There’s a shift happening behind the scenes of herbal tea and wellness drink development and it’s not about what you add, but what you remove.
As global beverage brands look to cut refined sugar and stay ahead of evolving clean-label demands, formulators and sourcing teams are asking a new kind of question:
Can a traditional botanical like Organic Licorice Root C/S do more than just flavor a blend? Can it help reduce sugar without compromising taste or compliance?
Turns out, it’s not a fringe idea. This ingredient—once known mostly for its role in traditional remedies—is gaining serious traction in beverage formulation rooms worldwide.
In this blog, we’ll explore exactly what makes Organic Licorice Root (Cut & Sifted) functionally relevant in today’s sugar-reduced beverage systems, what qualities matter most when sourcing it at scale, and how Green Jeeva supports your team with bulk supply, real-time documentation, and no-hassle procurement.
What Makes Organic Licorice Root C/S Naturally Sweet?
Organic Licorice Root C/S contains glycyrrhizin, a compound naturally 30–50 times sweeter than sugar, making it a functional botanical for clean-label beverage systems.
The sweetness of licorice root comes from glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin that delivers intense natural sweetness without added sugars. This makes it ideal for sugar-sensitive applications in functional teas and tonic drinks.
-Sweetness intensity allows formulators to use it in smaller quantities
-Supports sugar reduction goals without synthetic alternatives
-Naturally derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, with no chemical modification
Unlike refined sugars, Organic Licorice Root C/S doesn’t introduce hidden calories and supports botanical authenticity in herbal infusions.
Can It Really Replace Sugar in Functional Teas and Wellness Beverages?
Organic Licorice Root C/S is increasingly used by beverage formulators as a plant-based sugar alternative in herbal teas, tinctures, and tonic drink blends.
In beverage formulation, sweetness isn’t just about flavor. It’s also about masking, balance, and compatibility. Licorice root works well in:
-Herbal tea blends (especially rooibos, peppermint, or turmeric-based)
-Functional wellness shots and tonic blends
-Complementary pairing with stevia, monk fruit, or prebiotic fibers
Because it doesn’t spike sweetness unnaturally, it helps maintain a balanced taste profile. While it can’t fully replace sugar in all applications, its use as a partial sweetener and botanical enhancer is gaining momentum.
Why Beverage and Nutraceutical Brands Choose the C/S Format
The cut-and-sifted (C/S) format of organic licorice root offers better shelf stability, infusion control, and reduced microbial risk for formulation teams.
Organic Licorice Root C/S is particularly suited for:
-Hot or cold-water infusions
-Decoction-based systems
-Controlled extraction processes for both teas and syrups
Its larger particle size reduces dust, improves infusion yield, and provides predictable formulation consistency. The dried, cut format also minimizes microbial load compared to powders, aligning with shelf stability requirements.
This is especially beneficial for:
-Herbal tea sachet manufacturing
-Functional drink concentrates
-Botanical raw material blends for wellness drink bases
What to Know Before Sourcing Organic Licorice Root C/S in Bulk
Buyers should review certifications, origin, testing protocols, and documentation before sourcing Organic Licorice Root C/S in bulk quantities.
When procuring this ingredient, teams should validate:
-Organic certification (USDA or Canada Organic)
-COA and MSDS documents with glycyrrhizin concentration, moisture, ash content
-Heavy metal and microbial testing reports
-Allergen and cross-contamination data (especially for gluten, soy, or nuts)
Procurement checklists should also confirm:
-Country of origin traceability
-Cut size specifications to ensure infusion compatibility
-Compliance with glycyrrhizin threshold guidelines to meet regional labeling norms
Bulk Supply and Wholesale Procurement Insights
Bulk organic licorice root suppliers typically offer MOQ starting at 25kg, with wholesale pricing based on volume, documentation, and processing standards.
For formulation teams and sourcing managers, working with a verified bulk licorice root supplier offers several advantages:
-Lower per-unit cost through wholesale pricing tiers
-Faster fulfillment with high-volume bulk supply availability
-Access to documentation: COA, MSDS, organic certs, allergen reports
Consider the following when sourcing:
-Evaluate multiple bulk organic licorice root suppliers for price vs. traceability
-Confirm lead times and storage compatibility with your warehouse conditions
-Ensure documentation aligns with your brand’s regulatory compliance protocols
Green Jeeva offers qualified supply support with full-spectrum documentation and Canada-ready fulfillment options.
How Leading Brands Are Innovating with Licorice Root in 2025
R&D teams are integrating licorice root into sugar-reduction strategies, especially in tea concentrates, wellness drinks, and functional beverage drops.
R&D trends show growing use of licorice root in:
-Herbal adaptogen drink systems with multi-botanical support
-Flavor-balancing agents in sugar-reduced functional waters
-Sweetening layer in lozenges, gummies, and tea syrups
It’s also being incorporated in pet beverage infusions and animal wellness chews as a plant-based aroma carrier. Its flexibility across categories gives formulators an edge in meeting clean-label and sensory performance targets.
Conclusion
Organic Licorice Root C/S is a viable option for formulators looking to reduce sugar in herbal teas and functional beverage systems. Its natural sweetness, compliance readiness, and processing versatility make it a strategic choice in clean-label product development. For procurement teams in Canada and North America, sourcing from a supplier that offers bulk volumes, full documentation, and organic certifications is essential.
Green Jeeva supports your formulation goals with reliable bulk organic licorice root C/S supply, wholesale pricing, and clean-label documentation. The ingredient is high in stock and ready for dispatch. All essential documents, including COA, MSDS, and organic certifications, are available on our website and can be easily downloaded. We also offer a free sample program, 24-hour shipment timeline, and a zero-question-asked return policy to help simplify your sourcing decisions and reduce risk.
Ready to simplify your sourcing process with high-quality bulk Organic Licorice Root C/S? Get your documentation, request a free sample, and order with confidence—all in one place.
**The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.**
