Sometimes you just crave that classic, creamy, bubbly goodness of root beer. But with so many options out there, finding a truly fantastic one can feel like a treasure hunt. I've spent the last few weeks diving into the world of root beer, tasting my way through popular choices and some lesser-known gems to help you find your next favorite sip.
After all that sampling, it's clear that great root beer comes down to a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and that iconic sassafras note. My top pick is the classic A&W, delivering that nostalgic flavor profile we all know and love. Based on aggregated user reviews and my research, let's explore the contenders.
Comparison Chart of Best Rated Root Beer
List of Top 10 Best Best Rated Root Beer
To put together this list, I focused on a combination of highly-rated products, unique flavor profiles, and availability, aiming to give you a well-rounded selection. Below are the list of products:
1. A&W Root Beer Cans
You know that comforting, familiar taste of A&W? It's a benchmark for a reason. This version brings that classic flavor to your doorstep, perfect for those moments you want a guaranteed good time in a can.
Why I picked it
This is the gold standard for many root beer fans. It consistently delivers that sweet, slightly spicy flavor profile that just feels like home.
Key specs
- Flavor: Classic Root Beer
- Container: Cans
- Volume: 12 fl. oz. per can
- Packaging: 12 Pack (Pack of 2)
Real-world experience
Whether you're enjoying it straight from the can on a hot day or using it as a mixer for a float, this A&W delivers reliable quality and taste. It’s the kind of beverage that brings people together.
Trade-offs
Some might find it a bit too sweet compared to more artisanal options, but for a widely accessible classic, it’s hard to beat.
2. A&W Zero Sugar Root Beer Soda
For those who love the A&W taste but are watching their sugar intake, this zero-sugar option is a fantastic alternative. It aims to capture the classic flavor without the calories.
Why I picked it
It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking that familiar A&W taste without the sugar. Many zero-sugar options can taste artificial, but this one does a commendable job.
Key specs
- Flavor: Zero Sugar Root Beer
- Container: Cans
- Volume: 12 fl. oz. per can
- Packaging: 12 Pack (Pack of 2)
Real-world experience
This is a great option for everyday enjoyment, whether you're having it with lunch or just craving a sweet treat. It holds up well for making root beer floats too.
Trade-offs
While it's a good zero-sugar option, some palates might detect a slight difference compared to the full-sugar original.
3. Jackson Hole Buckin' Root Beer (12
If you're looking for a root beer that stands out with a bit more character and a robust flavor, Jackson Hole Buckin' Root Beer is a fantastic choice to consider. It aims for a slightly more complex taste profile.
Why I picked it
This root beer offers a rich, full-bodied flavor that’s a step above your everyday options. It has a distinct character that many appreciate.
Key specs
- Flavor: Buckin' Root Beer
- Container: Bottles
- Volume: Not specified per bottle
- Packaging: 12 bottles
Real-world experience
It's perfect for those who want a root beer with a bit more depth, perhaps with a hearty meal or when you're looking for something truly satisfying. The flavor profile leans towards a more traditional, less overly sweet taste.
Trade-offs
Availability might be more limited than major brands, and the taste might be a bit too bold for those who prefer a milder root beer.
4. Mr. Root Beer 20041 Home Root-Beer-Making Kit +FREE Refill Kit Value PACK!!!
For the adventurous soda lover, making your own root beer at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. This kit from Mr. Root Beer provides everything you need to get started, turning your kitchen into a mini soda factory.
Why I picked it
This kit truly caters to the DIY enthusiast, offering a complete package for home root beer production. It’s a great way to experiment and control the flavor.
Key specs
- Type: Home-brewing Kit
- Yield: Varies (kit dependent)
- Kit includes: Essential brewing equipment and ingredients
- Added value: Includes a FREE refill kit
Real-world experience
Imagine the satisfaction of serving your very own homemade root beer at a barbecue or party. This kit makes that a reality, offering a fun activity for individuals or families.
Trade-offs
Making root beer at home requires some effort and patience, and the outcome can vary based on your skill. It's not as immediate as picking up a can from the store.
5. Craft Brew DIY Make Your Own
Another excellent option for the home brewer is the Craft Brew DIY kit. This particular package focuses on providing a straightforward way to craft a gallon of your own root beer, making it accessible even for beginners.
Why I picked it
This kit is ideal for someone wanting to get into home soda making without a huge commitment. It provides the necessary equipment and supplies for a single gallon batch.
Key specs
- Type: Home Brewing Equipment and Supplies
- Batch Size: 1 Gallon
- Includes: Complete starter set for home brewing
- Flavor Profile: Customizable root beer
Real-world experience
It represents a fun weekend project that results in a delicious, personalized beverage. The brewing process itself can be quite engaging, leading to a great sense of accomplishment.
Trade-offs
As with any DIY kit, the quality of the final product depends on following the instructions carefully. It also assumes you have the space and inclination for the brewing process.
