Curious about Barq’s root beer caffeine content? While most root beers are caffeine-free, Barq’s adds a little buzz with 22 mg per 12-ounce can. Discover which root beers have caffeine and which don’t in our detailed guide.
Root beer is a fizzy soda made with water,sweetener, and sassafras root or extract. You might also see recipes featuringginger, licorice, or dandelion root — though today’s store-bought root beer usually relies on artificial flavors and colorings.
None of these ingredients contain caffeine, but some manufacturers add it to their sodas.
Read on to find out which brands will get you buzzy and which won’t.
Does root beer have caffeine?
Again, most root beers don’t have caffeine since none of the ingredients in traditional or modern recipes naturally contain any. You have plenty of options if you’re looking for a sweet soda that won’t make you jittery.
Some popular brands of root beer without caffeine include:
If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re able to brew your own natural root beer at home with sassafras.
What about sarsaparilla?
Sarsaparilla and root beer are sometimes referred to interchangeably, but they’re not the same drink. The difference between root beer and sarsaparilla is that root beer derives its flavor from sassafras root, while sarsaparilla is made from the sarsaparilla vine.
Like root beer, sarsaparilla doesn’t contain caffeine unless it’s added.
What root beer has caffeine?
If you’ve ever seen or heard commercials for Barq’s root beer, you’ll remember the brand’s catchy slogan: “Barq’s has bite!” This doesn’t just refer to the soda’s zingy taste. Barq’s is one of the few root beer brands to add caffeine to their product.
Even though Barq’s includes a pop of stimulant, it’s not that much. A 12-ounce can contains 22 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. That’s a fairly small amount compared to commercialenergy drinks, coffee, or other sodas. For comparison, a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola has34 mgof caffeine, an 8-ounce cup of coffee has about92 mg, and a 12-ounce Red Bull has107 mg.
TheFood and Drug Administration(FDA) recommends a daily limit of 400 mg of caffeine. So, a can of Barq’s on its own won’t put you over that line. Oh, and thediet versionof Barq’s is caffeine-free.
Other brands, though, contain higher levels. If you’re looking for a soda with oomph, check out these brands of root beer with caffeine:
How to check soda for caffeine content
Unlike fat, carbs, protein, and other nutrients, caffeine content isn’t a required line item on thenutrition facts label. So how can you decipher how much you’re getting when you reach for a cold bottle of root beer?
First, if you know you don’t want any extra pep with your soda. Stick to brands that clearly state they don’t add caffeine to their sodas.
If, on the other hand, you’d like a root beer pick-me-up, you’ll need to do a little sleuthing for answers. Responsible food manufacturers should list their products’ caffeine content online.
And if all else fails, you’re able to experiment with various brands to seehow perky you feelafter drinking. Though, this prob isn’t the best method. Caffeine’s effectiveness usually peaks 30-60 minutes after consumption, so pay attention to your energy levels within that window. Trial and error should give you a sense of which root beers give you the energy boost you’re looking for.
Want your sweet fizz with buzz or without? Either way, you’ve got plenty of appealing choices for root beer floats, mocktails, and barbecue sipping.
As you take your pro- or anti-caffeine stance, remember to drink root beer in moderation. The refinedsugarsadd up fast which can lead to gnarly sugar crashes and an increased risk of various health concerns.
