What are the ingredients in Fitz root beer?

First produced in St. Louis in 1947, Fitz's root beer is known for its classic, creamy flavor, which is derived from a specific blend of components. The primary ingredients in Fitz's root beer include filtered carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavors, caramel color, vanillin, sodium benzoate, citric acid, and sometimes quillaia.

Quick Summary

An overview of Fitz's root beer reveals its primary components: filtered carbonated water, pure cane sugar, and a combination of natural flavors, along with specific additives for color and preservation. This craft soda's profile is notable for its use of cane sugar, which contributes to its signature creamy flavor and smooth finish.

Key Points

• Core Ingredients: Fitz's root beer primarily contains filtered carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavors, and vanillin, along with color and preservatives.

• Pure Cane Sugar: Unlike many competitors, Fitz's uses pure cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which results in a cleaner, smoother finish.

• Secret Natural Flavors: The specific roots, spices, and barks making up the "natural flavors" are a proprietary, closely guarded secret, contributing to its unique taste.

• Creamy Profile: The flavor profile is noted for its exceptional smoothness and creamy texture, often attributed to the use of vanillin and the specific natural flavors.

• Draft and Bottled: Fitz's root beer is available both bottled and as a draft beverage at their restaurants, where it is served from kegs for optimal flavor.

• Long-Standing Tradition: The recipe for Fitz's root beer has been in use since 1947, and the company is known for its vintage approach to soda bottling.

• St. Louis Heritage: The brand is a beloved institution in St. Louis, with its history deeply tied to the city and its culinary culture.

Fitz's root beer stands out in the crowded soda market for its adherence to a traditional, 1947 recipe and its use of high-quality ingredients, particularly pure cane sugar. While many mass-produced sodas have switched to high-fructose corn syrup, Fitz's maintains its creamy, classic taste profile through its original formula.

The Core Components of Fitz's Root Beer

At its foundation, Fitz's root beer is a combination of several key ingredients that contribute to its unique flavor and feel. The primary liquid base is filtered carbonated water, which ensures a clean, pure taste and the soda's signature effervescence. The sweetener used is pure cane sugar, a choice that significantly impacts the flavor, providing a cleaner, less cloying sweetness than corn syrup and contributing to a smoother finish.

The most secretive aspect of the recipe lies in its natural flavors, which are a proprietary blend of various roots, spices, and barks. While the exact combination is a closely guarded secret, traditional root beers often include extracts from sarsaparilla, wintergreen, and licorice root, which are likely contributors to Fitz's rich and creamy profile. These natural flavor extracts are what give the beverage its distinctive root beer character.

The Role of Additives in the Recipe

Several other ingredients are included to perfect the soda's taste, appearance, and shelf life. One of these is vanillin, a compound that mimics the flavor of vanilla. This ingredient is crucial for providing the sweet, creamy, and smooth undertones that reviewers often praise. Caramel color is used to give the beverage its rich, dark brown appearance. The use of citric acid provides a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the cane sugar and vanillin.

Finally, sodium benzoate is added as a preservative to ensure freshness and extend the soda's shelf life. Some ingredient lists also mention quillaia, an extract from the soapbark tree, which is sometimes used as a natural foaming agent.

The Brewing Process and Taste

Fitz's brewing process is part of its charm. The company operates a bottling line that is visible to diners at its Delmar Loop restaurant in St. Louis. The root beer is micro-brewed and served from kegs, allowing for a superior, draft-style taste. The combination of premium ingredients and this specific brewing method results in a product known for its incredible smoothness and thick, creamy texture.

Fitz's Root Beer vs. Mass-Market Root Beer

Feature	Fitz's Root Beer	Mass-Market Root Beer
Sweetener	Pure Cane Sugar	High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Flavoring	Natural Flavors (Secret Blend)	Natural and/or Artificial Flavors
Mouthfeel	Creamy, Smooth, Thick	Often lighter, less complex
Brewing Method	Micro-brewed, vintage equipment	Large-scale, commercial production
Taste Profile	Strong vanilla notes, well-balanced	Often a generic, sweet taste

The Significance of Cane Sugar

In the world of craft soda, the use of cane sugar is a key differentiator. The molecular structure of cane sugar provides a different sweetness profile compared to high-fructose corn syrup, which many taste testers and enthusiasts can detect. Cane sugar allows the more subtle notes of the natural flavors to come through, creating a more complex and satisfying beverage.

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients in Fitz's root beer—filtered carbonated water, pure cane sugar, a proprietary blend of natural flavors, vanillin, caramel color, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and sometimes quillaia—work in harmony to produce its distinct, creamy, and nostalgic flavor. By sticking to its original 1947 recipe and opting for premium ingredients like pure cane sugar, Fitz's has created a high-quality craft soda that remains a favorite among enthusiasts. While the specific natural flavors remain a secret, the overall composition and brewing process contribute to its rich, smooth, and satisfying taste profile, setting it apart from many of its mass-market competitors. For more information on the history and production of Fitz's, you can visit their official website.