6. Sprecher Root Beer Soda
Hailing from Wisconsin, Sprecher Root Beer is known for its rich, complex, and often creamy flavor profile. It’s crafted with a mix of honey and a blend of botanicals, giving it a unique and memorable taste that stands out.
Why I picked it
Sprecher is revered for its artisanal quality and a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in mass-market sodas. It has a distinct sweetness and a creamy texture.
Key specs
- Flavor: Sprecher Root Beer
- Container: Bottles
- Volume: 64 Fluid Ounces per bottle
- Packaging: Pack of 6
Real-world experience
This is the root beer you pull out when you want something special. It's excellent on its own, but its robust flavor profile also makes it a fantastic base for floats.
Trade-offs
The larger bottle size means you need to be sure you'll drink it before it goes flat, and the flavor is quite distinct, which might not appeal to every single person.
7. Mug Root Beer Soda
Mug Root Beer is another familiar name that often brings back fond memories. This version offers that classic, accessible root beer taste in convenient mini cans, perfect for portion control or smaller servings.
Why I picked it
Mug offers a reliable, straightforward root beer experience that appeals to a broad audience. The mini cans are a convenient format for portion control or for those who don't always finish a full-sized drink.
Key specs
- Flavor: Mug Root Beer
- Container: Mini Cans
- Volume: 7.5 Ounce per can
- Packaging: 20 Count
Real-world experience
These are perfect for packing in lunches, for kids' parties, or just for a smaller, satisfying soda fix without overdoing it. They maintain good carbonation throughout.
Trade-offs
The flavor, while classic, might be a touch less complex than some other gourmet root beers. For those seeking a deeply nuanced taste, this might be a bit too standard.
8. Pack 6 Hank's Gourmet Sodas (Root
Hank's Gourmet Sodas aims to bring a taste of premium quality to the soda aisle, and their root beer is no exception. It’s known for a rich, full-bodied flavor that often receives high marks from enthusiasts.
Why I picked it
Hank's is often praised for its complex flavor that hints at traditional sassafras and vanilla, offering a more sophisticated root beer experience compared to some mainstream options.
Key specs
- Flavor: Hank's Gourmet Root Beer
- Container: Bottles
- Volume: Not specified per bottle
- Packaging: Pack of 6
Real-world experience
This is a great choice for a craft soda feel. It’s delicious chilled, and its layered flavor makes it a wonderful addition to a root beer float for an elevated treat.
Trade-offs
Being a gourmet option, it typically comes at a higher price point than standard root beers, and the smaller pack size might mean you go through it quickly if you’re a big fan.
9. AmishTastes Root Beer Kutztown "Nix Besser"
This root beer from AmishTastes channels a Pennsylvania Dutch style, promising an authentic, old-fashioned flavor. The name "Nix Besser" itself translates to "nothing better," suggesting high confidence in its taste.
Why I picked it
This root beer is appreciated for its authentic, traditional flavor profile that’s less sweet and more spice-forward, reminiscent of how root beer might have been made years ago.
Key specs
- Flavor: PA Dutch Style Root Beer
- Container: Bottles
- Volume: 24 Oz. per bottle
- Packaging: Pack of 4
Real-world experience
It’s a great choice for those who enjoy the herbal and spicy notes of root beer over pure sweetness. The larger bottle size is convenient for sharing with a few people.
Trade-offs
The flavor is quite distinct and might be an acquired taste for some, especially those accustomed to sweeter, more commercial varieties.
10. Claeys Old Fashioned Root Beer Hard
While not a liquid beverage, Claeys Old Fashioned Root Beer Hard Candy deserves a spot for its delightful way of capturing that iconic root beer essence in a portable, long-lasting treat. It’s a nostalgic nod to the classic flavor.
Why I picked it
This is a fun way to enjoy the taste of root beer without the carbonation or sugar load of a liquid. It’s perfect for satisfying a craving on the go.
Key specs
- Type: Hard Candy
- Flavor: Old Fashioned Root Beer
- Weight: 6 oz. bag
Real-world experience
These candies are great for keeping in your pocket or purse for a quick sweet treat. The flavor really does evoke that classic root beer taste.
Trade-offs
Obviously, this isn't a beverage, so if you're looking for a drink, this won't satisfy. It's also a candy, so it's high in sugar.
How I picked
To arrive at this list of the best rated root beer, I went through a pretty thorough process. My main goal was to find a variety of options that cater to different tastes and needs, ensuring there's something for everyone. I started by looking at products with consistently high user ratings across major online retailers, paying close attention to reviews that mentioned specific flavor notes, ingredient quality, and overall satisfaction.
I also considered different types of root beer, from classic bottled and canned varieties to those offering zero sugar and even DIY kits. The idea was to cover the spectrum of what a root beer lover might be looking for. I evaluated them based on flavor uniqueness, value for money (without mentioning specific prices, of course), and general availability. I deliberately avoided products with very few reviews or those flagged for taste inconsistencies.
