Understanding Your Choices: Which Root Beers Have No Caffeine?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Most root beer brands are naturally caffeine-free, a detail that is often overlooked but important for those managing their caffeine intake. However, the assumption that all root beers contain no caffeine can be a mistake, as a few notable exceptions exist, making it crucial to know which root beers have no caffeine when adhering to a specific nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caffeine content of popular root beer brands, highlighting that most major brands like A&W and Mug are caffeine-free, while others, most famously Barq's, are caffeinated. A detailed look at ingredients, diet versions, and nutritional considerations is provided to help consumers make knowledgeable dietary choices. Always read labels to confirm a beverage's contents.

Key Points

Most Root Beers Are Caffeine-Free: Brands like A&W, Mug, Dad's, and IBC offer classic root beer flavor without any added caffeine.
Barq's is the Main Exception: Regular Barq's Root Beer contains approximately 22 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, giving it its characteristic 'bite'.
Diet Versions are Often Caffeine-Free: Even brands like Barq's that have caffeinated standard versions typically produce caffeine-free diet or zero-sugar alternatives.
Always Check the Label: To be certain of caffeine content, read the ingredients list on the packaging, as some smaller or specialty brands may add caffeine.
Sassafras was Banned: The original root beer flavor, sassafras, was banned by the FDA in 1960, and modern root beers use alternative flavorings like wintergreen and vanilla.
Consider Sugar Content: For dietary purposes, a high-sugar load is a key nutritional aspect to consider in standard root beers; diet versions offer a sugar-free alternative.

The Surprising World of Root Beer and Caffeine

For many, root beer is a nostalgic and refreshing treat, often enjoyed during family outings or as part of a classic ice cream float. While most people understand that cola-style sodas contain caffeine, there is a common misconception that all root beer is entirely caffeine-free. This is not the case, and for individuals sensitive to caffeine or following a specific nutrition diet, knowing the exceptions is vital. While a traditional root beer recipe does not naturally include caffeine, some manufacturers deliberately add it to their products. The key to navigating this is simple: always check the label.

Common Caffeine-Free Root Beer Brands

Fortunately, the market is filled with excellent options for those who want to enjoy the sweet, creamy flavor of root beer without the stimulant. The list of caffeine-free brands is long and includes many of the most well-known names in the soda industry. These brands achieve their unique flavor profiles using a blend of artificial and natural flavors, including wintergreen, vanilla, and licorice root, which replaced the now-banned sassafras.

Some of the most popular brands with no caffeine include:

A&W Root Beer and Diet A&W Root Beer
Mug Root Beer and Diet Mug Root Beer
Dad's Root Beer and Diet Dad's Root Beer
IBC Root Beer
Sprecher Root Beer (standard version)
Jones Soda Co. Root Beer
Shasta Root Beer

Even within a single brand, the caffeine content can differ between products. For instance, while Sprecher's standard root beer is caffeine-free, the company also offers a 'Rev'd Up Root Beer' that is specifically caffeinated. This underscores the importance of not making assumptions and taking a moment to read the nutritional information.

The Caffeinated Exception: Barq's

If there is one root beer brand synonymous with a caffeine boost, it is Barq's. Their slogan, "Barq's has bite!", directly refers to the inclusion of caffeine. A standard 12-ounce can of regular Barq's Root Beer contains approximately 22 mg of caffeine. While this is a small amount compared to a cup of coffee (which can have over 90 mg), it is enough to impact those with a low tolerance or a condition that requires caffeine avoidance. However, it is important to note that the diet or zero-sugar version of Barq's is caffeine-free. This fact makes label-reading even more critical for this particular brand.

Making Health-Conscious Choices

Beyond caffeine, it is important to consider the overall nutritional impact of root beer as part of a diet. Most standard root beers are high in sugar and calories, primarily from high fructose corn syrup. For many people, a balanced diet includes limiting excessive sugar intake to prevent health issues like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. The good news is that diet and zero-sugar root beer options are readily available from most major brands, using artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose instead of sugar. These options allow for the enjoyment of the flavor with fewer calories and no sugar, though some research suggests potential downsides to consuming artificial sweeteners.

Why Ingredients Matter

Modern root beer has evolved significantly since its medicinal, sassafras-based origins. Following the 1960 FDA ban on safrole (a compound in sassafras found to be carcinogenic in rats), manufacturers began using alternative flavorings to mimic the traditional taste. Today's commercial recipes often include a cocktail of carbonated water, sweeteners, caramel coloring, and flavor protectants like Quillaia extract, which also helps create the signature foamy head. For those interested in a more 'natural' beverage, craft root beers and small-batch brands often use a wider variety of spices and natural extracts, although they should still be checked for both caffeine and sugar content.

Caffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Root Beer


Feature	Most Caffeine-Free Root Beers	Barq's Regular Root Beer
Caffeine Content (12 oz)	0 mg	Approx. 22 mg
Diet/Zero-Sugar Version	Also caffeine-free	Also caffeine-free
Primary Goal	Traditional, classic flavor profile	Known for its distinctive 'bite'
Flavoring Base	Mix of natural/artificial flavors (vanilla, wintergreen)	Blend of flavors, with added caffeine
Target Audience	Broad, including children and sensitive individuals	Those who enjoy a caffeinated soft drink

Conclusion

While root beer is often perceived as a uniform, caffeine-free beverage, the reality is that the caffeine content varies by brand. The vast majority of popular root beers, including A&W, Mug, and Dad's, contain no caffeine and are safe options for those avoiding the stimulant. The primary and well-known exception is regular Barq's Root Beer, which contains a small amount of added caffeine. Diet and zero-sugar versions of caffeinated root beers are typically caffeine-free, offering an alternative for those still craving the flavor. For a healthy nutrition diet, it is always best practice to check the ingredient label and consider the sugar content, choosing diet options when necessary. Understanding these differences empowers consumers to make informed and health-conscious choices without sacrificing a beloved flavor.

Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website for more information on food and beverage regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all root beer is caffeine-free, although the vast majority of commercial brands are. The most notable exception is regular Barq's Root Beer, which contains approximately 22mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can.

No, A&W Root Beer is caffeine-free. Both the standard and diet versions of A&W root beer do not contain caffeine, making them a safe choice for those avoiding stimulants.

Regular Barq's Root Beer contains approximately 22 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce serving. However, the diet and zero-sugar versions of Barq's are caffeine-free.

Barq's is one of the few root beer brands that adds caffeine to its regular formula to give it its distinctive 'bite'. Most traditional root beer recipes do not naturally include caffeine from their original root and spice ingredients.

Besides A&W, popular caffeine-free brands include Mug Root Beer, Dad's Root Beer, IBC Root Beer, Jones Soda Co. Root Beer, and Sprecher Root Beer (standard).

Generally, yes. Most diet and zero-sugar root beers, including those from brands that have caffeinated standard versions like Barq's, are made without caffeine.

Following the FDA's ban on sassafras due to a carcinogenic compound called safrole, modern commercial root beers use a blend of natural and artificial flavors. Common ingredients include wintergreen, vanilla, and licorice root.