Which Root Beers Do Not Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 study by UC Davis, beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup may have no significant health difference compared to cane sugar, but flavor is another matter. For many enthusiasts, the search for root beers that do not have high fructose corn syrup is driven by a preference for a cleaner, richer flavor profile and a desire to avoid artificial additives. This guide provides a comprehensive list of brands that opt for more traditional sweeteners.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer root beer sweetened with cane sugar or other natural alternatives instead of high fructose corn syrup. These options are popular with consumers seeking a purer flavor and avoiding cheap, processed sweeteners. Brands like Fitz's, Sprecher, and Jones are known for their use of real cane sugar, providing a different taste experience.

Key Points

Check the Label: To find root beers that do not have high fructose corn syrup, always check the ingredients list for 'cane sugar', 'pure cane sugar', or 'honey'.
Explore Craft Brands: Craft soda companies like Fitz's and Sprecher are reliable sources for HFCS-free root beer, often prioritizing natural, higher-quality ingredients.
Understand the Flavor: Root beers with cane sugar often have a smoother, richer, and more balanced flavor profile compared to the often sharper, single-note sweetness of HFCS-sweetened sodas.
Be Aware of Variances: Some major brand names, like A&W, may use cane sugar in their restaurant offerings but HFCS in their mass-market bottled products, so always verify the specific item.
Consider Sweetener Alternatives: For those seeking to avoid sugar entirely, brands like Zevia offer HFCS-free, zero-calorie root beer sweetened with stevia.
Support Ingredient Transparency: Choosing brands that avoid cheap, processed syrups supports a market shift towards more transparent and authentic ingredient sourcing.

Why Choose Root Beer Without High Fructose Corn Syrup?

For many decades, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been the dominant sweetener in the soft drink industry, largely due to its low cost. However, a growing number of consumers are seeking alternatives for taste and ingredient transparency. While health studies show mixed results on whether HFCS is significantly more detrimental than table sugar, many appreciate the flavor and mouthfeel of a soda made with pure cane sugar. Cane sugar can offer a smoother, more balanced sweetness that allows the complex, spiced flavors of root beer to shine through. The shift back to traditional sweeteners reflects a broader trend toward craft beverages and clean eating.

Notable Brands Using Real Cane Sugar

Fitz's Root Beer: This craft soda maker explicitly states they do not use high fructose corn syrup, relying instead on real cane sugar for their traditional root beer flavor.
Sprecher: A well-regarded craft brewer, Sprecher makes their root beer with real Wisconsin honey, offering a unique and rich flavor profile.
Jones Soda: Known for its quirky labels, Jones uses cane sugar across its product line, including its root beer, providing a simple, authentic taste.
Saint Arnold Root Beer: Made with Imperial Cane Sugar, this craft offering delivers a big, sweet, and flavorful taste without any HFCS.
IBC Root Beer: Often found nationally, IBC is known for its sweet flavor derived from cane sugar, a quality appreciated by those who prefer a less rooty, smoother taste.
Abita Root Beer: This Louisiana-based company is known for its classic-tasting root beer, which is sweetened with cane sugar and offers a smooth, creamy finish.

A Comparison of Root Beer Sweeteners


Feature	Cane Sugar Root Beer	HFCS Root Beer
Sweetener Source	Derived from sugar cane.	Derived from corn starch.
Flavor Profile	Often described as cleaner, richer, and more balanced, allowing spiced notes to be prominent.	Can be intensely sweet and potentially less nuanced, with some perceiving a sharper taste.
Mouthfeel	Provides a smoother and more substantial mouthfeel.	Can feel thinner or less complex in texture.
Cost	Generally more expensive to produce and purchase.	Cheaper for manufacturers, which often results in lower retail prices.
Ingredient Transparency	Seen as a more natural, less processed ingredient, appealing to clean-eating trends.	Viewed by many as a less natural, more industrial ingredient, despite FDA safety assessments.
Availability	More common among craft and premium brands.	Prevalent in mass-market, budget-friendly options.

Reading the Label for an HFCS-Free Root Beer

To find a root beer that does not have high fructose corn syrup, simply checking the ingredients list on the packaging is the most effective method. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid:

Look for: "Cane Sugar," "Pure Cane Sugar," "Real Sugar," or "Honey." Some brands might list "Evaporated Cane Juice".
Avoid: "High Fructose Corn Syrup," "HFCS," or simply "Corn Syrup".

Sometimes a brand may offer both an HFCS-sweetened and a cane sugar version, or a diet version that uses artificial sweeteners. A&W is a prime example; while their restaurant-made root beer uses real cane sugar, their canned and bottled products for retail distribution traditionally contain HFCS. Always verify the ingredients on the specific product you intend to purchase.

The Rise of Healthier Options

Beyond traditional cane sugar, some companies are now experimenting with other natural sweeteners or low-sugar options. For instance, brands like Zevia and Olipop use alternative sweeteners such as stevia, resulting in a zero-calorie, HFCS-free product. While these don't replicate the exact flavor of a sugar-sweetened root beer, they represent a growing market for conscious consumers.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sip

Your preference for a root beer that does not have high fructose corn syrup may stem from a desire for a particular flavor, a commitment to natural ingredients, or a combination of both. Fortunately, the market now offers a wide array of excellent choices, from dedicated craft sodas to specific cane sugar versions of classic brands. Reading labels is key, and with a little effort, you can find a delicious, authentic-tasting root beer that meets your criteria. The exploration of these cane-sugar varieties is a rewarding journey for any root beer aficionado, often leading to new favorites and a deeper appreciation for the craft of soda making. You can find many of these craft options in specialty food stores or online retailers.

Visit the Saint Arnold Brewing Company for more information on their cane sugar root beer.

Finding Quality Root Beer Without HFCS

Popular brands using natural sweeteners

The flavor difference between cane sugar and HFCS

Health implications of common sweeteners

How to read ingredient labels effectively

The growth of the craft soda market

The craft soda market's growth and availability

The benefits of choosing natural cane sugar over processed syrups

How brands communicate their ingredients to consumers

Identifying a brand's commitment to quality ingredients

The role of tradition and flavor in beverage production

Finalizing your healthier root beer selection

The importance of consumer education on ingredient lists

Frequently Asked Questions

A&W root beer sold in retail bottles and cans typically contains high fructose corn syrup, while the root beer made fresh in A&W restaurants is sweetened with real cane sugar.

While many craft soda makers pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients like cane sugar, it's not a universal rule. Always check the ingredient list, as some smaller brands may still use HFCS for cost reasons.

From a caloric perspective, they are similar, and both are considered added sugars that should be consumed in moderation. Some studies suggest HFCS may have unique metabolic effects, but overall, experts emphasize limiting all added sugar intake.

Around the 1980s, major beverage companies switched to high fructose corn syrup because government subsidies for corn made it significantly cheaper than cane sugar. It became the standard for many mass-produced sodas in the U.S.

Look at the ingredient label. The packaging should list "cane sugar," "pure cane sugar," or "real sugar" as the primary sweetener. If it lists "high fructose corn syrup," or simply "corn syrup," it contains HFCS.

Some brands use alternative sweeteners like honey (e.g., Sprecher) or stevia (e.g., Zevia) to produce HFCS-free root beer. Honey adds a distinct flavor, while stevia-sweetened versions are often zero-calorie.

No, not necessarily. Many historic brands made the switch to HFCS decades ago for cost-efficiency. It's newer craft brands and premium products that are more likely to have reverted to cane sugar for a higher-quality, authentic flavor profile.