Root beer is a well-known soft drink enjoyed in many places around the globe. It is recognized for its rich flavor, smooth texture, and long history that goes back more than a century. While its roots are tied to traditional recipes, modern root beer has grown into many styles, ranging from light and sweet to bold and creamy. This variety is part of what makes root beer so interesting to fans of carbonated drinks.
With so many brands on the market today, interest in finding the best root beer brands continues to grow. Some people look for familiar names they grew up with, while others enjoy trying options made with different ingredients or brewing methods. Personal taste plays a big role, but quality, consistency, and overall appeal matter too. This article brings together well-known and well-loved root beer brands that stand out for their flavor and popularity, helping readers get a clear picture of the choices available today.
#20 – Maine Root
Maine Root is a well-known craft soda brand that started in Portland, Maine. The company has built a strong following by focusing on simple recipes and clear labeling. Its root beer is made with real cane sugar instead of corn syrup, which many people prefer for a cleaner and smoother taste. Maine Root is also recognized for its commitment to responsible sourcing, including the use of Fair Trade certified sugar, which adds to its positive reputation among soda fans.
The brand’s root beer is popular for its balanced flavor that is not overly sweet and has a crisp finish. Many people enjoy it because it feels lighter compared to traditional mass-market options, making it easy to drink on its own. Maine Root has gained wide distribution in natural food stores, restaurants, and specialty shops, helping it reach a global audience. Its focus on quality ingredients and ethical practices has helped Maine Root stand out in a crowded root beer market.
#19 – Red Arrow
Red Arrow is a classic root beer brand that has strong ties to the American Midwest. It is especially well known in Wisconsin, where it is commonly found in local restaurants and soda fountains. The brand has built a steady following by sticking to a familiar style that many people recognize and trust. Its connection to regional dining spots has helped keep Red Arrow popular across generations.
Red Arrow root beer is often praised for its smooth taste and balanced sweetness. It is not too heavy, which makes it easy to enjoy on its own. Many fans appreciate its consistent quality, whether served from a bottle or a fountain. Because it is widely used by food service businesses, Red Arrow remains visible and accessible to many consumers. Its simple approach and reliable flavor continue to make it a solid choice among well-known root beer brands.
#18 – Sioux City
Sioux City is a root beer brand known for its bold, full-bodied flavor and distinctive packaging. Its glass bottles give it a nostalgic feel that many people enjoy, making it stand out on shelves and in restaurants. Sioux City has a reputation for delivering a rich, classic root beer taste that appeals to both longtime fans of the drink and those trying it for the first time.
Fans of Sioux City often highlight its balanced sweetness and strong, aromatic flavor. Unlike lighter or overly sweet options, it provides a satisfying taste that feels true to traditional root beer. The brand is widely available in specialty stores, diners, and online, which has helped it reach a broad audience. With its commitment to consistent quality and a memorable flavor, Sioux City continues to be a favorite choice among root beer enthusiasts.
#17 – WBC
WBC Root Beer is a Chicago-style root beer brand known for its creamy texture and smooth, slightly sweet flavor. It uses real cane sugar and is both caffeine free and gluten free, appealing to people looking for a cleaner, classic soda experience. The drink highlights mild vanilla and wintergreen notes that make it distinct from lighter or overly sweet root beers.
Fans enjoy WBC for its easy-drinking profile and gentle carbonation, which makes it suitable for enjoying on its own or alongside food. Its balanced flavor and approachable style have helped it attract a loyal following beyond its Chicago origins. WBC continues to be appreciated by root beer enthusiasts who value traditional taste with a modern, accessible feel.
#16 – Saranac
Saranac Root Beer is a handcrafted root beer brand made by the Matt Brewing Company in Utica, New York. It is produced in small batches and is known for its creamy texture and smooth flavor. The drink combines vanilla with subtle hints of licorice and wintergreen, giving it a balanced taste that appeals to many root beer fans. It is caffeine free, making it easy to enjoy at any time.
Fans appreciate Saranac for its moderate carbonation, which enhances the flavor without overpowering it. Its classic style and approachable sweetness make it a favorite for those seeking a traditional root beer experience. The combination of rich flavor and smooth body has helped Saranac maintain a strong following among soda enthusiasts.
#15 – Abita
Abita Root Beer is a non-alcoholic root beer brand known for its smooth and classic flavor. It is brewed with artesian spring water and sweetened with Louisiana cane sugar, giving it a creamy texture and light foam head. Hints of vanilla and yucca add subtle depth, making it a flavorful yet approachable drink. The root beer is naturally caffeine-free and gluten-free, which makes it easy to enjoy anytime.
Fans appreciate Abita for its balanced sweetness and gentle carbonation, which highlights the vanilla and herbal notes without overwhelming the palate. Its smooth taste and traditional profile make it a favorite among people looking for a classic root beer. The combination of creamy texture and well-rounded flavor helps Abita stand out as a memorable choice in the root beer market.
