Does Root Beer Have More Calories Than Coke? A Nutritional Comparison

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

While most people know that sugary sodas offer little nutritional value, the specifics can be surprising. A common question is, does root beer have more calories than coke? The answer depends on the brand, but generally, root beer tends to have a slightly higher calorie count per 12 oz serving compared to a standard Coca-Cola.

Quick Summary

This article compares the calorie, sugar, and caffeine content of standard root beer and Coke. It breaks down the nutritional details, discusses associated health risks, and offers guidance for making healthier beverage selections.

Key Points

Slightly Higher Calories: On average, a standard 12 oz can of root beer contains slightly more calories than a standard can of Coca-Cola, with brands like Barq's listing 160 calories compared to Coke's 140 calories.
Higher Sugar Content: Root beer brands often contain a few more grams of sugar than Coke per serving, putting both well over recommended daily limits.
Lower Caffeine in Most Root Beers: A significant difference is that most root beer brands are caffeine-free, while Coke contains about 34 mg of caffeine per 12 oz. The major exception is Barq's, which contains 22 mg of caffeine.
Similar Health Risks: Despite the minor calorie differences, both beverages are considered nutritionally poor and contribute to weight gain, diabetes risk, and dental issues due to high sugar and acid content.
Healthier Alternatives: The best options for a healthy diet are unsweetened beverages like water, sparkling water, or herbal tea, which provide hydration without the health downsides of sugary sodas.

The Calorie Showdown: Root Beer vs. Coke

When comparing the calorie content of root beer and Coke, the numbers are closer than many people assume. For a standard 12-ounce serving, the calorie difference is minimal, but it is often the root beer that contains slightly more calories. A classic Coca-Cola typically contains around 140 calories. In contrast, popular root beer brands like A&W, Mug, and Barq's often list 150 to 160 calories per 12-ounce can. For example, a direct comparison shows a 12 oz Barq's root beer with 160 calories, while a Coca-Cola Original has 140 calories.

These seemingly small differences in calories can add up over time, especially for individuals who consume these beverages regularly. Both of these drinks derive their calories from added sugar, offering no significant nutritional benefits beyond providing a quick, energy-dense sugar fix. Understanding these details is a crucial step for anyone monitoring their nutritional intake and trying to manage their weight.

Where Do the Calories Come From?

The calories in both root beer and Coke come almost entirely from high-fructose corn syrup or sugar. Neither beverage offers any protein, fat, or dietary fiber. While both are made with carbonated water and flavorings, the specific blend of sugars and acids creates the difference in caloric density. The high sugar content in these drinks is the primary nutritional concern and a major contributor to health issues associated with excessive soft drink consumption.

Beyond Calories: Sugar and Caffeine Content

Calorie count is just one piece of the nutritional puzzle. Sugar and caffeine content also play significant roles in how these drinks affect your body.

Sugar Content

Just as with calories, root beer often contains slightly more sugar than Coke. For a 12-ounce serving, a Coca-Cola Original contains around 39 grams of sugar, while a Barq's root beer has about 44 grams. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to 36 grams per day for men and 25 grams per day for women, meaning a single 12-ounce can of either beverage exceeds these daily recommendations for most people. This high sugar load can lead to energy crashes and spikes in blood sugar, contributing to weight gain and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Caffeine Content

One of the most notable nutritional differences between the two beverages is the caffeine content. Most root beer brands are caffeine-free, but there are exceptions. Barq's root beer is one of the more popular brands that contains caffeine, with about 22 mg per 12-ounce can. In contrast, a standard Coca-Cola contains around 34 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving. Therefore, if you are sensitive to caffeine or trying to reduce your intake, most root beer brands are a safer choice than Coke. However, always check the label, as some brands' formulations may vary.

The Health Implications of Sugary Drinks

Frequent consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to a variety of serious health problems. Understanding these risks can help you make more informed dietary decisions.

Weight Gain and Obesity: The high-calorie, low-satiety nature of sugary sodas means they contribute to weight gain without making you feel full. Liquid calories are less effective at signaling fullness than solid food calories.
Type 2 Diabetes: Regular intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes due to the constant strain on the body's insulin response.
Heart Disease: Research shows a link between frequent consumption of sugary drinks and an increased risk of heart disease.
Dental Decay: Both beverages contain sugar and acids that can cause dental erosion and increase the risk of cavities. While some studies suggest root beer is less erosive than cola due to differences in acidity, both can be harmful to dental health when consumed regularly.

A Comparison Table of Popular Options

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional information for a 12 oz serving of a leading root beer brand and Coca-Cola:


Feature	Barq's Root Beer (12 oz)	Coca-Cola Original (12 oz)
Calories	160	140
Sugar	44g	39g
Caffeine	22 mg	34 mg
Primary Sweetener	High Fructose Corn Syrup	High Fructose Corn Syrup

Making Healthier Beverage Choices

If you are looking to reduce your sugar and calorie intake, there are many alternatives to traditional sodas. Instead of reaching for root beer or Coke, consider healthier options that can help you maintain a balanced nutrition diet.

Water: The best and most fundamental choice for hydration. Adding a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber can add flavor without calories.
Sparkling Water: For those who enjoy the fizziness of soda, plain sparkling water is a great substitute. Flavored sparkling waters without added sugar are also available.
Herbal Teas: Both hot and iced herbal teas are a refreshing, low-calorie option, and many can be brewed for a naturally sweet flavor without sugar.
Flavored Seltzers: These provide flavor and fizz without the high sugar content of soda. Look for brands that use natural flavorings and have zero calories.
Diet Sodas (in moderation): While not a nutritionally superior choice, diet sodas and diet root beers offer a zero-calorie alternative. However, they still contain artificial sweeteners and acids, which can have their own drawbacks.

Conclusion

In the final analysis, yes, a standard can of root beer typically does have more calories than a standard can of Coke, though the difference is not substantial. Both beverages are high in added sugar and provide minimal nutritional value, posing similar risks for weight gain, diabetes, and dental issues. While root beer often contains less caffeine (with some brands being caffeine-free), neither is a healthy dietary choice for regular consumption. For optimal nutrition and overall health, opting for water or other unsweetened beverages is the clear winner.

For more information on making healthier beverage choices, visit the CDC's website on Rethinking Your Drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most standard brands of root beer contain slightly more sugar than a standard Coke. For example, a 12 oz Barq's root beer has 44 grams of sugar, while a 12 oz Coke has 39 grams.

Neither regular root beer nor Coke is considered a healthy beverage for regular consumption. Both are high in sugar and calories, providing minimal nutritional benefit. For dental health, some sources suggest root beer is slightly less acidic and therefore less erosive to tooth enamel than cola.

Most root beer brands are caffeine-free, but there are exceptions. For example, Barq's root beer contains 22 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can. It is always important to check the nutrition label.

A standard 12 oz can of regular Coca-Cola contains approximately 140 calories.

No, diet sodas like Diet Coke and Diet Root Beer are calorie-free. They use artificial sweeteners instead of high-fructose corn syrup or sugar.

Primary health risks include weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental decay.

Neither root beer nor Coke contains any significant nutritional value. They are essentially a source of empty calories and added sugars, with no protein, fiber, or essential vitamins and minerals.

Yes, while some evidence suggests root beer might be less acidic than cola, both types of soda contain acids that can erode tooth enamel and contribute to dental decay.