Does root beer have Caffeine? Well, the simple answer to this is yes. While generally, Root beer does not contain Caffeine; however, there are quite a few varieties that do contain Caffeine in them. Before we drown down a large mug of details about Root beer, let us take a look at a few aspects of this popular drink and its history. It is also quite essential to understand the ingredients in your beer, as it can pose some serious health concerns otherwise.
To start with, Root beer is one of the most popular drinks across North America. The beverage itself had undergone various ‘improvisions’ and changes before we know it in the form that it exists today. But, as we are skirting through the topic of Caffeine composition in Root Beer, it is essential to know that the component was absent from the original version. While the drink has been around for over a century, however, apart from a few ‘tweaks,’ most of it has remained unchanged. So, does root beer have Caffeine in it? Well, no, not the original one, as Caffeine is not an original part of the beer-making process. So, you can safely state that it is possible to easily avoid the ingredient.
Nevertheless, there are quite a few brands out there that do comprise Caffeine in them. As we all know, the drink is much-loved as a nice grab of freshness. As for the Caffeine content, there is nothing for you to be worried about, as it is just as much or as less as that present in the regular soft drink. However, the sad part is that most people are not aware of this and avoid the drink altogether because they presume that it contains ‘dangerous’ levels of Caffeine in them. So, which root beer has Caffeine? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you better understand which root beers have Caffeine and which do not.
The Mug Beer
So, is mug root beer caffeine free? Let us take a look at the ingredients it is made from:
INGREDIENTS
- Caffeine: No
- Serving Size: 12 oz
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
This variety has its origins somewhere in the 1940s. Back then, it was known as Belfast Root Beer instead of Mug Beer. This is one of the most widely enjoyed beers, even by the kids, and is known as the ‘Mug’ in the market today.
The A & W Root Beer
So, does A&W root beer have Caffeine? Here are the ingredients in this beer type:
INGREDIENTS
- Caffeine: No
- Serving Size: 12 oz
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
Another Caffeine-free Root beer that can be easily enjoyed by kids and adults alike. This beer type has been around since 1919. Hence, this type rightly sets the ‘standard’ for the rest of the beer kind.
The Culver's Root Beer
Does Culver’s root beer have Caffeine? Let us take a look:
INGREDIENTS
- Caffeine: No
- Serving Size: 12 oz
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
This beer type dates back to 1984, not too long ago, considering the timeline of the other beer types and their origins. However, this is not one of the best options if you are planning on making a ‘Float’ as against the other beer types in the category. As you can see, this is also a caffeine-free beer.
The Barq Root Beer
Does the barq root beer have Caffeine? Let us take a look:
INGREDIENTS:
- Caffeine: Yes
- Serving Size: 12 oz
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
So, here is a Root beer type that has some amount of Caffeine in it. Do you need to worry about it? Well, not quite, as the percentage is rather bleak. However, there is also a Barq root beer that is known as diet-free and Caffeine-free.
Caffeine and Its Presence in Beverages
Most adult drinks have a certain amount of Caffeine in them. However, one generally does not have to worry about the quantity of Caffeine generally present in the beverages. You will be surprised to know that an average-sized root beer can contains far less Caffeine compared to that of your regular Cola. So, How much Caffeine and alcohol are in modern root beer? Not much to get you arrested or worried, for sure. As we know, production-wise, Root beer does not have Caffeine in them to start with.
Now, when it comes to the Alcoholic content in Root Beer, you need to know that it is close to 2%. This is also because alcohol is traditionally present in it. So, you should ensure you do not ‘chug in’ too many mugs while you are at it. However, there is something in Root Beer that can be a cause of health concern to many. This is the high Fructose Corn Syrup ingredient that can cause damage to the teeth if taken in excess.
So, is the Root beer healthy? You could say that, except for Barq’s Root Beer, which contains Caffeine. Generally speaking, the presence of licorice root in root beer makes it a healthy drink. Also, the ingredient is known to fight against digestive discomfort and prevents Ulcers. Not just that, the Root Beer also comprises a very less percentage of Citric Acid ingredients that helps in acquiring glowing skin. However, one must not go overboard with Citric Acid, as it can lead to heartburn and fatigue.
Caffeine in Popular Root Beer Brands
Root Beer | Caffeine-Free | Carbohydrates |
Mug | Yes | 40 g |
A&W | Yes | 47 g |
IBC | Yes | 43 g |
Boylan | Yes | 42 g |
Culver’s | Yes | 59 g |
Barq’s | No | 45 g |
The above comparison is done based on 12 Oz of serving. As mentioned earlier, root beer does not contain Caffeine; however, the ingredient is added somewhere during production. However, like the rest of the adult drinks, Root Beer is also high in sugar, so one must be careful. Look at the table above to know exactly how much you need to consume within safe, healthy limits.