#14 – Bundaberg
Bundaberg Root Beer is a brewed root beer brand known for its rich and complex flavor. It is made with real sarsaparilla root, licorice root, vanilla beans, and molasses. The root beer is slowly brewed, which allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to come through. Its lighter carbonation highlights the herbal and earthy notes, giving it a distinctive taste compared with typical mass-produced root beers.
Many fans enjoy Bundaberg for its traditional, craft-style approach that brings a taste closer to old-fashioned sodas. Its balance of vanilla, spices, and natural sweetness makes it memorable and different from sweeter, more common options. The unique flavor and signature bottle design have helped it build a following among people who like bold and slightly unconventional root beer. Bundaberg continues to stand out as a premium choice for soda drinkers seeking a more authentic root beer experience.
#13 – Frostie
Frostie Root Beer is an American root beer brand known for its smooth, creamy flavor and classic profile. It is sweetened with pure cane sugar and features mild vanilla and wintergreen notes, giving it a balanced taste that appeals to many soda drinkers. Frostie is caffeine-free, making it an approachable option for both children and adults. Its glass bottle packaging adds to its nostalgic, old-fashioned soda feel.
Fans appreciate Frostie for its easy-drinking quality and familiar taste that reflects traditional root beer recipes. While it is not as widely distributed as some mainstream brands, it has maintained a loyal following thanks to its consistent flavor and smooth finish. Frostie Root Beer continues to be a popular choice for those who enjoy a classic, mellow root beer experience.
#12 – Henry Weinhard’s
Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer is an American root beer brand known for its rich, creamy flavor and classic soda profile. It is sweetened with cane sugar and blended with vanilla, sassafras, and honey, giving it a smooth and well-rounded taste. The root beer is caffeine-free and has moderate carbonation, making it approachable and enjoyable for all ages.
A standout feature of Henry Weinhard’s is its Draught Style Head, which creates a thick, foamy top when poured, reminiscent of traditional soda fountain servings. This feature adds to the nostalgic experience and makes it feel more like a craft soda. Fans appreciate its full-bodied flavor, balanced sweetness, and the combination of vanilla and subtle spice notes. Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer continues to be a popular choice for those who enjoy a traditional, high-quality root beer with a memorable presentation.
#11 – 1919
1919 Root Beer is a root beer brand known for its creamy texture and classic flavor. It is sweetened with real sugar and flavored with natural vanilla, giving it a smooth, well-balanced taste. The root beer contains no caffeine or alcohol, making it suitable for all ages. It reflects a traditional soda style that many people enjoy for its nostalgic character.
Fans appreciate 1919 Root Beer for its full body and moderate carbonation, which highlight the vanilla and subtle spice notes without overwhelming the palate. It is available in 16-ounce pint cans, smaller pony cans, and kegs, which makes it versatile for home enjoyment or gatherings. Its craft-style approach and attention to quality have helped 1919 earn a loyal following among people who prefer a traditional, flavorful root beer.
#10 – Olipop
Olipop Root Beer is a prebiotic root beer brand known for combining classic root beer flavors with a healthier, functional twist. It features traditional notes of sweet birch, vanilla, and burdock root while keeping sugar content low, around 2 to 5 grams per can. The drink is caffeine-free and significantly lower in calories compared with typical sodas, making it a popular option for people looking for a lighter alternative without giving up the familiar root beer taste.
A key feature of Olipop Root Beer is its inclusion of prebiotic fibers, roughly 9 grams per can, from ingredients like chicory root and Jerusalem artichoke inulin. These fibers are designed to support digestive health, giving the beverage a functional benefit beyond just flavor. Fans enjoy the blend of traditional root beer taste with its unique botanical and fiber-enhanced profile. Its combination of nostalgia and health-conscious formulation has helped Olipop stand out among modern soda alternatives.
#9 – Virgil’s
Virgil’s Root Beer is a root beer brand known for its bold flavor created from a wide mix of natural herbs and spices. It uses ingredients such as anise, licorice, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and wintergreen, which give it a layered and aromatic taste. The root beer is sweetened with real cane sugar and is caffeine-free. The brand is also recognized for avoiding artificial preservatives and high fructose corn syrup.
Many fans enjoy Virgil’s because its flavor leans more herbal and complex compared with simpler root beers. The spice-forward profile sets it apart from sweeter, vanilla-focused options. In addition to the classic version, Virgil’s also offers a zero sugar variety, giving consumers more choices. Its focus on natural ingredients and strong flavor identity has helped Virgil’s remain popular among people looking for a more distinctive root beer.
#8 – Hank’s
Hank’s is a root beer brand known for its focus on high-quality ingredients and a smooth, classic taste. It is sweetened with cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup, which many people prefer for a cleaner flavor. Hank’s Root Beer is also caffeine free and has a rich, creamy body that sets it apart from lighter sodas. The carbonation is moderate, allowing the sweetness and spice notes to come through without feeling sharp.
The root beer is often described as full-bodied with a balanced sweetness that does not overpower the palate. It is widely available in specialty stores and restaurants, helping it maintain a strong reputation among craft soda drinkers. Hank’s steady quality and straightforward approach have made it a trusted choice for people who want a dependable and well-made root beer.
