Salmiakki: A Foreigner with Unusual Love for Finnish black salty licorice

I have an embarrassing confession to make. As my silky smooth flight – with Finn Air via Toronto – was approximately two hours away from landing in Helsinki, I was overcome by an insatiable craving. My upcoming itinerary in Finland would catapult me into a nonstop cycle of adventure activities including kayaking, boating, horseback riding, cycling and hiking; however, it wasn’t the adrenaline rush activities that were consuming my mind.

What I couldn’t get out of my head was this mad craving (salivating Pavlovian dogs had nothing on me) desire to get my hands (okay, more so my mouth) on Salmiakki.

Fun Facts About Salmiakki

Oh, salmiakki, the “delightful” Finnish candy that has everyone talking. Here are some “fun” facts about this “unique” treat:

1. What is Salmiakki?
   • Salmiakki is created by adding ammonium chloride to licorice candy. Yes, you read that right—ammonium chloride, a compound also used in fertilizers and cleaning products, is the secret ingredient. Because why not take perfectly good candy and give it a twist with something straight out of a chemistry lab?
2. Popular in Northern Europe
   • Despite its unusual flavor profile, Salmiakki is a beloved treat in Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. These countries clearly know something about sweets that the rest of the world hasn’t quite caught onto yet—or maybe they just have very adventurous taste buds.
3. A Flavor for All Occasions
   • In Finland, Salmiakki isn’t just limited to candy; it’s often used as a flavoring in various foods and drinks. Imagine the taste of salty licorice in your ice cream or chocolate. Sounds odd? Perhaps, but in Finland, it’s a flavor that’s cherished across different culinary delights.
4. A Taste That Sticks With You
   • Some people describe the taste of Salmiakki as eerily similar to cough medicine. Because nothing says “satisfying your sweet tooth” quite like the reminder of childhood flu season.
5. A Natural Remedy
   • Believe it or not, Salmiakki is sometimes used as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs. Why go for the tried-and-true spoonful of sugar or honey when you can enjoy the bracing, medicinal taste of Salmiakki instead?
6. A Finnish Prank
   • In Finland, Salmiakki is occasionally used as a playful prank on unsuspecting foreigners. Visitors might be offered this candy without any warning about its peculiar taste. It’s a unique way to say “Welcome to Finland!”—a salty, surprising initiation into Finnish culture.
7. Health Considerations
   • Salmiakki isn’t recommended for people with high blood pressure. That’s right—putting your health on the line for a “delightful” candy experience is all part of the adventure. For those who are willing to risk it, Salmiakki offers a one-of-a-kind taste journey.

So, there you have it. Salmiakki, the candy that’s sure to leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth and a puzzled expression on your face.

Canadian who loves Salmiakki!

Salmiakki? What the heck is that?

It’s licorice descended from the depths of heaven Finland. Now, I know exactly what pasta lovers mean when they talk about visiting Italy and upon returning home proclaiming all packaged store bought pasta tastes like cardboard. That’s the way I now feel about ‘normal’ licorice. Anyhow, I’ve been avoiding the question – what exactly is this stuff? Salmiakki, is an extremely astringent black salty licorice that is adored in Finland (and other Nordic countries) that literally comes in all shapes, sizes and range of products. Although it is most common in candy form you can also eat Salmiakki chocolate, gobble Salmiakki ice cream and down shots of Salmiakki infused alcohol to your heart’s content.

Having first sampled Salmiakki one year ago it was love at first bite. I ate as much as I could while briefly in Finland and brought home a few packs – to our then – base in Chiang Mai, Thailand. However, those lasted mere days and then I ran out. And I waited and waited and waited some more hoping to find a pack of this magical Finnish licorice in some kind of specialty import store as I continued my travels in Asia. No luck. One year without a morsel of it. Not even a bite. Enough to drive a sane man crazy.

What Is Salmiakki?

Salmiakki, a quintessential Finnish candy, stands out with its striking black or dark brown hue and its unmistakable salty flavor. This unique treat owes its intense taste to the key ingredient: ammonium chloride. This compound imparts a salty, slightly bitter, and astringent quality that defines Salmiakki’s flavor profile, making it a truly distinctive experience.

• Polarizing Taste: The strong, salty flavor of Salmiakki often leads to polarized opinions—people either develop a strong affection for it or find it overwhelmingly intense. This divide makes Salmiakki a fascinating topic of conversation among both locals and visitors. For those unfamiliar with it, trying Salmiakki can be an adventurous foray into traditional Nordic flavors.
• A Must-Try Experience: For anyone interested in exploring Nordic cuisine, Salmiakki is a must-try. It offers a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage and provides insight into the unique flavors that are cherished in these northern countries. Whether you end up loving it or not, tasting Salmiakki is an essential part of experiencing Finnish and Nordic culture.

How Is Salmiakki Made?

