How Many Calories Are in Zero Sugar Root Beer?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Most zero sugar root beer brands, including popular options like A&W and Barq's, contain zero calories per serving. This is achieved by replacing traditional sugar with artificial or natural no-calorie sweeteners, providing a sweet taste without the energy intake. However, understanding the complete nutritional picture is essential for making informed health choices beyond just calorie counting.

Quick Summary

Zero sugar root beer contains no calories, as it is sweetened with artificial or natural substitutes instead of sugar. While it eliminates sugar and calorie intake, consumers should be aware of the artificial sweeteners used and their potential health implications, as well as the acidic content of the drink.

Key Points

Zero Calories: Zero sugar root beer contains no calories, with brands like A&W and Barq's offering zero-calorie options.
Artificial Sweeteners: The sweet taste is achieved using alternative, non-caloric sweeteners such as Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, or natural options like Stevia and Monk Fruit extract.
Potential Health Concerns: While free of sugar and calories, some research suggests a link between artificial sweeteners and negative health outcomes, including potential gut microbiome disruption.
Dental Health: The carbonation and acidity in diet sodas can still contribute to dental erosion, making moderation important for oral health.
Not a Health Drink: Despite its zero-calorie status, it is not a health drink. Water is the best option for hydration, and zero sugar root beer should be consumed in moderation.

The Zero-Calorie Sweetener Swap

To achieve a sweet, indulgent flavor profile without the calories, zero sugar root beers use alternative sweetening agents. The most common types fall into two categories: artificial sweeteners and natural sweeteners. Brands often use a blend of these to create a taste and mouthfeel that closely resembles regular root beer.

Common Zero-Calorie Sweeteners

Aspartame: A widely used artificial sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used in combination with other sweeteners to enhance the flavor. However, it should be noted that aspartame is unsafe for individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Another artificial sweetener, Ace-K is often blended with aspartame or sucralose to provide a more sugar-like flavor and avoid aftertaste.
Sucralose: This artificial sweetener is made from sugar through a multi-step process, resulting in a product that provides sweetness but no calories.
Stevia and Monk Fruit Extract: These are naturally derived, zero-calorie sweeteners. Stevia is from the stevia plant, while monk fruit extract comes from the monk fruit. Both are gaining popularity as alternatives to artificial options.

Is Zero Sugar Root Beer a "Healthy" Choice?

While removing sugar and calories might seem like a healthy upgrade, zero sugar root beer is not without its considerations. It's important to look beyond just the calorie count when evaluating its role in a balanced diet.

First, concerns exist around the potential health effects of artificial sweeteners. Some studies suggest a possible link between high consumption of diet sodas and health issues like an increased risk of heart problems, though more research is needed. Additionally, artificial sweeteners may potentially affect the gut microbiome and condition the palate to crave sweet foods. The acidity of carbonated drinks can also contribute to dental erosion over time, regardless of whether they contain sugar.

For those seeking genuinely healthier options, water is the best choice. Alternatively, some beverages use natural, functional ingredients. For instance, brands like Poppi offer prebiotic root beer alternatives made with apple cider vinegar, which proponents claim can support gut health.

Comparison of Zero Sugar vs. Regular Root Beer

To put the calorie savings into perspective, here is a comparison of a zero sugar option versus a traditional, full-sugar root beer. All values are based on a standard 12 fl oz (355 ml) can.


Feature	Zero Sugar Root Beer	Regular Root Beer
Calories	0 kcal	150-180 kcal
Total Sugar	0 g	39-46 g
Sweeteners	Artificial (e.g., Aspartame, Ace-K) or Natural (e.g., Stevia)	High Fructose Corn Syrup or Sugar
Taste Profile	Varies by brand, some report an aftertaste. Often a blend of flavors.	Sweet, rich, and creamy with full body flavor.
Health Impact	Associated with concerns regarding gut health, metabolic effects, and dental erosion.	Associated with high sugar intake, weight gain, and related health risks.

Beyond Calories: A Fuller Nutritional Picture

Understanding the nutritional components of zero sugar root beer involves more than just the energy content. For instance, the sodium content can vary between brands. A&W Zero Sugar lists 115 mg of sodium per 12 fl oz serving, which is not insubstantial for a single beverage. Many zero sugar root beers are also caffeine-free, making them suitable for those avoiding stimulants. The use of caramel coloring is also common, which is a point of consideration for some consumers who prefer to limit artificial additives.

When choosing a beverage, it is wise to evaluate the full nutrition label and ingredient list. For individuals managing diabetes or seeking a lower-calorie lifestyle, zero sugar root beer can be a functional replacement for regular soda. However, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that prioritizes water and other nutrient-rich fluids.

Conclusion

In short, zero sugar root beer does not contain any calories due to its reliance on artificial or natural non-caloric sweeteners. While this makes it a popular option for those monitoring their sugar and calorie intake, it is not without potential health downsides, such as the effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and the acidic nature of carbonated drinks on dental health. The best approach is to enjoy it in moderation and not mistake it for a health drink, prioritizing water for hydration and exploring natural alternatives for flavor variety. As always, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

UNC Health Appalachian provides further insight into the health impacts of zero sugar drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zero sugar root beer is sweetened with a combination of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, or natural alternatives such as stevia and monk fruit extract.

Zero sugar root beer is a healthier alternative to regular root beer primarily because it contains no sugar or calories, which helps avoid issues related to high sugar consumption. However, it is still a processed beverage with potential health considerations related to artificial sweeteners.

Some people report an aftertaste when drinking zero sugar root beer, while others find the flavor very close to the original. This is subjective and can depend on the specific brand and blend of sweeteners used.

Because zero sugar root beer contains no actual sugar and does not affect blood sugar levels, it is a suitable beverage option for people with diabetes. However, monitoring overall health and the consumption of processed foods is always recommended.

Yes, for those who prefer more natural options, some beverage brands offer products sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. Additionally, sparkling water with natural fruit flavors provides a healthier, zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternative.

The primary difference lies in marketing and the specific blend of artificial sweeteners used. While both are sugar-free and calorie-free, "zero sugar" products are often formulated with a blend of sweeteners to more closely mimic the taste of the original soda, whereas "diet" might rely on a single sweetener like aspartame.

Yes, zero sugar root beer can be used to make a low-sugar root beer float by pairing it with sugar-free or low-sugar ice cream. This allows you to enjoy a classic treat with significantly fewer calories and less sugar.