Does Mug Root Beer Have Caffeine? Find Out The Truth In 2024

Written By: Rossi Glover
Fact Checked By: Jean Trinh
Reviewed By: Eryn Austin

If you crave the sweet, creamy flavor of classic root beer, you might have reached for a frosty mug of Mug Root Beer with its iconic bulldog mascot. But before you take that first satisfying sip, have you ever thought that does Mug Root Beer have caffeine? After all, its rich flavor profile might have you questioning certain ingredients.

Let’s dive into whether Mug Root Beer will fuel your day with caffeine or provide a refreshing, caffeine-free treat.

Importance of Knowing About Mug Root Beer

Mug Root Beer, a popular soft drink, is enjoyed by consumers across the United States and in many other countries worldwide. Known for its creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, Mug Root Beer is often consumed as a refreshing beverage on its own or used as a mixer in various cocktails and ice cream floats.

Despite its popularity, it is important to note that Mug Root Beer does not offer any significant health benefits. The beverage is primarily composed of carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors. While some people may enjoy the taste and find it refreshing, the drink does not provide any essential nutrients or vitamins.

Knowing the caffeine content in Mug Root Beer holds special importance since root beer is enjoyed across the world by all age groups. While most root beers are caffeine-free, some brands might add small amounts of caffeine to certain varieties. Therefore, checking the ingredient list is essential. 

Misconceptions about the caffeine content in root beer could mislead those trying to limit their caffeine intake. Individuals with medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children should be particularly mindful of their caffeine consumption.

Does Mug Root Beer Have Caffeine?

No, Mug Root Beer is caffeine-free. Unlike some other popular soft drinks, such as colas or energy drinks, the classic recipe for Mug Root Beer does not include caffeine as an ingredient.

Does Mug Root Beer Have Caffeine? No, This absence of caffeine makes Mug Root Beer a suitable choice for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or who prefer to avoid it for various reasons, such as health concerns, sleep disturbances, or personal preferences. Consumers can enjoy the creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor of Mug Root Beer without worrying about the potential side effects or stimulating properties associated with caffeine consumption.

It is important to note that while Mug Root Beer is typically caffeine-free, there is always a possibility of slight variations in the recipe or production process across different regions or countries. 

To be absolutely certain, it is always a good idea to check the ingredient list on the specific product you are purchasing.

List of Ingredients in Mug Root Beer

Mug Root Beer includes the following ingredients:

  • Carbonated Water: This is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure, creating the signature bubbles and fizz in the root beer.
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup: A sweetener made from corn starch, high fructose corn syrup is used to provide sweetness to the beverage. It is often used as a cheaper alternative to sugar.
  • Caramel Color: This is a dark, water-soluble food coloring made by heating sugars or carbohydrates. It is used to give Mug Root Beer its distinctive dark brown color.
  • Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness): This is a common preservative used in food and beverages to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, extending the product’s shelf life.
  • Citric Acid: A naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits, citric acid is added to enhance the flavor and provide a slight tartness to the root beer. It also serves as a preservative.
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors: These are flavor compounds derived from either natural sources or created in a laboratory. They are used to impart the characteristic root beer taste, which typically includes a combination of vanilla, licorice, sassafras, and other flavors.
  • Modified Food Starch: A processed starch that has been altered to improve its functionality, modified food starch can be used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier in the beverage.
  • Calcium Disodium EDTA (To Protect Flavor): This is a food additive used to preserve flavor and prevent discoloration. It works by chelating (binding) metal ions that could cause unwanted changes in the beverage over time.
  • Quillaia Extract: Derived from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree, quillaia extract is used as a foaming agent in root beer. It helps to create and stabilize the foam head that forms when the beverage is poured.

Mug Root Beer Nutritional Information

Does Mug Root Beer Have Caffeine?

A 12 fl oz serving of Mug Root Beer contains 152 calories. It’s fat-free, including zero grams of saturated, trans, polyunsaturated, and monounsaturated fats. You’ll also find 0mg of cholesterol in a serving. Sodium levels reach 48mg, which equates to 2% of your daily recommended value. 

Mug Root Beer is primarily a carbohydrate-based beverage, with 39g of total carbohydrates in a serving (14% of your daily value). Note that it has no dietary fiber. All 39g of carbohydrates come from sugar. It contains no protein, Vitamin D, or significant amounts of calcium, iron, or potassium. Importantly, Mug Root Beer is caffeine-free.

Nutrition FactsAmount Per Serving
Serving Size12 fl oz
Calories152 kcal
Total Fat0 g (0% DV)
Saturated Fat0 g (0% DV)
Trans Fat0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat0 g
Monounsaturated Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg (0% DV)
Sodium48 mg (2% DV)
Total Carbohydrates39 g (14% DV)
Dietary Fiber0 g (0% DV)
Sugars39 g
Protein0 g
Vitamin D0 mcg (0% DV)
Calcium19 mg (1% DV)
Iron0.2 mg (1% DV)
Potassium3.7 mg (0% DV)
Caffeine0 mg

Mug Root Beer Variants and Their Caffeine Content

Mug Root Beer offers several variants to cater to different consumer preferences, all of which are caffeine-free:

Mug Cream Soda

Mug Cream Soda is a smooth and creamy vanilla-flavored soft drink. It has a distinct taste that sets it apart from the classic root beer flavor. This variant is available in three different sizes: 12 fl oz cans, 20 fl oz bottles, and 67 fl oz bottles, providing options for individual servings as well as larger quantities for sharing or events.

