Does root beer have dairy in it?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 90% of root beer is dairy-free. This article explores whether root beer contains dairy and provides a guide for those with dietary restrictions.

Quick Summary

Most root beer is naturally dairy-free. Some craft or cream varieties might contain dairy. Check labels to make sure a root beer is safe to drink.

Key Points

Most Root Beer is Dairy-Free: Commercial root beer generally does not contain dairy.
Creaminess Comes From Extracts: The creamy texture is from quillaia extract, not dairy.
Check "Cream" Varieties: These may contain dairy.
Read Ingredient Lists: Look for dairy ingredients.
Popular Brands Often Dairy-Free: A&W and Mug are usually dairy-free.
Homemade Recipes Vary: Verify ingredients with the maker.
Safe for Lactose Intolerance (Usually): Regular root beer is generally safe.

The Standard Root Beer Recipe: Generally Dairy-Free

Root beer, a beverage with a rich history, is usually made without dairy products. The typical recipe today consists of several key ingredients.

Key components of standard root beer include:

Carbonated water
Sweeteners: High fructose corn syrup or sugar.
Flavors: Natural and artificial flavorings.
Caramel coloring.
Foaming agents: Quillaia extract.

Creamy Flavor: Not From Dairy

The creamy texture in root beer comes from ingredient combinations, not milk. Quillaia extract, from the soapbark tree, provides a creamy feel. Vanilla flavoring also adds a smooth quality.

Dairy-Free Root Beer Brands

Many popular root beer brands are dairy-free, making them safe for people with dairy allergies. Brands like A&W and Mug do not contain dairy.

A&W Root Beer: A safe option, verified by its ingredient list.
Mug Root Beer: Another popular dairy-free choice.
Barq's Root Beer: Typically dairy-free.
Bundaberg Root Beer: An Australian craft brand, dairy-free.

When to Watch for Dairy

Specialty or craft root beers may contain dairy. Always check the labels.

"Cream" Root Beers: These may use cream or other dairy products. Always check the label.
Root Beer Floats: Root beer floats contain dairy from the ice cream. Use a dairy-free alternative.
Homemade Recipes: Homemade recipes could contain dairy. Check ingredients.

Root Beer Dairy Status Comparison

The following table compares root beer types and their typical dairy content:


Product Type	Typical Dairy Status	Key Ingredients	What to Check For
Standard Root Beer	Dairy-Free	Carbonated water, sweeteners, flavors, quillaia extract	Read the label to confirm for specific brands.
"Cream" Root Beer	May Contain Dairy	Cream, milk, or lactose	Look for 'lactose', 'milk', 'cream', 'whey', 'casein'.
Craft Root Beer	Varies by brand	Unique mix of spices and sweeteners	Check label for additives or cross-contamination.
Diet Root Beer	Dairy-Free	Standard recipe with artificial sweeteners	Read the label.

How to Check for Hidden Dairy

Reading the ingredient list is the best way to check for dairy. Look for these ingredients:

Milk, cream, butter, and cheese
Whey, whey protein, whey powder
Casein, caseinates
Lactose, lactulose
Ghee
Milk solids

Check for cross-contamination warnings. For example, some craft varieties may not be suitable for vegans and thus potentially contain dairy.

Conclusion

Root beer is dairy-free in most cases, especially with major brands. The creamy texture comes from botanical extracts, not milk. Check the ingredient list for "cream" variations. Informed consumers can safely enjoy root beer with or without dietary restrictions.

Quick Takeaways

Standard Root Beer: Dairy-free.
Creamy Texture: From plant-based quillaia extract, not dairy.
Check "Cream" Variations: These may contain dairy.
Read Ingredients: Check for lactose, whey, and casein.
Major Brands: A&W and Mug are usually safe.
Homemade Recipes: Verify ingredients if making at home.

FAQs

Question: Why does root beer taste creamy if it has no dairy? Answer: The creamy flavor comes from vanilla, licorice, and quillaia extract.

Question: Is A&W root beer dairy-free? Answer: Yes, A&W Root Beer is dairy-free.

Question: Do root beer floats contain dairy? Answer: Yes, traditional root beer floats have dairy from ice cream. Use a non-dairy alternative.

Question: Is all root beer vegan? Answer: Most root beer is vegan, but some may contain honey or dairy. Always check the label.

Question: What ingredients indicate dairy? Answer: Look for milk, cream, casein, whey, or lactose on the label.

Question: Can people with lactose intolerance drink root beer? Answer: Yes, usually, but avoid cream root beers.

Question: Are all popular brands dairy-free? Answer: Always check the ingredient list, even with popular brands.

Question: What is quillaia extract? Answer: It is a plant-based extract from the soapbark tree.

Question: Does root beer contain milk? Answer: No, standard root beer does not contain milk.

Question: Are there any root beers with dairy? Answer: Yes, some "cream" root beers may include dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

The creamy flavor comes from vanilla, licorice, and quillaia extract.

Yes, according to its ingredient list, A&W Root Beer is dairy-free.

Yes, traditional root beer floats are made with ice cream, which is a dairy product. You can make a dairy-free version by using a non-dairy ice cream alternative.

While most commercial root beer is dairy-free and vegan, some specialty brands or recipes may contain animal-derived ingredients like honey or dairy. Always check the label to be sure.

You should watch for ingredients such as milk, cream, casein, whey, or lactose on the nutrition and ingredient label to determine if a root beer contains dairy.

Yes, individuals with lactose intolerance can generally drink standard commercial root beer, as it does not contain lactose. However, they should avoid "cream" root beers and check labels carefully.

It is safest to always check the ingredient list, even with popular brands, to account for any recipe changes or variations. While most major brands are consistently dairy-free, this is the most reliable method.

Quillaia extract is a natural, plant-based extract from the soapbark tree that is used as a foaming agent in some beverages, including root beer, to create the creamy, frothy head.