The Sweetener Split: Restaurant vs. Packaged
For many consumers, the creamy, rich taste of A&W root beer is a nostalgic treat. However, the ingredient list behind that classic flavour is not consistent across all A&W products. A critical distinction must be made between the root beer served at A&W restaurants and the products available for purchase in cans and bottles at grocery stores.
In-Restaurant Root Beer: The Cane Sugar Experience
The root beer poured at A&W restaurant locations is a premium product. It is freshly made and, crucially, sweetened with real cane sugar. This has been a long-standing tradition for the brand. For Canadian A&W restaurants, this commitment to natural ingredients was re-emphasized with a 2017 formulation change, which included a move to natural cane sugar and flavours for their in-store root beer. This version is the one many fans associate with the iconic frosty mug experience.
Bottled and Canned Root Beer: The High Fructose Corn Syrup Blend
If you purchase a 12-pack of A&W root beer from a US grocery store, you will notice a different ingredient list. The packaged product in the United States, which is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper, uses High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) as its primary sweetener. This change in sweetener is a major differentiator in both taste and nutritional content and is standard practice for many mass-market sodas due to cost and production efficiency.
The Canadian Packaged Product Nuance
For customers in Canada, the packaged A&W root beer presents a different situation. In Canada, many packaged soft drinks use a mix of 'sugar/glucose-fructose'. However, some retailers and specific Canadian versions of the packaged product are advertised as being sweetened with cane sugar. This creates a more complex picture, but the key takeaway is that the Canadian market generally avoids the use of High Fructose Corn Syrup in the same manner as the US packaged version.
Comparison Table: A&W Root Beer Formulations
| Feature | US A&W Restaurant Root Beer | US Packaged A&W Root Beer | Canadian A&W Restaurant Root Beer | Canadian Packaged A&W Root Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Cane Sugar | High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) | Natural Cane Sugar | Cane Sugar / Glucose-Fructose |
| Availability | A&W Restaurant locations | Grocery stores, convenience stores | A&W Restaurant locations | Grocery stores, convenience stores |
| Taste Profile | Classic, creamy, authentic | Slightly different sweetness profile | Often highlighted for natural flavour | Varies slightly based on bottling |
| Ownership | A&W Restaurants Inc. | Keurig Dr. Pepper | A&W Food Services of Canada | Coca-Cola Bottling Company Canada |
Beyond Sugar: Other Key Ingredient Differences
The sweetener is not the only divergence between these products. The quest for cost-effective manufacturing and flavour consistency can lead to other ingredient differences. The restaurant-made root beer often relies on a secret blend of natural flavours. In contrast, the packaged US version might include 'natural and artificial flavors' and Quillaia Extract, an ingredient used to create foam. Some Canadian packaged versions also list natural and artificial flavours. These variations, while subtle, contribute to the slightly different overall experience for discerning drinkers.
The Verdict: How to Get Real Sugar A&W Root Beer
For those seeking the real sugar A&W root beer experience, the most reliable way to get it is by visiting an A&W restaurant. The frosty mugs of root beer served at these establishments, both in the US and Canada, are consistently made with real cane sugar. For those looking for a packaged version, be vigilant about checking ingredient labels, as the US packaged product is clearly sweetened with HFCS. In Canada, packaged versions are more likely to use cane sugar or a cane sugar/glucose-fructose blend, but reading the label is always the safest bet. For a deeper dive into the brand's history and product variations, you can visit the A&W Restaurants website.
Root Beer Float: The Ultimate Real Sugar Test
A classic root beer float is another way to experience the difference. A restaurant-made float will be inherently different from one made with a store-bought can of US A&W root beer. The cane sugar provides a purer sweetness that complements the ice cream beautifully, creating a more traditional flavour profile that harkens back to the beverage's origins.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Sweeteners
In summary, the question "Does A&W root beer use real sugar?" has a nuanced answer. Yes, the root beer served in A&W restaurants in the US and Canada is made with real cane sugar. However, the packaged and bottled products available in US grocery stores contain High Fructose Corn Syrup. Canadian packaged products are different again, using cane sugar or a sugar/glucose-fructose mix. Your best bet for the original, real sugar taste is to head to an A&W restaurant for a fresh, frosty mug. The sweetener choice is a significant factor in both taste and nutritional profile, so it pays to know what you're drinking.
Visit A&W Restaurants for information on their restaurant-made root beer
