Is Root Beer Bad For You?
Short answer
Unless made from home with natural ingredients, root beer is bad for you. The traditional drink has evolved into an artificial health trap that can pose countless risks on the body.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Feeling thirsty? A nice cold root beer might do the trick. It has come a long way from its start as an herb-based medicine, but with its distinctive flavoring and ability to pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it remains a popular choice among young and old alike. With the evolution of the drink, however, came the substitution of many of its original and beneficial ingredients to new, artificial ones. This may have helped lengthen the shelf life of the drink, but will certainly help shorten yours.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sugar are compositionally similar and are often used interchangeably when making soft drinks. Both are a direct link to diabetes and obesity, and while okay in moderation, large amounts of HFCS or sugar can increase your odds of these conditions. The more you drink, the more likely you are to have these issues down the line! What's more is recent studies have found roughly 50% of HFCS samples to contain mercury - a metal that can damage the body's immune system, brain, and vital organs.
In the meantime, you have your tooth enamel, quality of sleep, and mood to worry about: the HFCS and sugar in root beer can cause tooth decay, the caffeine can create sleep pattern disturbances and insomnia, and the aspartame found in diet versions of the drink can cause (and is not limited to) irritability, anxiety, and depression. All four substances also have addiction potential, and will leave you craving more. So is there much of a point? Besides the nice taste and fizz, it unfortunately doesn’t have much else going for it. You’ll be much better off quenching that thirst with some freshly squeezed lemonade.
Click here to read about homemade varieties - they are a heck of a lot better.
Possible short-term side effects
- headaches
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hyperactivity (especially in children)
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increased urination
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increased blood sugar levels
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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metabolic syndrome
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diabetes
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increased blood pressure
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tooth enamel erosion
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addiction
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cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Virgil's Zero Sugar Soda
- Calorie-free
- Keto-friendly
- Great tasting
- Sugar-free
- Compact 12oz cans
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 01-13-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 01-13-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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