#7 – Dad’s
Dad’s is a long-standing root beer brand known for a mild, easy-drinking profile. The flavor leans toward smooth vanilla with a gentle herbal note, keeping the sweetness in check instead of overpowering the taste. It is caffeine-free, which makes it a common pick for families and casual settings.
One reason Dad’s has stayed relevant is its reliability. The flavor does not change much over time, so people know what to expect each time they open a bottle or can. It is often enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with simple meals like burgers or sandwiches. Rather than focusing on bold twists or limited editions, Dad’s keeps things familiar, which appeals to drinkers who want a no-nonsense root beer they can enjoy anytime.
#6 – Stewart’s
Stewart’s is a classic root beer brand known for its rich, dessert-style flavor. The taste is noticeably creamy, with strong vanilla notes and a thicker mouthfeel than many standard root beers. This fuller body gives it a smooth finish that feels closer to an old-fashioned soda fountain drink than a light, fizzy soft drink. It is caffeine-free and widely recognized for its consistency across bottles and cans.
What sets Stewart’s apart is how well it works beyond casual sipping. The smooth texture makes it a popular choice for root beer floats since it holds up well against ice cream without losing its flavor. Many fans also point out that it tastes best very cold, where the sweetness stays balanced and the vanilla notes come through more clearly. Stewart’s does not rely on trends or frequent changes, which helps it maintain a steady following among people who prefer a bold but familiar root beer experience.
#5 – Mug
Mug is a widely recognized root beer brand known for its smooth and easygoing taste. It has a lighter body compared to many traditional root beers, with a mild sweetness and soft vanilla notes that do not overpower the palate. The carbonation is gentle, making it approachable for people who prefer a less intense soda. Mug is also caffeine free, which adds to its appeal as an everyday drink for all ages.
One reason Mug remains popular is its consistency and wide availability. It delivers the same familiar flavor whether served from a can, bottle, or fountain, which helps build long-term loyalty among fans. The clean finish makes it a solid option for casual drinking, meals, or mixing with ice cream for a simple float. Mug focuses on balance and drinkability, which explains why it continues to hold a strong place among mainstream root beer choices.
#4 – IBC
IBC is a root beer brand known for its rich, old-fashioned flavor. It has a creamy texture with strong vanilla notes and a subtle hint of sassafras, giving it a full-bodied taste. The root beer is caffeine-free and uses cane sugar, which enhances its smooth, slightly sweet profile. The carbonation is moderate, letting the flavor come through without being too sharp.
In addition to the classic version, IBC also offers a Diet Root Beer, which uses alternative sweeteners to reduce calories while maintaining the traditional flavor. Fans enjoy both variations for their nostalgic taste and consistent quality. Its thicker body makes it ideal for root beer floats and pairs well with casual meals. IBC’s creamy, balanced flavor continues to appeal to longtime root beer lovers and new drinkers alike.
#3 – Sprecher
Sprecher is a root beer brand known for its bold, craft-style flavor and naturally creamy texture. It is brewed with Wisconsin honey, pure cane sugar, and a blend of herbs and spices that create a slightly spiced, full-bodied taste. The carbonation is noticeable but smooth, allowing the flavors to stand out without being sharp. Sprecher Root Beer is caffeine-free and has a slightly richer body compared with typical mass-market sodas.
Many fans enjoy Sprecher for its complex, layered flavor that feels closer to a craft beverage than a standard soda. Its subtle hints of vanilla, molasses, and wintergreen combine to give it a distinctive character, making it a standout on store shelves. Sprecher is often highlighted for its attention to traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients, which helps it attract soda enthusiasts who appreciate a more robust and flavorful root beer experience.
#2 – Barq’s
Barq’s is a root beer brand known for its bold, crisp taste and slightly sharper bite compared with smoother root beers. It is sweetened with sugar and contains caffeine, which is unusual among root beers, giving it a mild energizing effect. The flavor combines vanilla and spice notes, creating a distinctive and memorable profile that stands out on its own.
Fans appreciate Barq’s for its lively carbonation and strong flavor, which make it refreshing and noticeable compared with more mellow options. It is widely available in bottles, cans, and fountain servings, making it easy to enjoy in a variety of settings. The consistent taste and recognizable brand identity have helped Barq’s remain a popular choice for people who enjoy a root beer with more bite and character than traditional creamy versions.
#1 – A&W
A&W is a root beer brand celebrated for its smooth, creamy flavor and perfectly balanced sweetness. It combines rich vanilla notes with subtle hints of spice, creating a full-bodied taste that feels both classic and comforting. The carbonation is moderate, allowing the flavor to shine without being too sharp, and it is caffeine-free, making it approachable for all ages.
What makes A&W stand out as a top choice is its consistency and nostalgic appeal. Every sip delivers the familiar, velvety texture that fans expect, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a meal. Its flavor is well-rounded and satisfying, hitting the perfect balance between sweetness, creaminess, and spice. A&W Root Beer remains a standout because it delivers the classic root beer taste better than most other brands.
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