The production of Salmiakki, the iconic Finnish licorice candy, involves a meticulous process that balances traditional techniques with modern confectionery methods. Below is a step-by-step overview of how this distinctive treat is crafted:

1. Mixing the Ingredients:
   • Base Ingredients: The foundational elements of Salmiakki include sugar, wheat flour, and syrup, which provide the candy’s structure and sweetness.
   • Key Flavor Additives: The defining flavor of Salmiakki comes from the addition of ammonium chloride, the compound responsible for its signature salty taste. Licorice extract is also added, contributing a deep, rich flavor that complements the saltiness. Some variations might include anise oil, which adds a subtle aromatic note to the mix.
   • Additional Components: Depending on the type of Salmiakki being produced, other ingredients such as gelatin (for creating a chewy, gummy texture), coloring agents (to achieve its characteristic black or dark brown color), and preservatives may be included to enhance the final product.
2. Cooking the Mixture:
   • The combined ingredients are transferred into large industrial cookers where the mixture is heated. This cooking process transforms the ingredients into a thick, sticky mass, ensuring that the ammonium chloride and licorice extract are thoroughly integrated. The mixture is carefully monitored to achieve the right consistency, which is crucial for the final texture of the candy.
3. Shaping the Candy:
   • Extrusion or Molding: Once the mixture reaches the ideal consistency, it is shaped into various forms. For firmer varieties of Salmiakki, the mixture is extruded through molds to create small diamonds, round discs, or more intricate shapes such as animals, hearts, or even iconic Nordic symbols. For softer, gummy Salmiakki, the mixture might be poured directly into molds to create bite-sized pieces with a chewy texture.
   • Texture Variations: The shaping process can be adapted to produce different textures, from hard, crunchy candies to soft, pliable gummies. This flexibility allows for a wide range of Salmiakki products to cater to different preferences.
4. Cooling and Setting:
   • After shaping, the candies are cooled to allow them to set properly. This cooling phase is critical as it solidifies the candy, making it easier to handle and ensuring that the desired texture is achieved. The cooling process can vary depending on the type of Salmiakki being made, with some candies requiring a longer setting time to reach their final form.
5. Packaging:
   • Once the Salmiakki has fully cooled and set, it is ready for packaging. The candies are carefully inspected for quality before being packed into a variety of packaging options. These can range from small, individual bags meant for retail sale to larger bulk packages intended for wholesale distribution. The packaging not only preserves the freshness and flavor of the Salmiakki but also makes it convenient for consumers to enjoy this unique treat.

My Reaction To Try It

I must preface that my reaction to this candy is extremely unusual for foreigners trying it for the first time. Audrey, couldn’t spit it out fast enough. The Super Salmiakki candy she first popped into her mouth, apparently deriving its name because of its potency, instead could have easily been ‘super’ for its velocity that it projectiled out of her mouth. It’s the kind of polarizing food item that you either absolutely love or absolutely loathe. There is no sitting on the fence with this one.

Anyhow, you must be wondering at this point – did I get my fix? Well, let me tell you something straight up. I’ve got my priorities in order. After a long Transatlantic flight I freshened up, brushed my teeth and put a comb through my hair. Okay, who is kidding who, I did none of that. I rushed into the nearest convenience store in the Helsinki International Airport, located a package of Fazer Salmiakki mixed bag, and proceeded to empty the bag on the bus ride into the city center.

a video of us taste testing Salmiakki products in our hotel room in Helsinki, Finland

How can you experience Salmiakki products for the first time?

Here is a list of all the Salmiakki products I’ve taste tested:

Salmiakki Products I’ve Tried

Super Salmiakki: The cream of the Salmiakki crop. This potent form of Salmiakki is exceptionally salty and comes in candy form.

Mix Bag Salmiakki: All shapes and sizes of Salmiakki ranging from larger pieces that are more chewy to those that are smaller and harder.

Salmiakki in a small box: This is your best bet for when you get a craving driving, biking or walking as it comes in pocket-sized form.

Salmiakki Ice Cream: One of my personal favorites! This diamond shaped ice cream is the best of both worlds as you get the strong salmiakki taste in tandem with the sweet creaminess of ice cream.

Foreigners taste testing Salmiakki for the first time (priceless reactions)

Salmiakki Milk Chocolate: My absolute favorite. Imagine a delicious rich European milk chocolate bar infused with Salmiakki.

Salmiakki Liqueur (Finnish: Salmiakkikossu): essentially vodka with Salmiakki flavoring. Great for doing shots 😉

I highly recommend the local Finnish brand Fazer (pronounced properly as Fat-Zer) which is known for its creamy European style milk chocolate bars. Fazer does it all – Salmiakki candies, chocolate bars and ice cream bars – and in my opinion is consistently the best tasting of any brand I’ve yet to try for Salmiakki products.

source: Samuel and Audrey on YouTube

What Else Can You Try With Salmiakki?

