The Historical Roots vs. Modern Realities
Root beer’s origins trace back to medicinal teas brewed by Native Americans and European colonists using a blend of roots, barks, and herbs. The original star ingredient was the sassafras tree root, which traditional herbal medicine used for a variety of purported benefits, including acting as a diuretic and treating ailments like gout, rheumatism, and skin conditions. However, the health-positive narrative around these traditional ingredients has little relevance to the modern beverage found in stores today.
In the 1960s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sassafras in food products after a compound it contains, safrole, was found to cause liver cancer in laboratory animals. As a result, commercial root beer manufacturers were forced to switch from natural sassafras to artificial or safrole-free flavorings. This shift stripped the beverage of its most prominent botanical component, and any potential, albeit unproven, therapeutic properties associated with it.
The Health Downsides of Commercial Root Beer
Today, the primary health concerns related to commercial root beer stem from its high sugar content. A typical can of regular root beer contains a significant amount of sugar, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, contributing to numerous health problems when consumed regularly.
- Weight Gain and Obesity: The high calorie and sugar count can easily contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.
- Blood Sugar Issues: Regular intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Poor Dental Health: While less acidic than some sodas, the high sugar content still promotes tooth decay and can contribute to enamel erosion over time.
For those seeking a “healthier” option, diet or zero-sugar root beer replaces sugar with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium. However, these substitutes come with their own set of potential drawbacks, such as digestive issues in some individuals and a continued association with craving sweet foods.
Traditional vs. Modern Root Beer Ingredients
There is a stark difference between the components of historical root beer and its contemporary counterpart. The list below highlights this divide.
- Traditional (Pre-1960s): Featured natural sassafras root and bark, sarsaparilla, wintergreen, licorice root, cinnamon, ginger, and other herbs. Sweeteners were more natural, such as honey or molasses.
- Modern (Commercial): Primarily consists of carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, and a blend of natural and artificial flavorings to mimic the original taste.
Comparing Popular Root Beer Varieties
| Feature | Commercial Root Beer (e.g., A&W, Mug) | Diet/Zero-Sugar Root Beer | Craft Root Beer (e.g., Sprecher) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sassafras | Safrole-free artificial or natural flavorings | Safrole-free artificial or natural flavorings | Often uses real, but safrole-free, sassafras extract or other natural root extracts |
| Sweeteners | High-fructose corn syrup, sugar | Aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium | Cane sugar, honey, or other natural sweeteners |
| Calories | High, typically 150+ calories per 12 oz can | Zero or very low | Varies; often high due to natural sugars |
| Acidity | Less acidic than cola, but still moderately acidic | Comparable to commercial varieties | Varies depending on ingredients and brewing process |
| Dental Health Impact | High sugar content leads to enamel erosion and decay | Less damaging to teeth from a sugar perspective, but acidity is still a factor | Varies; still high in sugar unless sugar-free |
The Safrole Controversy and Health Risks
For decades, the health risks of sassafras, the traditional flavoring for root beer, have been a significant concern. Safrole, a chemical found in the sassafras plant, was definitively linked to cancer in laboratory animals, which led to the FDA ban in 1960. While later research suggested the original animal studies used dangerously high doses and that the way humans metabolize safrole is different, the ban on its use as a food additive remains. Regardless of the nuance, the consensus among medical professionals is to avoid medicinal amounts of sassafras due to the potential toxicity and risks of liver damage. This is why all commercially produced root beers are now made with a safrole-free extract, meaning any purported traditional benefits are no longer relevant to the modern product.
Conclusion: A Flavored Soda, Not a Health Tonic
Ultimately, any potential for genuine health benefits from root beer was eliminated decades ago with the removal of its traditional, and potentially dangerous, herbal ingredients. What remains is a soft drink that, in its commercial form, is either laden with sugar and calories or relies on artificial sweeteners with their own associated concerns. While some craft versions offer a more natural alternative, they are still high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation, like any other sweet beverage. The notion of root beer as a curative tonic is a relic of the past, completely disconnected from the beverage available on store shelves today.
