Is Drinking Root Beer Healthy? Breaking Down the Facts

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, a single 12-ounce can of commercial root beer contains nearly 40 grams of sugar, highlighting a primary health concern. This fact immediately raises questions about the overall health implications of drinking root beer, which we will explore in detail.

Quick Summary

An analysis of root beer's health impacts, examining sugar content, artificial sweeteners, dental effects, and ingredients in traditional versus modern versions. It provides a balanced look at the risks and offers healthier alternatives.

Key Points

• Modern Root Beer is Unhealthy: Most commercial root beers are laden with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, contributing significantly to weight gain and diabetes risk.

• Harmful to Teeth: Despite being less acidic than some sodas, the combination of sugar and carbonation in root beer causes significant tooth decay and enamel erosion.

• Diet Versions Have Trade-offs: Zero-sugar root beers use artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea in some individuals.

• Artificial Additives are Common: Modern commercial root beers use artificial flavorings and caramel coloring due to the 1960 FDA ban on sassafras oil (safrole).

• Healthier Alternatives Exist: For those who crave the flavor, healthier options include homemade versions with natural sweeteners or craft sodas with transparent ingredient lists.

• Historical Context is Misleading: The historical use of root beer as a health tonic is not applicable to modern products, which lack the original herbal blends and contain harmful additives.

The Surprising History of Root Beer and its Health Tonic Roots

Root beer has a long and interesting history that contrasts sharply with its modern, commercial form. Originally, this beverage was developed as a medicinal tonic in the 19th century by pharmacists like Charles Hires. Early recipes were far from the sugary soft drinks we know today, instead using a potent blend of herbs, roots, and spices. These concoctions often included sarsaparilla, sassafras, licorice root, wintergreen, and other ingredients valued in traditional medicine for their purported health benefits. These benefits were said to include everything from improving skin health to aiding digestion.

However, a significant turning point occurred in 1960 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of sassafras root oil (safrole), a traditional flavoring agent, due to its potential carcinogenic properties in animal studies. This ban led to a dramatic shift in how root beer was produced. Modern commercial versions now rely on artificial flavorings to replicate the original taste profile, transforming the drink from a potentially therapeutic herbal beverage into a sugar-laden soda.

The Health Risks of Modern Commercial Root Beer

Today, the health detriments of most root beers are primarily linked to their high sugar content and artificial additives. Understanding these risks is crucial for making an informed choice about your beverage consumption.

Excessive Sugar Content

• Weight Gain: A single can of root beer can contain as much as 40 to 50 grams of sugar, which contributes significantly to daily calorie intake without offering any nutritional value. Regular consumption can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The high sugar load can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, and over time, may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Insulin Confusion: For those drinking diet or zero-sugar versions sweetened with artificial alternatives, some studies suggest a phenomenon called "insulin confusion," where the body releases insulin in anticipation of sugar, potentially disrupting metabolic function.

Damage to Dental Health

While root beer is often cited as the "least harmful soda" for teeth due to its lower acidity compared to colas, it still poses significant risks. The combination of sugar and carbonation creates an acidic environment that can erode tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. Even diet root beer, which uses artificial sweeteners, contains acids that can cause enamel erosion.

Artificial Additives and Potential Side Effects

• Artificial Sweeteners: Diet root beers use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. While they offer a zero-calorie option, some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea from these compounds. The long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners are still a subject of ongoing debate.
• Artificial Colorings: Most commercial root beers contain caramel coloring to achieve their characteristic brown color, adding another artificial component to the drink.

Digestive Discomfort

For some individuals, the carbonation and certain flavorings in root beer can cause digestive problems. The gas in carbonated beverages can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort. Furthermore, some of the traditional herbal extracts used for flavoring (even in artificial form) can have a mild laxative effect on sensitive digestive systems.

