Twists pieces

PB&J Party Mix

Soft sugar cookies with a surprise Red Vines center that melts into gooey sweetness.

Make this recipe
Red Vines Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Granola Bars

Chocolate Almond Butter Bars

Soft sugar cookies with a surprise Red Vines center that melts into gooey sweetness.

Make this recipe

A Look Back: How We've Celebrated

A few of our favorite National Licorice Day moments.

2017 - Made in California

Red Vines hit the road across California in a custom-branded VW bus and trailer to launch the brand-new California Collection, spreading awareness and good times along the way.

Outdoor scene for Red Vines California Collection featuring a vintage-style cream and pink van with Red Vines branding, a matching branded trailer, a table with a white tablecloth and Red Vines branding, and a small California Collection package inset in the lower right corner.
2019 — Peace, Love & Vines Hits the Road

Red Vines toured the Bay Area giving away free trays to celebrate the brand's newly-launched Peace, Love & Vines message, with U.S. Olympian Norris Frederick joining the fun at Washington State University. Personalized National Licorice Day jar labels were also sent to top fans, including a shout-out from pro wrestler Flip Gordon.

A post featuring a video of Flip Gordon holding a custom National Licorice Day Red Vines licorice candy jar, with the text '#NationalLicoriceDay' and 'I (heart) @RedVines' on the tweet.
2020 — Fan Art Drawing Contest

We turned our packaging into a canvas! Artists nationwide submitted Red Vines-themed artwork for a chance to have their design printed on the inner tray of Original Red Twists packaging. Top winners received Visa gift cards, prize packs, and the first-place winner earned a $1,250 charitable donation in their name.

Top three winners of fan art Peace Love and Vines tray designs
2021 — "We'll Be There"

To mark over 100 years of making happy moments for fans, Red Vines celebrated the twists and turns of life with the theme "We'll Be There." Every online order placed in April came with a free tray of Original Red Twists.

2022 — Free Vines & a New Face

Every online order placed in April came with a free tray of Original Red Twists. This was also the year Red Vines fans helped name the brand's very first mascot — meet Vinnie the Vine!

A red stylized vine-like figure wrapping around a red voting box labeled 'VOTE' with a blue ballot slot showing a checkmark
2023 — "Peace, Love & Vines" Video Contest

Fans submitted homemade 25-30 second videos showing what Peace, Love & Vines means to them, with a $500 Visa gift card and candy on the line for the winners.

2024 — Movie Trivia Challenge

Movie buffs tested their Red Vines and film trivia for a shot at the Movie Lovers Box — loaded with Original Red and Grape trays, a 6-foot Super Rope, a trivia card deck, a Hollywood clapboard keychain, a stein mug, and Red Vines Movie Club stickers.

2025 — Photo Contest

Fans shared photos of Red Vines at their favorite sporting events for a chance to win. Ten winners took home a Red Vines prize bundle, including a custom National Licorice Day jar, variety and Black Licorice Twist trays, sugar-free Strawberry, and a Red Vines Made Simple tray. Plus 25% off variety packs for everyone.