1. Salmiakki candy – a salty black licorice candy that is popular in Finland.
2. Salmiakki chocolate – a chocolate bar with a salty and slightly bitter taste, similar to dark chocolate.
3. Salmiakki ice cream – a creamy ice cream with a salty licorice flavor.
4. Salmiakki cake – a cake flavored with salmiakki, often topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.
5. Salmiakki liqueur – a strong alcoholic drink with a salty licorice flavor.
6. Salmiakki vodka – a type of vodka that is flavored with salmiakki.
7. Salmiakki gin – a type of gin that is flavored with salmiakki.
8. Salmiakki beer – a type of beer with a salty and slightly bitter flavor.
9. Salmiakki soda – a soft drink with a salty and sweet taste.
10. Salmiakki chips – potato chips flavored with salmiakki.
11. Salmiakki popcorn – popcorn with a salty licorice flavor.
12. Salmiakki peanuts – roasted peanuts with a salty licorice coating.
13. Salmiakki licorice – a type of licorice candy with a salty flavor.
14. Salmiakki mints – small, round mints with a salty and refreshing taste.
15. Salmiakki gum – chewing gum with a salty and slightly bitter flavor.

source: Samuel and Audrey on YouTube

If You Like Salmiakki Hear Other Other Finnish Snacks To Try!

Hey there! If you’re a fan of salmiakki and looking for some other Finnish treats to try, I’ve got a few recommendations for you:

1. Fazer Mignon Chocolate Eggs – These chocolate eggs are filled with a variety of creamy flavors, including salmiakki. They’re a popular Easter treat in Finland and definitely worth a try.
2. Fazer Tyrkisk Peber – This candy is similar to salmiakki, but it also has a spicy kick from the addition of chili pepper. If you’re into spicy and salty flavors, this candy is definitely worth a taste.
3. Panda Soft Licorice – This brand of Finnish licorice comes in a variety of flavors, including salmiakki. It’s got a softer texture than traditional salmiakki candy, which some people prefer.
4. Fazer Liqueur Fills – These are chocolate candies filled with a variety of liqueur flavors, including salmiakki liqueur. They’re a popular treat for adults, so be sure to indulge responsibly!
5. Halva Finnish Licorice – This licorice candy has a sweeter taste than traditional salmiakki, but it still has a salty edge. It comes in a variety of flavors, including strawberry and raspberry, so you can mix things up a bit.
6. Fazer Marianne – These are chocolate-covered mint candies that are popular in Finland. They have a crunchy center and a refreshing mint flavor.
7. Sisu Pastilles – These are small, hard candies with a strong licorice flavor. They’re made with natural flavors and are perfect for freshening your breath.

Finnish Vodka Spirits: What is Salmiakki Koskenkorva?

Salmiakki Koskenkorva, a quintessential Finnish concoction, embodies the unique and bold spirit of Finland’s cultural and gastronomic heritage. This remarkable drink merges the potent, earthy flavors of salmiakki – a popular Finnish licorice – with the crisp, clear essence of Koskenkorva vodka, a staple in Finnish bars and homes.

Koskenkorva: The Spirit of Finnish Fields

In the heart of Finland, where the winter nights are long and the summer days are endless, there exists a tradition of crafting spirits that reflect the robust character of this Nordic nation. Koskenkorva, the vodka, takes its name from a small village, becoming synonymous with Finnish ingenuity and purity. Distilled from the finest barley, it captures the essence of the unspoiled Finnish fields.

Salmiakki: A Taste of Finnish Tradition

Then, there’s salmiakki. More than just a candy, salmiakki is an acquired taste, a rite of passage for anyone delving into Finnish culture. Made from ammonium chloride, it possesses a salty, sharp tang that contrasts with the sweetness typically associated with licorice. It’s an integral part of Finnish identity, a flavor that evokes memories and emotions.

A Bold Fusion: The Creation of Salmiakki Koskenkorva

The fusion of these two elements – Koskenkorva vodka and salmiakki – results in Salmiakki Koskenkorva, a drink that is bold, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the Finnish ethos. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a cultural experience. The dark, almost mystical appearance of Salmiakki Koskenkorva is reminiscent of the Finnish winter nights, while its flavor is as complex as the Finnish landscape itself.

The Palate’s Adventure: Tasting Salmiakki Koskenkorva

To the uninitiated, the first sip of Salmiakki Koskenkorva can be a surprising jolt to the palate. The initial hit of salmiakki’s salty bitterness swiftly melds with the smooth, subtle warmth of the vodka, creating a harmonious blend that warms the soul. It’s a drink that demands savoring, each sip revealing new layers of flavor and complexity.

Now here is the part I’m most curious about – do you like licorice? Have you tried Salmiakki before? Would you eat it? On a dare? Let me know about your experiences in the comment section below.