Comparison: Standard vs. Diet Root Beer

Feature	Standard Root Beer	Diet/Zero Sugar Root Beer
Sugar Content	High (around 40-50g per 12oz can)	Zero sugar
Calorie Count	High (over 150 kcal per 12oz can)	Zero calories
Sweeteners	High-fructose corn syrup or sugar	Artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame)
Dental Health	High risk of cavities and enamel erosion	Risk of enamel erosion from acids
Weight Impact	Linked to weight gain and obesity	Less direct weight impact, but may have other metabolic effects
Digestive Issues	Can cause bloating from carbonation and sugar effects	Can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to artificial sweeteners
Overall Health	Associated with risks of diabetes, weight gain, and dental problems	Avoids sugar risks but introduces potential issues with artificial sweeteners

The Search for Healthier Alternatives

While modern commercial root beer is not healthy, healthier alternatives exist for those who enjoy the flavor. The best choices involve controlling the ingredients yourself or opting for naturally sweetened and flavored options.

• Homemade Root Beer: Brewing your own root beer at home allows you to control the sugar content and use natural, safe ingredients. You can use extracts derived from sarsaparilla, licorice root, or other spices and sweeten with natural alternatives like stevia or a minimal amount of honey.
• Naturally Flavored Sodas: Look for small-batch or craft sodas that use natural ingredients and avoid high-fructose corn syrup and artificial additives. Brands using cane sugar or other natural sweeteners are generally better, though moderation is still key.
• Low-Sugar Options: Some brands offer zero-sugar or diet versions using stevia, which some people prefer over other artificial sweeteners. Always check the ingredient list for the specific sweetener used.
• Root Beer-Flavored Tea: Enjoy the flavor without the carbonation and sugar by brewing a root beer-flavored tea using herbs like sarsaparilla and licorice.

Conclusion: A Clear Distinction

So, is drinking root beer healthy? The answer is a definitive no, particularly when referring to the mass-produced, sugary commercial varieties. The high content of sugar and artificial additives in most brands far outweighs any historical claims of health benefits from its herbal predecessors. While historically derived from medicinal roots, modern root beer is a soft drink that, when consumed regularly, poses risks to dental health, contributes to weight gain, and can increase the risk of metabolic issues like type 2 diabetes. For those who enjoy the flavor, the best path forward is moderation. Occasional consumption of a commercial product is unlikely to cause serious harm, but for regular enjoyment, exploring homemade recipes or naturally sweetened alternatives is the wisest choice for your long-term health.

Ultimately, understanding the difference between the traditional root tonic and the modern soft drink is key to making a healthy decision. The American Homebrewers Association offers insights into the historical context and even brewing methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does root beer contain caffeine?

Most major brands of root beer do not contain caffeine, with Barq's being a notable exception. However, it's always best to check the specific product's label to be certain.

Is diet root beer better for you than regular root beer?

While diet root beer eliminates the high sugar and calorie count of regular versions, it introduces artificial sweeteners with their own potential health concerns, such as digestive issues and potential metabolic disruption.

Is homemade root beer healthier?

Homemade root beer can be healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients, including the type and amount of sweetener. You can use natural extracts and low-sugar alternatives, avoiding the artificial additives found in commercial products.

What is the primary health concern with root beer?

The primary health concern with commercial root beer is its extremely high sugar content, which contributes to weight gain, type 2 diabetes risk, and significant dental problems.

Why was sassafras removed from root beer?

Sassafras, a traditional flavoring, was banned by the FDA in 1960 because it contains safrole, a compound found to be potentially carcinogenic in animal studies.

Can drinking root beer cause digestive problems?

Yes, for some people, the carbonation can cause bloating and gas. Additionally, the high sugar content or artificial sweeteners can trigger digestive issues like diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

Are there any health benefits to drinking root beer?

No, modern commercial root beer offers no significant health benefits. Any purported medicinal properties from its herbal origins are not present in current recipes, which are primarily sugar and artificial flavorings.