Stewart's Root Beer: The Definitive Caffeine Answer
Many consumers today are more conscious of the ingredients in their beverages, especially regarding stimulants like caffeine. When it comes to the classic, creamy Stewart's Root Beer, the answer to the question of its caffeine content is straightforward and consistently confirmed by multiple sources: the drink contains zero milligrams of caffeine. This means you can enjoy the old-fashioned, cane-sugar-sweetened beverage as a relaxing treat or a delightful dessert without the concern of a caffeine buzz.
Why the Confusion About Root Beer and Caffeine?
The widespread confusion regarding root beer's caffeine status stems from a notable exception to the general rule. While most popular root beer brands, including A&W and Mug, do not contain caffeine, there is one major brand that famously includes it: Barq's Root Beer. Regular Barq's contains approximately 22 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can. This unique feature has become a point of distinction for the brand, which even uses the slogan "Barq's has bite!" to allude to its caffeinated kick. The existence of this one major caffeinated exception has led many people to question the caffeine content of all root beers, including Stewart's.
A Look at Stewart's Ingredients
To confirm the absence of caffeine, one can simply examine the ingredient list on a bottle of Stewart's Root Beer. The beverage is crafted from a simple list of ingredients designed to deliver its creamy, authentic flavor, which typically includes:
- Carbonated Water
- Cane Sugar
- Caramel Color
- Sodium Benzoate (as a preservative)
- Natural and Artificial Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Quillaia Extract
- Acacia Gum
- Yucca Extract
Notably absent from this list is any mention of added caffeine, which food manufacturers are required to disclose if added to a product. Some traditional and early root beer recipes were made from herbs and roots, but modern commercial production, like that of Stewart's, uses artificial flavoring and other additives to achieve the desired taste. The use of yucca extract or soybean protein is sometimes employed to create the signature foamy head, a characteristic enjoyed by Stewart's consumers.
Comparison of Root Beer Caffeine Content
| Brand | Caffeine Content (per 12 fl oz) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Stewart's Root Beer | 0 mg | Made with pure cane sugar for creamy flavor. |
| Barq's Root Beer | 22 mg | The one major exception; contains caffeine for a distinctive "bite." |
| A&W Root Beer | 0 mg | Long-standing and popular, also proudly caffeine-free. |
| Mug Root Beer | 0 mg | Another widely available caffeine-free brand. |
| Sprecher Root Beer | 0 mg (Classic) | Fire-brewed with honey, also offers a caffeinated "Rev'd Up" version. |
Other Caffeine-Free Soda Options
For those who prefer to avoid caffeine altogether, Stewart's is far from the only option. Many other sodas on the market are naturally or intentionally caffeine-free. Examples include Sprite, 7UP, most ginger ales (like Canada Dry), most orange sodas (like Fanta), and most cream sodas. This provides consumers with a wide variety of choices for a stimulant-free beverage, whether they're looking for a cola alternative or a classic flavor like Stewart's. You can always check the ingredient label to be sure, as the FDA requires added caffeine to be listed. A helpful general rule is that non-cola flavored sodas are typically caffeine-free, with Mountain Dew being a major exception. For further reading on this topic, Healthline offers a useful guide on the general caffeine content of root beer: Does Root Beer Have Caffeine? - Healthline.
Conclusion: Enjoy Stewart's Worry-Free
In conclusion, you can rest assured that Stewart's Root Beer does not have caffeine in it. The brand, which prides itself on its classic fountain flavor, has long produced a caffeine-free product using high-quality ingredients like pure cane sugar. While the occasional caffeinated root beer exists (most notably Barq's), Stewart's has remained a consistent and reliable option for those seeking a smooth, creamy, and stimulant-free soft drink. For those monitoring their caffeine intake, Stewart's Root Beer is a perfect, worry-free choice for any occasion.
