Does Root Beer Have High Potassium? Understanding the Nutritional Facts

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a standard 12-ounce can of root beer contains only around 4 to 5 mg of potassium, a remarkably low amount that is far from considered high. This fact is particularly important for individuals monitoring their mineral intake and answers the question: does root beer have high potassium?

Quick Summary

This article examines the potassium content of regular and diet root beer, comparing it to other beverages and foods. It also discusses the health implications of soda consumption beyond potassium levels and offers low-potassium drink alternatives for a balanced diet.

Key Points

Low Potassium Content: Regular and diet root beer contain a negligible amount of potassium, typically less than 5 mg per 12-ounce serving.
Not a 'High Potassium' Drink: Based on nutritional data, root beer is not considered a high-potassium beverage compared to drinks like orange juice or milk.
Minor Mineral Contribution: Even diet versions containing acesulfame potassium have an insignificant amount of the mineral in the finished product.
Safe for Low-Potassium Diets: From a potassium perspective, root beer is generally a safe beverage choice for individuals following a low-potassium diet, such as those with chronic kidney disease.
Watch Overall Health Impact: Despite being low in potassium, regular root beer is high in sugar, and diet versions contain artificial sweeteners, so moderation is key for overall health.
Broader Consideration: Patients with specific medical conditions should consult a doctor or dietitian regarding soda consumption, especially if on medications affecting potassium levels.

Root Beer's Potassium Content: A Low-Level Mineral Profile

When examining the nutritional profile of root beer, particularly concerning its potassium content, the data is quite clear. Standard, commercially produced root beer is not a significant source of potassium. A typical 12-ounce serving contains a negligible amount, often cited as less than 5 milligrams (mg). This is a fraction of the recommended daily intake for adults, which is typically between 2,600 and 3,400 mg. This low level of potassium makes it a suitable beverage for many people, including those on a low-potassium diet as advised by a physician.

Why is the potassium so low?

Unlike fruit juices or milk, which contain naturally occurring potassium from their ingredients, root beer is primarily composed of carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup (or artificial sweeteners), caramel coloring, and flavorings. None of these primary ingredients are significant sources of potassium. Therefore, the final product reflects this low mineral concentration. Some diet root beers may use potassium benzoate as a preservative, but the amount added is typically minimal and does not contribute substantially to the overall potassium count.

Regular vs. Diet Root Beer

There is no significant difference in potassium content between regular and diet versions of root beer. The main difference lies in the sweetener used, not the mineral profile. Regular root beer uses sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, while diet versions use artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium. While the presence of acesulfame potassium might suggest a higher potassium content, the amount used is so small that it is nutritionally insignificant in the finished product. Therefore, from a potassium standpoint, both are considered low-potassium options.

Root Beer vs. Other Beverages: A Comparative Table

To put the potassium content of root beer into context, let's compare it with other common beverages and foods. The following table illustrates how root beer stacks up against other dietary items.


Beverage/Food (12oz)	Approximate Potassium Content (mg)	Notes
Root Beer	~5 mg	A very low-potassium option.
Orange Juice	~372 mg	A high-potassium beverage.
Milk	~450 mg	Whole milk is a high-potassium source.
Black Coffee	~186 mg	A moderate source of potassium.
Brewed Tea	~85 mg	A low to moderate source.
Cola	~25 mg (for 16oz)	Also a low-potassium soda.
Banana (one medium)	~422 mg	A classic example of a high-potassium food.

This comparison highlights that root beer is one of the lowest potassium options available among common beverages. For individuals managing their potassium intake, this makes it a safe choice.

The Larger Health Picture: Beyond Potassium

While root beer may be a low-potassium drink, it is crucial to consider the broader health implications of consuming soda. For many, the low potassium content is not a reason to consider it a 'healthy' drink, especially when considering the following aspects:

High Sugar Content: Regular root beer is packed with sugar, contributing to weight gain and increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Artificial Sweeteners: Diet root beer replaces sugar with artificial sweeteners. While these don't raise blood sugar, some studies suggest a link between high consumption of diet sodas and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
Lack of Nutrients: Root beer offers virtually no nutritional value beyond the calories and carbohydrates. It contains no fiber, protein, or essential vitamins, making it an empty-calorie beverage.

Who Should Be Mindful of Potassium?

For most people with healthy kidney function, consuming a few milligrams of potassium from root beer is not a concern. The body, primarily through the kidneys, is highly efficient at regulating potassium levels. However, there are specific situations where monitoring potassium intake becomes critical:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Individuals with CKD, particularly in its later stages, have impaired kidney function. Their kidneys may struggle to excrete excess potassium, leading to a dangerous condition called hyperkalemia. In such cases, even small amounts of potassium can accumulate, and a renal dietitian's advice is crucial.
Certain Medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics, can increase potassium levels in the blood. Patients taking these drugs should consult their healthcare provider about their overall potassium intake.
Hyperkalemia: For those already diagnosed with hyperkalemia, a low-potassium diet is necessary. Since root beer is a low-potassium beverage, it can be a safe inclusion, but the overall context of their diet and other health conditions must be considered.

What are some safe, low-potassium beverage alternatives?

For those seeking alternatives to soda that are also low in potassium, several options are available. These drinks offer a safer and often more hydrating choice, especially for those with kidney health concerns. Some popular choices include:

Water (plain, flavored, or sparkling)
Unsweetened green or herbal tea
Cranberry juice (unsweetened)
Low-potassium juices like apple or white grape juice

Conclusion: Root Beer is Low in Potassium, But Still a Soda

To definitively answer the question, does root beer have high potassium? the answer is a resounding no. A typical can contains a negligible amount of the mineral, far too little to cause concern for healthy individuals. For those with kidney disease or other conditions that require potassium management, root beer remains a low-risk beverage regarding potassium levels. However, its overall nutritional profile, including high sugar content in regular versions and potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners in diet versions, means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Individuals managing their potassium or other health conditions should always consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

For more information on hyperkalemia and kidney health, you can visit the National Kidney Foundation's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, diet root beer is not high in potassium. While it may contain potassium benzoate as a preservative, the amount is very small and does not contribute significantly to your overall potassium intake.

A standard 12-ounce can of root beer typically contains only around 4 to 5 milligrams of potassium. This is a very small, nutritionally insignificant amount.

Beverages that are low in potassium include water, sparkling water, unsweetened green or herbal tea, cranberry juice, and low-potassium fruit juices like apple or white grape juice.

Drinks considered high in potassium include fruit juices like orange and prune juice, milk, and coconut water. These beverages contain significantly more potassium than root beer.

People with chronic kidney disease, those on specific medications that affect potassium levels, and individuals with a diagnosed condition called hyperkalemia need to be mindful of their potassium intake.

While root beer is low in potassium, it is not considered a healthy beverage. The high sugar content in regular root beer and the artificial sweeteners in diet versions mean it offers little nutritional value and should be consumed in moderation.

Most commercially produced soft drinks like root beer, cola, and ginger ale contain very low levels of potassium. However, it is always best to check the nutritional information for specific brands.