# A&W Root Beer, 12 Pack, 12 Ounce Cans > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** A&W - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Beverages - **Size:** 144 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/aw-root-beer-12-pack-12-ounce-cans-144-oz - **Slug:** `aw-root-beer-12-pack-12-ounce-cans-144-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This is a ultra-processed manufactured soft drink containing high-fructose corn syrup, caramel color, preservatives, and natural/artificial flavor blends, packaged and ready-to-drink, which fits NOVA group 4. ## Review A&W Root Beer 12-pack of 12-ounce cans sits predictably in the grocery store's non-refrigerated beverage aisle, stacked with other cola and specialty soft drinks and often close to party supplies and chips. You may also spot seasonal pallet displays near store entrances. This product fits casual, convenience-focused shopping trips — think weekend cookouts, movie-night runs, road trips, or stocking the pantry for game-day get-togethers. The brand leans heavily on Americana and nostalgia: A&W evokes soda-fountain heritage (“Since 1919”), family-friendly marketing, and cross-generational recognition; its messaging aims at families and adults looking for a classic sweet treat rather than a health-forward choice. The label mixes “natural and artificial flavors” and “made with aged vanilla” claims alongside standard non-organic branding; there are no organic or clean-label certifications, but kid-friendly language and charitable tie-ins create a feel-good halo. In plain terms, this is a highly processed ready-to-drink soft drink made from industrial ingredients and flavor systems rather than whole foods. Sensory cues are immediate: a fizzy, effervescent mouthfeel, pronounced sweet caramel-vanilla notes, and a silky, syrupy finish; the quillaia extract contributes to head retention when poured into a glass. Packaging is single-use aluminum cans sold in shrink-wrapped multipacks — easy to refrigerate, hand out, and recycle. Rituals around it include ice-filled tumblers, root-beer floats with vanilla ice cream, family barbecues, and passing around a 12-pack at gatherings, underscoring its role as a nostalgic, indulgent refreshment rather than a health beverage. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1 can - **Servings per container:** 12 - **Calories:** 160 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 85mg (4% DV) - **Total carbs:** 44g (16% DV) - **Total sugars:** 43g - **Added sugars:** 43g (86% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Quillaia Extract. ## Flagged ingredients - **Sodium Benzoate** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Caramel Color** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** movie-night, game-day-prep, road-trip, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is A&W Root Beer healthy? Well, that depends on your definition of healthy! A&W Root Beer has 160 calories and a whopping 43 grams of added sugars per can, so if you're watching your sugar intake, it might not be the best choice. But hey, if you're just looking to enjoy a classic soda every now and then, it can definitely fit into a balanced diet. ### Is A&W Root Beer vegan? Nope, A&W Root Beer isn't vegan. While it doesn't contain any animal products outright, it does have caramel color, which can be derived from animal sources, depending on the production process. If you're strictly vegan, you might want to skip this one! ### Is A&W Root Beer gluten-free? Good news for those avoiding gluten! A&W Root Beer is gluten-free, so you can sip away without any worries if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Cheers to that! ### Does A&W Root Beer contain seed oils? Nope, this fizzy treat doesn't contain any seed oils. That means you won't find any canola or soybean oil lurking in your bubbly goodness, which is a plus if you're trying to keep those out of your diet! ### Does A&W Root Beer contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! A&W Root Beer is sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, so you can enjoy that classic sugary taste without any of the sugar substitutes. Just keep in mind that it’s still got a hefty dose of sugar! ### Is A&W Root Beer high in sugar? Oh, absolutely! With 43 grams of added sugars per can, A&W Root Beer is definitely on the high side. If you're keeping an eye on your sugar intake, you might want to limit how often you indulge in this fizzy delight. ### What are healthier alternatives to A&W Root Beer? If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider sparkling water flavored with natural fruit extracts. Brands like LaCroix or Spindrift offer bubbly refreshment without the added sugars. You could also look for craft sodas that use real cane sugar or stevia for a more balanced sweetness. ### Can kids drink A&W Root Beer? Sure, kids can enjoy A&W Root Beer, but moderation is key! With its high sugar content, it's best as an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage. Pairing it with a meal can also help mitigate some of the sugar spikes. ### Is A&W Root Beer good for weight loss? If you're on a weight loss journey, A&W Root Beer might not be your best friend. Its high sugar and calorie content can add up quickly, so it’s better enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of your diet. Balancing it out with healthier choices is the way to go! ### Is A&W Root Beer ultra-processed? Yes, A&W Root Beer is considered ultra-processed. It contains ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial colors, which are all hallmarks of a product that’s been heavily processed. While it’s okay to enjoy every now and then, it’s good to be aware of what goes into your drinks! ## Related products - [Snapple Apple](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/snapple-apple-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/snapple-apple-32-oz - [Sparkling Ice Sparkling Water, Zero Sugar, Assorted 12 ea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sparkling-ice-water-zero-sugar-assorted-12-ea-204-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sparkling-ice-water-zero-sugar-assorted-12-ea-204-oz - [Ocean Spray Diet Juice, Cranberry Mango](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ocean-spray-diet-juice-cranberry-mango-64-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ocean-spray-diet-juice-cranberry-mango-64-oz - [Gatorade G SeriesThirst Quencher, Fierce, Strawberry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gatorade-g-seriesthirst-quencher-fierce-strawberry-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gatorade-g-seriesthirst-quencher-fierce-strawberry-28-oz - [La Croix Sparkling Water, Peach Pear 12 ea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/lacroix-la-croix-sparkling-water-peach-pear-12-ea-144-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/lacroix-la-croix-sparkling-water-peach-pear-12-ea-144-oz - [Apple & Eve 100% Juice, Elmo's Punch 8-Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/apple-eve-100-juice-elmos-punch-8-pack-3384-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/apple-eve-100-juice-elmos-punch-8-pack-3384-oz - [Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/starbucks-frappuccino-coffee-drink-1370-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/starbucks-frappuccino-coffee-drink-1370-oz - [Snapple Orangeade 12 Pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/snapple-orangeade-12-pack-192-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/snapple-orangeade-12-pack-192-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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