Root Beer: Healthy Beverage Choice Or Not?

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink that is typically non-alcoholic and caffeine-free. It has a large fan base due to its light and crisp taste. While it is widely preferred over diet soda, root beer contains a lot of ingredients that make it unhealthy. The high sugar content in root beer can cause weight gain and lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes. It can also erode tooth enamel, weaken teeth, and cause tooth decay. The caffeine in some root beers can cause insomnia, and in excess, can induce nervousness and restlessness. Additionally, the caramel colouring in root beer has been listed as a cancer-causing agent in California. While traditional root beer ingredients like sassafras, sarsaparilla, wintergreen leaf, and licorice root were once believed to have medicinal properties, the consumption of root beer more than a couple of times a week can negatively impact health.

Root beer's high sugar content

Root beer has long been considered a healthy drink. In the 19th century, pharmacists would create cure-all drinks, often containing liquids with roots, berries, bark, and flavourings. Many of the herbs, roots, and berries used to make root beer were thought to have medicinal or healing properties. For example, sassafras, an ingredient in traditional root beer, was used as a diuretic and thought to cleanse the blood and promote skin health. Root beer was also marketed as a healthy alternative to beer during the temperance movement in the 19th century.

However, root beer contains a lot of sugar, which is not good for health. The sugar content in root beer can cause weight gain and lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes. It can also erode tooth enamel, weaken teeth, and cause tooth decay. While it is fine to consume root beer occasionally, drinking it more than a couple of times a week can affect your health and cause weight gain.

Some craft brands of root beer are lower in sugar, but not by much. Root beer is also often high in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which can lead to similar health issues as high sugar content.

Caffeine in root beer

Most root beer is caffeine-free, however, some brands do contain caffeine. If you are trying to cut caffeine from your diet, consuming caffeinated root beer may negatively impact your diet plan.

Barq's is the most notable root beer brand that contains caffeine. The regular variety contains around 22 mg in each 12-ounce (355-ml) can. However, the diet version contains none. For reference, a typical 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of coffee contains approximately 96 mg of caffeine, which is about 4 times the amount in a can of Barq's.

Other caffeinated root beer brands include Rat Bastard and Beaver Buzz, which makes a root beer energy drink.

Effects of Caffeine

The caffeine present in caffeinated root beer can make it hard for you to sleep at night. It can also stain your teeth if you regularly drink it. If you are also consuming coffee, you are consuming more caffeine, which in excess, can make you nervous and restless. It can also lead to frequent trips to the bathroom and cause dehydration.

Artificial flavourings and colourings

Root beer is a typically non-alcoholic, carbonated, sweet drink that is popular in North America. While it is usually non-alcoholic, some root beers contain up to 2% alcohol, and stronger alcoholic versions also exist.

The drink is now made with artificial flavourings, as the original sassafras ingredient was found to have cancer-causing properties and was banned in the US in 1960.

The artificial flavourings added to root beer to enhance its flavour can have negative health impacts. Consuming root beer occasionally is fine, but drinking it more than a couple of times a week can affect your health, cause weight gain, and lead to other health problems such as obesity and chronic illnesses.

The caramel colouring added to root beer has also been flagged as a potential carcinogen. California's list of cancer-causing agents includes the caramel colouring process.

While root beer was originally developed as a medicinal drink, the modern version is not a healthy option. The drink is high in sugar, which can cause weight gain and lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes. The sugar content can also erode tooth enamel, weaken teeth, and cause tooth decay.

Some craft brands are lower in sugar, but the mainstream versions are not healthy. Root beer is still just sugar water, and while it usually doesn't have caffeine, some brands do include it.

Health benefits of traditional ingredients

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated drink that is typically non-alcoholic and caffeine-free. While it is not considered a healthy drink due to its high sugar content, traditional root beer ingredients have been associated with various health benefits.

Sassafras, the primary ingredient in traditional root beer, was historically used as a diuretic, blood cleanser, and skin health promoter. It was also believed to be a cure-all, with indigenous cultures in North America using it to prepare beverages and remedies. Sarsaparilla, another traditional root beer ingredient, was used to beautify the complexion and as a diuretic. Wintergreen leaf, also included in root beer recipes, was thought to prevent gas, ease digestion, and soothe nerve pain.

Additionally, licorice root, which is often used in root beer, has been studied for its potential benefits in treating digestive issues and ulcers. Other traditional ingredients in root beer, such as ginger, dandelion, hops, and birch, have also been used in herbal medicine. These ingredients contribute to the unique flavor profile of root beer and were initially chosen for their perceived health benefits.

While modern commercial root beers may not offer the same health benefits as these traditional ingredients, consuming root beer made with natural sweeteners like honey or molasses can provide a healthier option with lower sugar content and antioxidants.

Alcohol content

Root beer is typically a non-alcoholic drink, although it can contain up to 2% alcohol if made using the traditional process. This small alcohol percentage can be increased to make a stronger alcoholic drink. Root beer was originally marketed as a healthy alternative to beer, particularly during the temperance movement and Prohibition in the United States. It was also advertised as having medicinal qualities, able to cure ailments such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, and diphtheria.

The alcohol in root beer comes from the root bark of the sassafras tree or the vine of Smilax ornata (sarsaparilla), which gives the drink its flavour. In 1960, the safrole present in sassafras was found to have cancer-causing properties and was banned in the United States. As a result, root beer is now made with artificial flavourings.

If you want to avoid drinking an alcoholic version of root beer, it is important to check the labels before purchasing. If someone offers you root beer, ask if it is a non-alcoholic drink or if it contains alcohol. Strong alcoholic root beer can make you drunk.

Frequently asked questions