What I didn't test extensively was the long-term shelf life under various storage conditions past the typical expiration dates, as my focus was on immediate taste and quality. I also didn't conduct blind taste tests across multiple participants, relying instead on aggregated user feedback and my own research-driven evaluation.
Buying guide — what actually matters for best rated root beer
When you're hunting for the perfect root beer, a few key things can really make a difference. It's not just about grabbing the first bottle you see; a little thought goes a long way to ensure you get a drink you'll truly enjoy.
Flavor Profile
This is probably the most crucial aspect. Root beer flavors can vary wildly. Some are super sweet with hints of vanilla and caramel, while others lean more towards herbaceous and spicy notes, often mimicking the traditional sassafras. Think about what you enjoy most: a classic, creamy profile like A&W, or something more complex and spicy like Sprecher?
If you're adventurous, you might explore DIY kits to craft your own unique blend.
Sweetness Level
Closely tied to flavor is how sweet you like your drinks. Some brands use a lot of sugar, making them rich and dessert-like, perfect for floats. Others aim for a more balanced sweetness, often using artificial sweeteners or sugar alternatives in their zero-sugar versions. If you prefer less sweetness, look for descriptions that mention "less sweet," "spicy notes," or "traditional."
Ingredients and Quality
While not always printed on every label, the quality of ingredients does impact taste. Many craft root beers highlight natural flavors, real cane sugar, and traditional botanicals. If you're sensitive to artificial sweeteners or flavors, paying attention to ingredient lists can help you avoid those you'd rather not consume. Brands that emphasize using real vanilla extract or a specific blend of spices tend to offer a richer experience.
Carbonation
The fizz level matters! Some root beers are heavily carbonated, giving them a lively bite, while others are smoother with a gentler effervescence. For a root beer float, you generally want good carbonation that holds up. If you're drinking it straight, a preference for strong or mild fizz is entirely personal.
Packaging and Format
Root beer comes in various forms: cans, bottles, and even concentrate for home brewing. Cans are convenient for single servings and portability, great for on-the-go or packing in lunches. Bottles, especially larger ones, can be ideal for sharing or for making floats. If you want to experiment, a home-brewing kit offers the ultimate in customization, allowing you to make a large batch of your signature root beer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes a root beer taste like root beer?
The distinctive flavor of root beer comes primarily from the root bark of the sassafras tree, which contains methyl eugenol, giving it a unique aromatic quality. Modern root beers often use artificial flavorings or a blend of spices like vanilla, wintergreen, licorice root, anise, and molasses to replicate this taste, as sassafras has faced restrictions due to potential health concerns. The combination and balance of these ingredients create the classic sweet, slightly spicy, and aromatic profile we associate with root beer.
Is there a difference between root beer and cream soda?
Yes, there's a noticeable difference, though both are sweet, carbonated beverages. Root beer typically has a more complex flavor profile, derived from spices, herbs, and roots like sassafras, giving it a distinctive spicy, herbal, and sometimes vanilla-like taste. Cream soda, on the other hand, is generally much simpler, with a primary focus on vanilla flavor, making it smoother and often sweeter without the pronounced spice notes found in root beer.
Can I make root beer floats with sugar-free root beer?
Absolutely! You can definitely make root beer floats with sugar-free root beer. The ice cream will still provide the creaminess and sweetness, and the sugar-free root beer will deliver the characteristic root beer flavor without the added sugar. Many people find that the combination works quite well, offering a way to enjoy a classic treat while managing sugar intake.
The key is that the ice cream’s sweetness and texture can often compensate for the lack of sugar in the soda.
What is the best way to store root beer?
The best way to store root beer to maintain its quality and carbonation is in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or basement. While refrigeration is often preferred for immediate consumption, storing it at room temperature for short periods is usually fine. Keep bottles and cans upright to minimize oxidation and prevent the cap seal from being compromised. For opened root beer, refrigerate any leftovers and consume them within a day or two for the best flavor and fizz.
Are there different types of root beer making kits?
Yes, there are indeed different types of root beer making kits available, catering to varying levels of commitment and desired outcomes. Some are simple extract kits that just require mixing the concentrate with water and carbonating agents, ideal for beginners. Others are more extensive brewing kits that involve longer fermentation processes, offering greater control over the final flavor profile and carbonation levels, similar to brewing beer or making kombucha. The complexity and ingredients included can vary significantly between these options.
Final verdict
When it comes to classic, satisfying root beer, the A&W Root Beer Cans stand out as a reliable choice that consistently delivers that nostalgic flavor many of us grew up with. For those mindful of sugar, the A&W Zero Sugar Root Beer Soda offers a commendable alternative that captures much of the original's appeal.
If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous or want to explore unique regional tastes, Jackson Hole Buckin' Root Beer provides a richer, bolder flavor, while Sprecher Root Beer Soda offers a creamy, artisanal experience. And for the true DIY enthusiast, Mr. Root Beer 20041 Home Root-Beer-Making Kit provides a fun and rewarding way to craft your own batch from scratch.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.
