Root beer is a typically (although not exclusively) nonalcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated drink.
Root beer is a typically (although not exclusively) nonalcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated drink.
Root beer is North American in origin. It is usually thick and foamy when poured. The market contains many varieties of root bear, most of them are nonalcoholic. The major producers of root beer include A&W, Barq's, Dad's, Hires, and Mug. Root beer cannot make you drunk.
Root beer made by the traditional process contains 2% alcohol, but sometimes, more alcohol may be added to make it a stronger alcoholic drink. It was classically made from the root bark of the sassafras tree or vine of Smilax ornata (sarsaparilla), which imparts it actual flavor. In 1960, the safrole present in the original sassafras was found to have cancer-causing properties and hence banned in the United States. Currently, root beer is made with artificial flavorings.
If you do not want an alcoholic version of root beer, look for the labels before you buy one. If someone offers you root beer, ask if it is just a carbonated nonalcoholic drink or if it contains alcohol. Strong alcoholic root beer can make you drunk.
Does root beer contain caffeine?
Most of the root beer brands available in the North American market are caffeine-free. However, some do contain caffeine. A brand such as Barq’s has both caffeinated and noncaffeinated versions. Hence, look for caffeine in the ingredients list. If you are trying to cut caffeine from your diet, consuming caffeinated root beer may ruin your diet plan.
Is root beer healthy?
Root beer as a soft drink has got tremendous fan following over the past several years because of its light and crisp taste. It is also widely preferred over diet soda. However, root beer contains a lot of ingredients that do not make it a healthy drink for you.
- High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS): It is high in sugar. You would not like to consume it because it can cause weight gain and lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes. The sugar content can erode your teeth enamel, weaken your teeth, and cause tooth decay.
- 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. In excess, caffeine can make you nervous and restless. It can give you frequent trips to the bathroom and make you dehydrated.
- Caramel: Caramel is added to give the root beer its typical color. California’s list of cancer-causing agents has listed caramel-coloring process as one of those agents.
- Artificial food flavor: Artificial food flavorings are added to enhance the existing flavor of root beer. Some health risks related to their consumption include:
- Allergic reactions
- Worsening of asthma
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Consuming root beer occasionally is acceptable. However, consuming it more than a couple of times a week can affect your health, cause weight gain, and eventually invite other health problems such as obesity and other chronic diseases.