Does Root Beer Have Caffeine? - Healthline

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Evidence BasedIs Root Beer Caffeine-Free?

Medically reviewed by Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice) — Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD on October 10, 2019

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Bottom line

While most varieties of root beer sold in North America do not contain caffeine, it’s best to read the label. Some brands, like Barq’s, do contain caffeine.

Root beer is a rich and creamy soft drink commonly consumed throughout North America.

While most people know that other varieties of soda often contain caffeine, many are unsure about the caffeine content of root beer.

This can be especially problematic if you’re trying to limit your intake of caffeine or eliminate it from your diet.

This article investigates whether there is caffeine in root beer and provides some simple ways to check.

Most root beer is caffeine-free

In general, most brands of root beer sold in North America are caffeine-free.

Although the ingredients can vary based on the specific brand and product, most types of this popular beverage contain carbonated water, sugar, food coloring, and artificial flavors.

However, very few brands contain added caffeine.

Here are a few popular brands of root beer that don’t contain caffeine:

A&W Root Beer
Diet A&W Root Beer
Mug Root Beer
Diet Mug Root Beer
Dad’s Root Beer
Diet Dad’s Root Beer
Barq’s Diet Root Beer

Summary
Most popular brands of root beer sold in North America are caffeine-free.

Some types may contain caffeine

Although root beer is generally caffeine-free, some varieties may contain a small amount.

In particular, the brand Barq’s is notable for its caffeine content.

The regular variety contains around 22 mg in each 12-ounce (355-ml) can. However, the diet version contains none (1).

For reference, a typical 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of coffee contains approximately 96 mg of caffeine, which is about 4 times the amount in a can of Barq’s (2).

Other caffeinated beverages, such as green or black tea, are also higher in caffeine, often containing 28–48 mg per cup (240 ml) (3, 4).

Summary
Some specific brands may contain caffeine. For example, regular Barq’s root beer contains 22 mg in each 12-ounce (355-ml) serving.

How to check for caffeine

Foods that contain caffeine naturally, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate, may not list it directly on the label (5).

However, foods that contain added caffeine, including certain varieties of root beer, are required to list it on the ingredient label.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers to disclose the exact amount of added caffeine in food products (6).

Therefore, the best way to determine exactly how much a specific product contains is to check the product’s website or reach out to the manufacturer directly.

Summary
Foods and beverages with added caffeine are required to list it on the ingredient label. To determine the exact amount a product has, check the brand’s website or reach out to the manufacturer.

The bottom line

Most varieties of root beer sold in North America are caffeine-free.

However, certain brands, such as Barq’s, may contain a small amount of added caffeine in each serving.

If you’re trying to reduce your caffeine intake or cut it out completely, be sure to check the ingredient label of your beverages carefully to determine if they contain added caffeine.

How we reviewed this article:

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Evidence Based

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Medically reviewed by Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice) — Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD on October 10, 2019

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Most root beer is caffeine-free

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