Wow--this was the first licorice I'd had in two years after being diagnosed with Celiac disease. That was one of the hardest things to give up! These are nice--not exactly like the real thing, but close enough. There are many companies that call their product "licorice," but they are merely rip-offs of "Dots" candy: i.e. nothing like real licorice--very gooey and stick to your teeth. These are quite firm, more like older licorice, but still a great chew. It satisfied me and my craving for "real" licorice.