Mug Root Beer (FTN)

Fountain dispensers are a popular way to enjoy Mug Root Beer in restaurants, convenience stores, and other establishments. These dispensers usually feature the iconic Mug Root Beer bulldog logo and work like most typical soda fountains. Inside the machine, concentrated Mug Root Beer syrup is stored in a “bag-in-box” system. Like other Mug Root Beer variants, the fountain version is also caffeine-free.

Mug Root Beer Zero Sugar

Mug Root Beer Zero Sugar is a sugar-free version of the classic Mug Root Beer, sweetened with alternative sweeteners. It contains no caffeine and is available in 12 fl oz cans and 20 fl oz bottles, catering to consumers who prefer a sugar-free option or those managing their sugar intake due to dietary concerns or preferences.

Alternatives to Mug Root Beer and their Caffeine Content

There are several alternatives to Mug Root Beer available in the market, each with its own unique flavor profile and caffeine content. Some popular options include:

A&W Root Beer

A&W Root Beer is a well-known brand that offers a classic root beer flavor. Like Mug Root Beer, A&W Root Beer is caffeine-free, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer to avoid caffeine.

Barq’s Root Beer


Barq’s Root Beer is a unique option among root beer brands because it contains caffeine. The 12 fl oz serving size has 22 mg of caffeine, which is about 1/4 the amount found in a typical 8 oz cup of coffee. Barq’s also offers a Diet Root Beer variant with the same caffeine content.

IBC Root Beer

IBC Root Beer is another popular caffeine-free alternative to Mug Root Beer. It is known for its creamy and smooth flavor profile, which is attributed to the use of cane sugar as a sweetener instead of high fructose corn syrup.

Virgil’s Root Beer

Virgil’s Root Beer is a gourmet root beer that prides itself on using natural ingredients. It is caffeine-free and features a complex blend of flavors, including anise, licorice, vanilla, cinnamon, and molasses.

Sprecher Root Beer

Sprecher Root Beer is a craft root beer that is fire-brewed and made with honey, vanilla, and a blend of botanicals. It is caffeine-free and known for its rich, creamy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

BeverageCaffeine Content
A&W Root BeerCaffeine-free
Barq’s Root Beer22 mg per 12 fl oz serving
IBC Root BeerCaffeine-free
Virgil’s Root BeerCaffeine-free
Sprecher Root BeerCaffeine-free

Read Also:

👉Does Jarritos Have Caffeine

👉Does Diet Dr Pepper Have Caffeine

Conclusion

Does Mug Root Beer Have Caffeine? No, The absence of caffeine makes Mug Root Beer a suitable choice for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it altogether.

However, it’s important to note that while Mug Root Beer does not contain caffeine, it is still a sugary beverage that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. When considering alternatives to Mug Root Beer, be sure to check the label for caffeine content, as some root beer brands, like Barq’s, do contain caffeine.

Quench your curiosity with a sip of knowledge – explore other drinks too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Mug Root Beer safe for children?

Mug Root Beer is generally safe for children to consume in moderation, as it does not contain caffeine, which can be harmful to young children in large amounts. However, it is important to note that Mug Root Beer, like most soft drinks, contains high levels of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to dental issues, weight gain, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Parents should monitor their children’s intake of sugary beverages and encourage healthy eating habits.

Q2: Can I drink Mug Root Beer before bed?

As Mug Root Beer is caffeine-free, it is generally considered safe to drink before bed. Unlike caffeinated beverages, which can interfere with sleep quality and duration, Mug Root Beer should not have a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. However, it is important to keep in mind that the high sugar content in Mug Root Beer can still affect some individuals, potentially leading to a sugar rush or crash that may disrupt sleep.

Q3: Can Mug Root Beer help with digestion?

While some people may claim that root beer can help with digestion due to its unique blend of flavors and ingredients, there is no scientific evidence to support this notion. Mug Root Beer, like most soft drinks, does not contain any significant digestive benefits. In fact, the high sugar content in Mug Root Beer may even contribute to digestive issues like bloating or gas in some individuals.

Q4: Does Mug Root Beer have alcohol?

Mug Root Beer does not contain alcohol. It is a non-alcoholic soft drink that is suitable for all ages to consume. The unique root beer flavor is derived from a blend of natural and artificial ingredients, such as sassafras, vanilla, and wintergreen, rather than from fermentation or the addition of alcohol. 

Q5: Is Mug Root Beer a Pepsi or Coke product?

Mug Root Beer is a product of PepsiCo, the multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation. PepsiCo acquired the Mug brand in 1986 as part of its purchase of the Seven Up Company. Since then, Mug Root Beer has been distributed and marketed alongside other popular PepsiCo beverage brands, such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Sierra Mist.

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