The Best Sugar-Free Root Beer in Bay Area Markets — and Sparkling

Frothy, sweet, and deliciously complex, root beer is the kind of bubbly beverage that’s perfect for hot days. It’s refreshing right out of the can or bottle, and an instant treat poured over vanilla ice cream.

Since that hint of spice mixed with vanilla, caramel, nutmeg, and more usually comes with a calorie hit, we decided to look at diet and sugar-free options, including a few trendy prebiotic beers that have some calories, but far fewer than the usual 180 to 200 per can of regular root beer.

While at least a dozen companies offer a light version of their root beer, we opted for the eight brands that are readily available at local stores. Tasting root beers was both fun and surprising, as the flavor profiles of this beloved beverage can vary greatly. Some are creamy and vanilla, while others lean toward cinnamon, anise, and cherry. Some are dark brown and very foamy; others are clear and have virtually no bubbles.

Getting the sweetness right is a challenge, as many brands fail to do it right. Some rely on a single sweetener, such as aspartame, stevia, or sucralose. But the best ones incorporate multiple sweeteners, using them to create a delicate balance.

A good sugar-free root beer is frothy and rich. It hits the sweet note perfectly, awakening the palate with notes of vanilla, caramel, nutmeg, cinnamon, honey, and anise. A bad diet root beer is flat, watery, sour, or has so many sweeteners that it tastes like chemicals.

Here’s a look at which sugar-free root beers are just as delicious as the full-sugar versions, and which bland versions don’t deserve a glass—let alone the ice cream that goes with them. Nutrition information is for 12 ounces and is only included for sodas that contain calories.

Root Beer Mug

The signature sweetness of full-sugar root beer and a nice hint of traditional root beer flavor make this drink simply terrific. It’s a childhood sip so good it’s hard to believe it’s sugar-free. $9.98 for 12 12-ounce cans at Raley’s. (4 stars)

Stewart’s Diet Root Beer

Those who like their sodas a little less sweet might just dig this rich, caramelized version. Sweetened with aspartame, it’s refreshing and full of interesting flavors. $6.49 for four 12-ounce bottles at Total Wine & More. (4 stars)

A&W Zero Root Beer

A nice hint of vanilla, extra-smooth flavor, and plenty of root beer foam are why this brand deserves a spot on every soda aisle. It’s good. $4.49 for six 16.9-ounce bottles at Target. (3½ stars)

Barq Sugar Free Root Beer

It’s not terrible, but this blend is noticeably less flavorful than the top competitors. Using aspartame as the primary sweetener is a good choice, but it’s extremely sweet and lacks both aroma and flavor. $9.99 for 12 12-ounce cans at Safeway. (2½ stars)

Olipop Classic Root Beer

Kombucha lovers will appreciate this creamy, unusual root beer, made from a wide range of botanicals. It’s low in sugar and has a distinct tart note thanks to a dose of prebiotics and a touch of apple cider vinegar. 35 calories. $2.99 ​​for 12 ounces at BevMo. (2 stars)

Zevia Root Beer

There’s a right way and a wrong way to use stevia. This brand gets it wrong, as the root beer flavors are nearly drowned out by the sweetener, giving it an unappealing, chemical-like taste. $6.99 for eight 12-ounce cans at Target. (1 star)

Poppi Root Beer

Infusing a soda with digestion-boosting ingredients is a great idea, but the tartness of the prebiotics makes this soda taste more like cola than root beer. 25 calories. $2.55 for 12 ounces at Raley’s. (1 star)