The Licorice Extract Market is experiencing a remarkable transformation in its application landscape, with dietary supplements emerging as the fastest-growing segment, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health, adrenal support, and the adaptogenic properties of licorice root. As per Market Research Future, the global licorice extract market reached an estimated USD 2.45 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 2.58 billion in 2026 to USD 4.05 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.15% across the forecast window. The rapid expansion of licorice root herbal supplements is reshaping the industry's value proposition.

Dietary Supplements represent the fastest-growing application segment at 6.3% CAGR, reflecting increased adoption of licorice root herbal supplement products for digestive and adrenal health. Consumer interest in licorice root herbal supplement products — particularly deglycyrrhizinated licorice for gastrointestinal support — has accelerated since 2020. The segment benefits from growing clinical evidence supporting licorice's anti-inflammatory properties and adrenal-support claims, amplified by influencer-driven awareness on wellness-focused social media platforms. The US dietary supplement channel alone experienced a 9.3% year-over-year value increase in 2024, indicating robust demand for botanical supplements including licorice.

Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical demand expansion is a key driver for the supplements segment. Bioactive compounds in licorice root — particularly glycyrrhizic acid and glabridin — have demonstrated clinically meaningful licorice anti-inflammatory properties in peer-reviewed trials published in the Journal of Heliyon (2021) and Phytotherapy Research (2023). These studies documented anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, and anti-microbial activity, supporting regulatory submissions for novel therapeutic indications. The global nutraceutical market's nearly 7% growth rate is pulling licorice root herbal supplement demand upward, with deglycyrrhizinated licorice DGL formulations addressing safety concerns around prolonged glycyrrhizin intake.

E-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels are accelerating supplement growth. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice DGL capsules and licorice root herbal supplement tinctures rank among the top-20 botanical SKUs on Amazon's health and wellness storefront. This digital distribution expansion lowers barriers to entry for specialty licorice extract market participants and enables niche positioning around licorice anti-inflammatory properties for digestive wellness. The convenience of online purchasing combined with targeted digital marketing is expanding the consumer base for licorice supplements beyond traditional health food store demographics.

FAQ Section:

Q1: Why are dietary supplements the fastest-growing application for licorice extract?
A: Dietary supplements are growing rapidly due to increasing consumer awareness of gut health, adrenal support, and adaptogenic benefits, supported by clinical evidence for licorice's anti-inflammatory properties, and amplified by influencer-driven wellness content on social media platforms.

Q2: What role does deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) play in the supplement market?
A: DGL formulations address safety concerns around prolonged glycyrrhizin intake, making them preferred for daily-use digestive supplements. DGL supports gastrointestinal health without hypertension risks, expanding the addressable market for licorice supplements in mainstream wellness channels.