Best and Worst Candy for Acid Reflux: Twizzlers Anyone?

Can I Eat Candy like Twizzlers with Heartburn?

If you have acid reflux, you’ve probably been told to avoid many of your favorite treats. But what about candy for acid reflux—especially something as nostalgic as Twizzlers? Does it really have to be off-limits?

The short answer: some candies for acid reflux are better than others. Let’s break it down so you can enjoy a little sweetness without the discomfort later.

How Candy Affects Reflux

Before we talk about specific types, let’s take a quick look at why certain candy can trigger reflux in the first place.

At the bottom of your esophagus is a little ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It acts like a valve between your esophagus and stomach—keeping things where they belong when working properly.

But certain foods can weaken or relax the LES, making it easier for acid, enzymes, and other stomach contents to move upward, causing reflux. When it comes to candy, the main culprits are:

• Fat
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Mint

Candies that are high in these ingredients are more likely to trigger reflux symptoms. But not all candy is created equal—and that brings us back to Twizzlers.

Are Twizzlers a Safe Candy for Acid Reflux?

Twizzlers are a type of red licorice, though there’s actually no real licorice root in them. They’re made with high fructose corn syrup, wheat flour, cornstarch, palm oil, and artificial flavors and colors. A typical serving (3 pieces) has about 110 calories and 13 grams of sugar.

While not exactly a health food, Twizzlers aren’t high in fat, caffeine, or chocolate—so they’re unlikely to trigger reflux for most people. That makes them a better choice than a candy bar if you’re craving something sweet.

Fun fact: While red licorice is more popular than black licorice in the U.S., the Dutch favor traditional black licorice—and eat more of it per capita than anyone else, around 4 pounds per person per year! Unlike most licorice sold in the U.S., which is often artificially flavored, Dutch licorice is typically made with real licorice root and comes in a wide range of sweet, salty, and herbal varieties.

Better Candy Choices for People with Reflux

There are some sweets that are safer for those with acid reflux. They don’t contain common reflux triggers and, in some cases, can even offer relief by supporting the body’s natural protective mechanisms. Here are a few better options:

• Chewing gum – Chewing stimulates saliva, which helps neutralize stomach acid and support healthy digestion. It also increases swallowing, which helps keep things moving downward and clears any contents that might have started to travel up. Non-mint flavors like cinnamon or fruit are better choices. Sugar-free or regular gum are both okay, depending on your preferences.
• Hard candies & cough drops – Like gum, these can boost saliva production and increase swallowing, helping the body naturally prevent back flow. Good options include:
  • Ricola Original Herb Drops
  • Manuka Honey Drops – soothing and gentle on the throat.

Avoid This Candy with Acid Reflux

Unfortunately, many favorite candies are also the worst for reflux because they contain chocolate, fat, or mint—known triggers for symptoms, and include:

• Chocolate bars – like Kit Kat, Milky Way, and Mars
• High-fat or creamy candies – think truffles or anything with peanut butter filling
• Mint candies – peppermint patties, mint gum, or after-dinner mints

These treats are especially likely to trigger symptoms if eaten after meals, when the stomach is full and the LES is already under pressure—or close to bedtime, when lying down makes reflux more likely.

What About Other Fruity Candies?

Candies like Skittles, gummy bears, or jelly beans don’t contain chocolate, fat, or mint, so they’re less likely to trigger reflux for most people. In that way, they’re similar to Twizzlers. The main concern with these is more nutritional than reflux-related—many are high in sugar, artificial dyes, or additives that some people prefer to avoid.

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Give Up Candy Entirely

Having reflux doesn’t mean you can never enjoy candy again. The key is knowing which types are safer and being mindful of how and when you eat them. Twizzlers? They’re not perfect, but for reflux they’re not your worst option.

A little sweetness doesn’t have to be off the table—it’s all about making thoughtful choices.

For more information about diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux, see two companion books on Amazon: Dr. Koufman’s Acid Reflux Diet and Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure. If you would like to receive personalized guidance and strategies for lasting relief, consider scheduling an online consultation.