Why is Barq's cream soda red?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Barq's history, the distinct red color in their cream soda is the result of a creative experiment by a plant manager in Cincinnati during the 1930s. What started as a local variation became a national sensation, and the decision to make Barq's cream soda red was purely for aesthetic appeal rather than a change in flavor.

Quick Summary

The red hue in Barq's cream soda was originally an aesthetic choice made by a Cincinnati bottler in the 1930s. The added food coloring, primarily Red 40, was included to appeal to younger consumers. This regional innovation was so successful that it was eventually adopted nationally, making the red version the more popular variant.

Key Points

Origin: The red color was an experimental change made by a Cincinnati bottler in the 1930s, not part of the original recipe.
Key Ingredient: The color comes from the food coloring Red 40 (Allura Red).
Flavor vs. Color: The red color was added for aesthetic appeal, though many associate it with a unique fruity, bubblegum-like flavor profile.
Regional Influence: The success of the red variant in Cincinnati led to its national adoption by the parent company.
Market Strategy: The vibrant color was an effective marketing tool, particularly aimed at children.
Controversy: The use of artificial coloring like Red 40 has faced scrutiny from consumers concerned about health effects.

The Story Behind the Red Hue

Barq's, a brand with over 120 years of history, is primarily known for its root beer, but its red cream soda holds a special place in the hearts of many soda enthusiasts. The creation of the distinctive red version is a fascinating tale that begins far from the company's Biloxi, Mississippi headquarters. In the 1930s, at a Barq's franchise bottling plant in Cincinnati, manager Richard Tuttle decided to add red food dye to the standard amber-colored cream soda. He believed the vibrant color would be more appealing to children and help differentiate the drink in a competitive market. The change was an instant hit, and the local popularity of the red cream soda exploded. Seeing its success, the parent company in Biloxi decided to incorporate the red dye into the concentrate distributed to all their bottling franchises, solidifying the red cream soda as a permanent fixture of the brand.

The Ingredients that Give it its Color

The vibrant, ruby-red color is not a natural byproduct of the drink's flavoring but comes from added food coloring. The primary ingredient responsible for the red color is Red 40, also known as Allura Red (E129). Red 40 is an artificial coloring agent widely used in the food and beverage industry to achieve a bright red shade. While the color is the most obvious difference, the flavor profile is also distinct. Unlike the more traditional, vanilla-forward cream sodas, Barq's red version has a sweeter, fruitier, almost bubblegum-like flavor profile, which some fans prefer.

The Evolution of Cream Soda Colors

Cream soda hasn't always been red, or even amber. The color of cream soda varies greatly by region and brand, and it is a testament to the drink's versatility. The earliest versions were often clear, with the name referring to its smooth, creamy mouthfeel, rather than its color. Over time, regional preferences and branding strategies led to the development of different colored variants. For example, some brands in the Midwest, like Faygo, also have a popular red pop, while many national brands offer a clear or amber-colored version. The addition of color is a marketing tool, but the flavor is the real star of the show. It's important to remember that, regardless of color, the signature smooth, creamy taste comes from vanilla and other flavorings, not actual cream.

Comparing Different Cream Soda Varieties


Attribute	Barq's Red Cream Soda	Traditional Cream Soda (e.g., A&W)	Regional Red Pop (e.g., Faygo Redpop)
Color	Red (due to Red 40)	Golden/Amber or Clear	Red (varies by brand)
Primary Flavor Profile	Creamy, sweet, and often described as having a unique fruity or bubblegum note.	Classic vanilla flavor, often with caramel notes for color and taste.	Sweet cherry/strawberry flavor, distinct from cream soda's traditional profile.
Origin	Created in Cincinnati, adopted nationally.	Classic American soda, origins trace back to the 19th century.	Primarily a regional favorite in the Midwest, with a bubblegum/cherry flavor.
Key Ingredient	Contains Red 40 for color.	Typically uses caramel color.	Often uses red dye, similar to Red 40.

Why the Color Controversy?

The use of artificial food dyes, particularly Red 40, has faced scrutiny over the years. Some studies have raised concerns about the potential effects of artificial coloring on children's behavior, leading to increased demand for natural ingredients from some consumers. Barq's, now owned by The Coca-Cola Company, continues to use Red 40 in its red cream soda, appealing to a loyal fanbase who associate the unique color with the nostalgic flavor. This loyalty demonstrates that for many, the distinct red hue is an integral part of the soda's identity, and a change would not be welcomed. The choice to retain the red color is a balance between consumer tradition and modern health concerns, a tension many food and beverage companies navigate today.

Conclusion

In summary, the reason why Barq's cream soda is red is a fascinating blend of regional innovation, successful marketing, and the enduring power of nostalgia. What began as a simple experiment by a Cincinnati bottler decades ago became a defining feature of the brand. The addition of Red 40 food coloring was a brilliant marketing move that appealed to a specific demographic and set it apart from other sodas on the market. While the color is artificial, it has become inseparable from the unique flavor profile that millions of consumers love. It's a testament to how a small creative decision can have a long-lasting impact on a product's identity and market success.

Check out the Coca-Cola website for official product information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Barq's Red Cream Soda has a distinct fruity, often described as bubblegum-like, flavor profile, which differs from the more traditional vanilla taste of clear or amber cream sodas.

Red 40, also known as Allura Red, is an artificial food dye used to give foods and drinks a red color. In the case of Barq's, it was added to create a visually appealing product that would attract consumers.

Yes, originally Barq's cream soda was amber-colored, similar to its root beer counterpart, before the red dye was added by a Cincinnati bottler.

While the red color was initially added without altering the flavor, the public now associates the distinct fruity taste with the red hue, and the recipe has since evolved to create that flavor profile.

Barq's Red Cream Soda is widely available in the United States, though its availability can vary by region. It is particularly popular in the Cincinnati area, where it originated.

Companies use artificial colors for brand identity, product differentiation, and aesthetic appeal. In the case of Barq's, the red color was a deliberate marketing choice to make the product stand out.

Some studies have indicated that artificial food dyes, including Red 40, may be linked to adverse effects on children's activity and attention. This has led to debate and regulatory considerations in some countries.

The name 'cream soda' comes from the drink's smooth, creamy texture and vanilla-forward flavor, which was traditionally achieved using vanilla and sweeteners rather than dairy cream.