Is Root Beer a Safe Choice for Caffeine-Sensitive Individuals?
One must be aware of the fact that about 400 Milligrams of Caffeine is considered to be safe for a healthy adult to consume in a day. However, the Caffeine tolerance varies from one individual to another. Hence, if you suffer from headaches and anxiety, you can replenish your Caffeine intake. Likewise, pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a closer look into their Caffeine intake; for this, it is advised to stick to Caffeine-free Root beer brands altogether.
You can check the Caffeine in any drink at the back of the can/box/carton/bottle. This is usually represented with the drinks as Fluid Ounces-Oz or Milliliters, and Caffeine is shown as Milligrams or mg.
Root Beer in Comparison to Other Caffeinated Sodas/ Beverages
DRINKS | Size in oz. (mL) | Caffeine (mg) |
Citrus | 8 (237) | 0 |
Cola | 8 (237) | 22 |
Root Beer | 8 (237) | 0 |
Energy Drink | 8 (237) | 71.9 |
Energy Shots | 2(60) | 215 |
Brewed Coffee | 8 (237) | 96 |
Brewed, Decaf Coffee | 8 (237) | 2 |
Espresso Coffee | 1 (30) | 64 |
Espresso, Decaf Coffee | 1 (30) | 0 |
Instant Coffee | 8 (237) | 62 |
Instant, Decaf Coffee | 8 (237) | 2 |
Brewed Black Tea | 8 (237) | 47 |
Brewed Black Decaf Tea | 8 (237) | 2 |
Brewed Green Tea | 8 (237) | 28 |
Ready-to-Drink, Bottled, Tea | 8 (237) | 19 |
So, you see, Root Beer is a far better Caffeine-free alternative as compared to your regular tea, Coffee, and Sodas. This is why Root beer is much loved by the people who love Coffiene-free drinks they can enjoy. Some great Caffeine-free alternative includes:
- Diet Coke
- Lemonade
- Hibiscus/Chamomile tea
- Keto Smoothie
- Minty Iced Tea
- Golden Milk Latte
- Kombucha
- Coconut water
With the growing health concern today, there are many takers for caffeine-free alternatives as well. Also, one needs to ensure that they take regular Coffee-breaks and detox their systems accordingly. Opting for any of the above options is a great alternative once you are at it.
Does Root Beer Have Caffeine?: Conclusion
Regular Root Beer can be categorized as your regular soda drink with 2 % alcohol content in them. The catch is that one can easily consume this drink in moderation when worried about Caffeine levels or intolerance. Also, the current market is brimming with various top brands that offer some great Root Beer options, both Caffeine and caffeine-free. However, it is advised to make sure that you check out the back of the container to get a clear picture of the Caffeine levels in the beverage. What’s your favorite on-the-go beverage? We would love to hear from you; please leave us feedback about your thoughts and ideas.
Does Root Beer Have Caffeine?: FAQ's
Question 1. Does all root beer lack caffeine?
Answer: No, not all Root Beers lack Caffeine.
Question 2. Are there any natural ingredients in root beer that provide a slight caffeine boost?
Answer: No, there are no natural ingredients that offer a Caffeine boost.
Question 3. Can I safely consume root beer if I'm sensitive to Caffeine?
Answer: Yes, you can safely consume the caffeine-free root beer alternative.
Question 4.Which commercial root beer brands contain Caffeine, and which are caffeine-free?
Answer: Caffeine Root Beer: Barq Root Beer
Caffeine-free Root beer: A& W, Culver’s, Mug beer.
Question 5. Are there any health risks associated with excessive root beer consumption?
Answer: Yes, as it comprises Sugars, you must take care of the consumption.
Question 6. How can I identify caffeine-free root beer options when purchasing?
Answer: Yes, this will be clearly stated under the Ingredients at the back of the can/container.
Question 7. Does A&W Root Beer have Caffeine?
Answer: No.
Question 8. Which root beers typically contain Caffeine?
Answer: Barq Root Beer contains Caffeine.
Question 9. Is Mug Root Beer caffeine-free?
Answer: Yes
Question 10. Does Diet Root Beer have Caffeine?
Answer: No.
Question 11. What root beer brands are caffeine-free?
Answers: A&W, Mug, and Dad’s are some of the Caffeine free brands.
Question 12. How much Caffeine is usually found in caffeinated root beer?
Answer: The regular variety of caffeine root beer contains around 22 mg in each 12-ounce (355-ml) can.
Question 13. Is root beer safe for individuals sensitive to Caffeine?
Answers: Yes, it is safe for people who are sensitive to Caffeine.
Question 14. Are there any health risks associated with consuming caffeine-free root beer regularly?
Answer: Yes, as it still contains sugar, you need to be concerned about your regular Sugar intake and also worry about damage to the teeth.