
A&W Root Beer, 12 Pack, 12 Ounce Cans
What You Should Know
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.
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients
Carbonated, Water,, High, Fructose, Corn, Syrup,, Caramel, Color,, Sodium, Benzoate, (Preservative),, Natural, and, Artificial, Flavors,, Quillaia, Extract..
Flagged Ingredients:
- •Sodium Benzoate - Synthetic preservative
- •Caramel Color - Artificial coloring
Dietary Labels
Ultra-Processing Assessment
Ultra-Processed
Why this score?
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.
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Common Questions about A&W Root Beer, 12 Pack, 12 Ounce Cans
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.
