Does A&W Rootbeer Contain Caffeine? The Definitive Answer

December 8, 2025 •

2 min read

Over 100 years since its creation, A&W is a staple of American soft drinks. Many people still wonder: does A&W rootbeer contain caffeine? The straightforward answer is no, both regular and diet A&W are completely caffeine-free.

Quick Summary

A&W root beer is completely caffeine-free, a detail confirmed by the manufacturer for all its standard products. While some other root beer brands contain the stimulant, A&W does not, making it a great option for avoiding caffeine.

Key Points

A&W is Caffeine-Free: Both regular and zero-sugar A&W root beer contain no caffeine.
Check the Label: To be certain, always read the nutrition label on any soft drink to verify its caffeine content.
Barq's is Different: Regular Barq's root beer is a notable exception and does contain approximately 22 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce serving.
Most Root Beers are Caffeine-Free: The majority of root beer brands on the market do not contain caffeine, aligning with A&W.
Root Beer Floats are Safe: Enjoying a classic A&W root beer float will not provide a caffeine boost.
Diet Versions are also Caffeine-Free: Diet A&W and A&W Zero Sugar are also completely free of caffeine.

A&W's Caffeine-Free Legacy

A&W has been a popular soft drink since 1919 and is known for its classic taste. A key characteristic of A&W root beer is that it does not contain caffeine, distinguishing it from many other soft drinks. This applies to their regular, Diet A&W, and A&W Zero Sugar varieties. This makes A&W a suitable choice for those avoiding caffeine.

The Historical Roots of Root Beer

Traditional root beer did not contain caffeine. Originally flavored with sassafras, modern versions use other flavors to replicate the taste after the FDA banned sassafras's active ingredient. While some sodas added caffeine over time, root beer generally remained caffeine-free, a tradition many brands like A&W continue today.

Not All Root Beers Are Created Equal

While A&W is caffeine-free, it's important to note that not all root beer brands are. Regular Barq's Root Beer, for instance, contains caffeine, famously marketed with the slogan "Barq's has bite!". Checking the label is always recommended.

A Tale of Two Root Beers: A&W vs. Barq's

This comparison table highlights the key differences between A&W and Barq's regarding caffeine content.


Feature	A&W Root Beer	Barq's Root Beer (Regular)
Caffeine Content (per 12 oz)	0 mg	~22 mg
Diet/Zero Sugar Versions	Caffeine-Free	Caffeine-Free
Primary Marketing	Creamy, smooth taste	Has a distinct 'bite'
Caffeine Source	Not included	Added by the manufacturer

Which Root Beers Are Caffeine-Free?

Many root beer brands are caffeine-free. Some popular options include Mug Root Beer, Dad's Root Beer, and IBC Root Beer. Sprecher Root Beer is generally caffeine-free, except for their 'Rev'd Up' version. Virgil's Zero Sugar Root Beer is another caffeine-free option.

Conclusion: The Final Word on A&W

To answer the question, A&W root beer does not contain caffeine. This has been a consistent feature of the brand. While most root beers are caffeine-free, exceptions like regular Barq's exist, making it important to check product labels. A&W remains a reliable choice for a caffeine-free root beer.

For additional information on the caffeine content of various soft drinks, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides a helpful chart at https://www.cspi.org/caffeine-chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Diet A&W root beer is completely caffeine-free, just like its regular counterpart.

Regular Barq's root beer contains caffeine because the manufacturer adds it. This feature was historically marketed as giving the soda a distinct 'bite' or 'spark'.

While most root beer brands on the market today are caffeine-free, it is not a universal rule. Some manufacturers, like Barq's, intentionally add caffeine to their formula, so it is always wise to check the label.

A standard 12-ounce can of regular Barq's root beer contains approximately 22 mg of caffeine, a small amount compared to coffee but significant for a root beer.

Aside from many root beer brands, other popular caffeine-free soft drinks include Sprite, 7-Up, Fanta, Fresca, and most ginger ales.

The caffeine-free nature of A&W root beer is a global standard for the brand's product. If you're traveling, always check the local product label to be certain, though it is highly unlikely to differ.

To check for caffeine, look at the nutritional information label on the can, bottle, or packaging. The caffeine content will be listed, often at 0 mg. The product description will also frequently state "Caffeine Free".