The Ingredients of Fitz's Root Beer

• Filtered Carbonated Water: The primary base of the soda, ensuring purity and providing the effervescence.
• Pure Cane Sugar: Provides a clean, smooth sweetness that enhances the natural flavors.
• Natural Flavors: A proprietary and secretive blend of roots, spices, and barks that gives the root beer its signature taste.
• Vanillin: Adds a key creamy, vanilla-like aroma and flavor to the soda.
• Caramel Color: Gives the beverage its characteristic dark, rich brown appearance.
• Sodium Benzoate: A preservative that extends the product's shelf life.
• Citric Acid: Offers a balancing tartness to the sweet flavor profile.
• Quillaia (Sometimes Included): A natural foaming agent that contributes to the soda's head.

Keypoints

• Core Ingredients: Fitz's root beer primarily contains filtered carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural flavors, and vanillin, along with color and preservatives.
• Pure Cane Sugar: Unlike many competitors, Fitz's uses pure cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, which results in a cleaner, smoother finish.
• Secret Natural Flavors: The specific roots, spices, and barks making up the "natural flavors" are a proprietary, closely guarded secret, contributing to its unique taste.
• Creamy Profile: The flavor profile is noted for its exceptional smoothness and creamy texture, often attributed to the use of vanillin and the specific natural flavors.
• Draft and Bottled: Fitz's root beer is available both bottled and as a draft beverage at their restaurants, where it is served from kegs for optimal flavor.
• Long-Standing Tradition: The recipe for Fitz's root beer has been in use since 1947, and the company is known for its vintage approach to soda bottling.
• St. Louis Heritage: The brand is a beloved institution in St. Louis, with its history deeply tied to the city and its culinary culture.

Faqs

• Is Fitz's root beer made with real root extracts? Yes, Fitz's root beer uses a proprietary blend of natural flavors, which includes extracts from select natural roots, spices, and barks, following their original 1947 recipe.
• Does Fitz's root beer contain high-fructose corn syrup? No, Fitz's root beer is famously sweetened exclusively with pure cane sugar, contributing to its clean taste and creamy finish.
• Is Fitz's root beer gluten-free? Based on its ingredients of filtered carbonated water, cane sugar, natural flavors, and other additives, Fitz's root beer does not contain gluten. However, for severe allergies, it is best to check the latest label.
• Is Fitz's root beer vegan? Fitz's root beer is generally considered vegan, as its ingredients do not typically derive from animal products. The use of pure cane sugar is a preference for some vegans, but it is not processed with bone char.
• What gives Fitz's root beer its creamy taste? The creamy taste comes from a combination of pure cane sugar, the natural flavor blend, and the addition of vanillin, a compound that imparts a vanilla-like smoothness.
• Where is Fitz's root beer produced? Fitz's root beer is bottled at the Fitz's American Grill & Bottling Works in the Delmar Loop area of St. Louis, Missouri.
• What other products does Fitz's make? In addition to its flagship root beer, Fitz's also produces a variety of other soda flavors, such as diet root beer, cream soda, grape pop, and orange pop.

Citations

• Fitz's Premium Root Beer, 12 fl oz, 24 ct | Costco. https://www.costcobusinessdelivery.com/fitz%E2%80%99s-premium-root-beer%2C-12-fl-oz%2C-24-ct.product.2001157935.html
• Fitz'S Root Beer - / Oz Glass Bottles - Fig App. https://foodisgood.com/product/fitzs-root-beer-oz-glass-bottles/
• History - Fitz's Root Beer. https://fitzsrootbeer.com/history/
• Fitz's - The Delmar Loop. https://visittheloop.com/delmar-loop/business/fitzs/
• Fitz's - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fitz%27s
• History - Fitz's Root Beer. https://fitzsrootbeer.com/history/
• Fitz Root Beer | Straub's Market. https://www.straubs.com/product/fitz-root-beer
• Root Beer | Fitz's. https://fitzsrootbeer.com/product/root-beer/
• Fitz's Draft Sodas: Premium Root Beer - BevNET.com. https://www.bevnet.com/brands/fitz/Premium_Root_Beer_
• Fitz’s Premium Root Beer - WordPress.com. https://rootbeerreviews.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/fitzs-premium-root-beer/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fitz's root beer made with real root extracts?

Yes, Fitz's root beer uses a proprietary blend of natural flavors, which includes extracts from select natural roots, spices, and barks, following their original 1947 recipe.

Does Fitz's root beer contain high-fructose corn syrup?

No, Fitz's root beer is famously sweetened exclusively with pure cane sugar, contributing to its clean taste and creamy finish.

Is Fitz's root beer gluten-free?

Based on its ingredients of filtered carbonated water, cane sugar, natural flavors, and other additives, Fitz's root beer does not contain gluten. However, for severe allergies, it is best to check the latest label.

Is Fitz's root beer vegan?

Fitz's root beer is generally considered vegan, as its ingredients do not typically derive from animal products. The use of pure cane sugar is a preference for some vegans, but it is not processed with bone char.

What gives Fitz's root beer its creamy taste?

The creamy taste comes from a combination of pure cane sugar, the natural flavor blend, and the addition of vanillin, a compound that imparts a vanilla-like smoothness.

Where is Fitz's root beer produced?

Fitz's root beer is bottled at the Fitz's American Grill & Bottling Works in the Delmar Loop area of St. Louis, Missouri.

What other products does Fitz's make?

In addition to its flagship root beer, Fitz's also produces a variety of other soda flavors, such as diet root beer, cream soda, grape pop, and orange pop.