Does Root Beer Have Caffeine in UT?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

While most root beers in North America are naturally caffeine-free, the situation is more complex in Utah, a state with a unique soda culture. It is important to know which brands contain the stimulant, especially since some versions of Barq's root beer are explicitly made caffeine-free for the Utah market.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies which brands of root beer contain caffeine, highlighting the special circumstances for Barq's in Utah. It details the state's notable soda culture, influenced by LDS health guidelines, and provides tips for consumers seeking caffeine-free options.

Key Points

Barq's is the Exception: Unlike most major root beer brands like A&W and Mug, regular Barq's is caffeinated, containing about 22 mg per 12-ounce can.
Utah's Fountain Distinction: In Utah, the Barq's dispensed from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and soda fountains is typically caffeine-free, catering to local preferences.
Check Labels for Cans/Bottles: If you are in Utah and buying a can or bottle of regular Barq's, assume it has caffeine unless the label explicitly states "caffeine-free".
LDS Influence on Soda Culture: Utah's strong soda culture is tied to the large LDS population, who historically abstained from coffee and tea and sought soda as an alternative beverage.
Dirty Soda Trend: The popularity of "dirty soda" (soda with cream and flavor shots) in Utah is related to this cultural context, with many local shops offering both caffeinated and caffeine-free options.
Diet Versions are Always Caffeine-Free: All diet or zero-sugar versions of Barq's root beer are caffeine-free, regardless of location.

Root Beer and Caffeine: A National Overview

For most people across the United States, reaching for a root beer is a safe bet for a caffeine-free beverage. The majority of major brands, including A&W, Mug, and Dad's, do not add caffeine to their recipes. The flavor profile of root beer—derived from a blend of ingredients like sassafras extract, wintergreen, and licorice—is not naturally associated with caffeine. However, there is one significant and well-known exception to this rule: Barq's root beer.

Regular Barq's root beer contains approximately 22 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce serving. The caffeine is an added ingredient and is a deliberate part of the brand's identity, famously promoted with the tagline, “Barq's has bite!”. This distinction is crucial for consumers who are actively monitoring their caffeine intake.

The Unique Soda Culture of Utah

Utah has a distinctive and thriving soda culture, largely influenced by the state's large population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Traditionally, LDS members abstain from "hot drinks" like coffee and tea, which has historically led to a high demand for alternative beverages like soda. While many members also previously avoided caffeine, a clarification from the Church in 2012 stated that caffeine itself is not prohibited. This clarification further fueled the growth of the state's vibrant "dirty soda" scene, where sodas are mixed with flavor shots, creams, and purees.

This unique cultural landscape has directly impacted the availability of certain products. The high demand for caffeine-free options has led companies to produce special versions of their products for the Utah market. This is most famously the case with Barq's.

The Special Case of Barq's in Utah

For consumers in Utah, the caffeine status of Barq's is not as straightforward as it is elsewhere. The production and distribution of Barq's have been adapted to accommodate local preferences:

Caffeine-Free Fountain Drinks: The Barq's served in Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and many other fountain dispensers throughout Utah is caffeine-free. This is a strategic move to cater to the significant portion of the population that prefers non-caffeinated options, especially within the popular "dirty soda" shops. The Freestyle machine system uses a single concentrated ingredient for both regular and diet Barq's, with the sweetener being the only variable, making it easier to serve a consistent, caffeine-free version.
Caffeinated Bottled and Canned Versions: In contrast, the standard bottled and canned Barq's root beer sold in retail stores across Utah typically still contains caffeine, just like it does in other states. The labeling on these products will list "caffeine" in the ingredients list, so it is essential for consumers to read the labels carefully.

How to Tell if Your Barq's in Utah is Caffeinated

To ensure you know what you are drinking, consider the source of your Barq's:

Retail Stores (Bottles/Cans): Check the ingredient list. If it lists "caffeine," it is the standard caffeinated version. If it is labeled "caffeine-free," you are in the clear.
Restaurants and Soda Shops (Fountain): In Utah, it is generally safe to assume that fountain Barq's is caffeine-free, but asking is always a good idea to be certain.
Diet vs. Regular: The Diet Barq's root beer is caffeine-free both in Utah and nationwide.

Comparison of Popular Root Beer Brands


Brand	Caffeine Content (per 12 fl oz)	Notes
Barq's (Regular)	22 mg	Caffeinated version is standard in cans/bottles, except for some specific caffeine-free runs. Fountain version in Utah is generally caffeine-free.
Barq's (Diet/Zero Sugar)	0 mg	Always caffeine-free, everywhere.
A&W	0 mg	A classic, widely available caffeine-free option.
Mug	0 mg	Another popular, reliable caffeine-free choice.
Sprecher	0 mg	Fire-brewed variety is caffeine-free, though a caffeinated "Rev'd Up" version exists separately.
IBC	0 mg	A premium brand that does not contain caffeine.

Conclusion

For residents and visitors in Utah, the answer to whether root beer contains caffeine depends entirely on the brand and, specifically for Barq's, the product's origin. While most root beers like A&W and Mug are consistently caffeine-free, a bottle or can of standard Barq's will have caffeine, just as it does in other states. However, the unique soda culture in Utah means that fountain-dispensed Barq's is usually the caffeine-free version. The best practice for anyone watching their caffeine intake is to read labels carefully and, when in doubt, ask before you drink. The distinctive dynamics of Utah's beverage market make this an especially important habit for all soda lovers.

VisitUtah.com offers insights into Utah's dirty soda craze and local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard bottled and canned Barq's root beer sold in Utah contains caffeine. However, the Barq's served from fountain machines, particularly in soda shops and restaurants, is typically the caffeine-free variety.

The Coca-Cola Freestyle machines used in many Utah soda shops and eateries dispense a caffeine-free version of Barq's. This is an accommodation for the local market, which has a higher demand for caffeine-free options due to its large LDS population.

Yes, other major brands like A&W and Mug are consistently caffeine-free both in Utah and nationwide. Barq's is the main exception to watch out for.

It is always a good practice to check the label if you are concerned about caffeine, but it is especially critical when purchasing Barq's. For most other common root beer brands, the caffeine status is the same everywhere.

Dirty soda is a popular drink in Utah consisting of soda mixed with flavor shots, creams, and purees. While root beer is a popular base for these drinks, many soda shops offer both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options, including the caffeine-free fountain Barq's.

Yes, Diet Barq's root beer is caffeine-free everywhere, including in Utah. Only the regular, non-diet version of Barq's is caffeinated in cans and bottles.

Utah's large population of Latter-day Saints, who have historically abstained from coffee and tea, has created a strong market for alternative beverages like soda. The popularity of local soda shops is a direct result of this cultural trend.