Root Beer Buying: Where To Find The Best Brews

Root beer is a unique beverage with a distinct flavour that can be challenging to find in some parts of the world. In the UK, for example, the options for purchasing root beer are limited, and it is typically more expensive than in the US. However, several retailers offer a variety of root beer brands, providing enthusiasts with a range of choices. Tesco, for instance, stocks Boylans in the American aisle, while Sainsbury's offers Soda Folk in the euro aisle, and Asda has its own six-pack of cans. Online retailers like Amazon provide a broader selection, including A&W, Tropical Sun, and Hartridges, among others. Chinese supermarkets also sell Asian A&W, which some prefer over the American version. For those seeking a restaurant experience, Hickory's Smokehouse serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic root beer floats. While the variety and availability of root beer in the UK may not match that of the US, dedicated fans can still find options to satisfy their cravings.

Tesco and Waitrose

Tesco stocks a variety of root beer options, including Boylans, which can be found in the American aisle, and Tropical Sun American Style Root Beer. Tesco also offers Bundaberg Root Beer, which is available in packs of four 375ml cans or individual 375ml cans. Virgil's Root Beer can also be found at larger Tesco locations.

Waitrose, on the other hand, offers A&W Root Beer, which is a popular American brand known for its smokey vanilla taste. This product is available in 355ml servings.

Online at Amazon

Amazon offers a wide variety of root beer options, which can be easily purchased through their website. You can find a range of well-known root beer brands, as well as some smaller or more specialist producers.

A&W Root Beer, for example, is a classic and easily recognisable brand, with a rich, creamy head and a smooth, balanced flavour. You can buy this in packs of 12, 24 or 36 cans, with ice-cold packs available for immediate consumption or single cans for a quick fix. Amazon also offers the option to purchase in bulk, with packs of four 12-packs available, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option for those who know they'll enjoy it.

Barq's Root Beer is another popular choice, with a distinctive bite from the added caffeine. This root beer has a unique, spicy flavour and a crisp, refreshing finish. It is often available in multipacks of 12-ounce cans, with the option to purchase in a pack of 12 or 24.

For those seeking a more natural or craft root beer, Amazon also stocks the Small Town Brewery's Not Your Father's Root Beer. This root beer has a more complex flavour profile, with hints of vanilla and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. It is often sold in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles and can be a great option for those looking for something a little different.

Amazon also offers a range of root beer variety packs, which can be a fantastic way to discover new brands and flavours. These variety packs typically include an assortment of root beers from different craft breweries, offering a chance to explore the diverse flavours and styles available.

When purchasing root beer on Amazon, be sure to check the product details for information on expiration dates, shipping, and storage. Many root beers are best enjoyed fresh, so it is worth considering the quantity purchased and your expected rate of consumption.

Chinese supermarkets

In addition to Chinese supermarkets, there are several other places you can buy root beer in the UK, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Amazon.

Petrol stations

If you're looking to buy root beer at a petrol station in the UK, there are a few options to try. Many stations have small convenience stores attached, and sometimes these will stock root beer. Keep an eye out for brands like Bundaberg and A&W, which are popular root beer options available in the UK.

Major petrol station chains like BP, Shell, and Esso are worth checking. They often have larger stores with a wider variety of products, so you may have a better chance of finding root beer there. Try BP in particular, as they often have a selection of American food and drink products.

Independent petrol stations with a convenience store might also be worth a look. These smaller stations may stock root beer as a novelty item or to cater to a niche market. Try stations that are located near American expat communities or areas with a high student population, as these places may have a higher demand for root beer and similar products.

If you're struggling to find root beer at a petrol station, you could also try asking the staff if they plan to stock it or if they can order it for you. Some stations may be open to expanding their inventory, especially if they see a demand for a particular product.

Lastly, petrol stations near tourist spots or theme parks may be more likely to stock root beer. These locations often cater to a wider range of customers, including those looking for unique or novelty drinks. So, if there's a large amusement park or a popular tourist town nearby, try checking the petrol stations in those areas.

American shops

Root beer is widely available across the USA, from national brands to small-time bottlers. It can be purchased online from Amazon and Beverages Direct, and in-store from Walmart, Target, and Safeway.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide variety of root beer brands, including A&W, Barq's, Mug, Zevia, and Virgil's. Prices range from $3.39 to $69.99, with some options available for subscription and save.

Beverages Direct

Beverages Direct offers a range of root beer brands, including Boylan Bottleworks, Dr. Brown's, Chicago Draft Style, Cicero Beverage, and Cool Mountain. Prices range from $36.78 to $54.97 for 12-packs of 12 oz glass bottles.

Walmart

Walmart sells A&W and Barq's root beer, with prices ranging from $5.68 for a 12-pack of 12 oz cans.

Target

Target offers a variety of root beer brands, including Barq's, Mug, and Zevia. Prices range from $5.29 to $28.99.

Safeway

Safeway stocks a selection of root beer brands, including A&W, Henry Weinhard's, Signature Select, and Zevia. Prices range from $4.94 to $50.

Frequently asked questions