A&W vs. Barq's vs. Mug Root Beer: 8 Key Differences and Reviews 2025

What are some popular root beer brands?

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated beverage that is popular in the United States and Canada. Here are some well - known root beer brands:

A&W Root Beer: A&W is a classic root beer brand that has been around since 1919. It is known for its rich, smooth flavor and is often associated with the A&W restaurant chain. A&W root beer is available in many grocery stores and is also served at fast - food restaurants and convenience stores. Besides the classic flavor, there is also a zero - sugar variety.

Barq’s Root Beer: Owned by The Coca - Cola Company, it has a unique spice blend and sufficient carbonation, offering a rich and distinct flavor. It is available in both regular and zero - sugar versions, suitable for those who prefer a unique taste and a strong - flavored drink. Barq's root beer is often served in restaurants and is available in cans and bottles.

Mug Root Beer: One of the oldest root beer brands in the United States, it has been sold both domestically and internationally since 1940. Loved for its classic taste and sweetness, it is suitable for various occasions. In 2024, its dollar sales increased by 34%, with a growth rate higher than that of ordinary root beers.

So, what exactly is the difference between these popular root beer brands?

A quick look at the differences between the 3 best root beers

Editor's review: A&W Root Beer vs. Barq's Root Beer vs. Mug Root Beer: Which is best?

My number one choice is A&W Root Beer!

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❤️ As a die - hard soda fan, I've sampled countless root beers, but A&W Root Beer is hands - down my top pick.

The flavor of A&W is simply unrivaled. The moment I take a sip, it's like being wrapped in a warm, fizzy blanket that whisks me back to childhood. The spice blend is a masterpiece, with vanilla notes that dance on my taste buds. The smooth, creamy texture makes it so easy to drink. Unlike some overly sweet or artificial - tasting root beers, A&W nails the sweetness. Whether I'm relaxing at home on a lazy Sunday or hosting a backyard bash, A&W is the perfect sipping companion.

The carbonation is just right too. The small, delicate bubbles create a gentle fizz that tickles my tongue in the most pleasant way. Instead of overpowering the flavor, this carbonation complements it, making each sip refreshing. It's ideal for cooling off on a hot summer day or washing down a meal. And on a busy workday, it gives me a comforting pick - me - up without the caffeine jolt.

A&W's versatility is impressive. It's the ideal drink for a classic American burger and fries. The creamy root beer cuts through the burger's richness and the fries' saltiness. It's also a great match for pizza, adding a sweet contrast to the savory toppings. And let's not forget about root beer floats! A&W Root Beer turns a simple dessert into an absolute dream. The cold ice cream melting into the fizzy root beer is pure bliss.

It's also affordable. I often find cases of 12 cans on sale for as little as $5 at my local grocery store, and there are sometimes buy - one - get - one - free deals. Plus, it's incredibly easy to find. And let's not forget the nostalgia factor that comes with that familiar logo.

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Details

A&W vs. Barq's vs. Mug Root Beer: A Comprehensive Showdown

#1. Flavor and taste

A&W Root Beer

A&W has a long-standing reputation in the root beer world, and it's easy to see why. From the first sip, you're greeted with a rich, creamy flavor that's both familiar and comforting. The blend of traditional root beer spices like wintergreen, vanilla, and sassafras (or the modern flavor equivalents) is well-balanced, with the vanilla notes really shining through. It has a smooth, almost buttery quality that makes it incredibly drinkable. The sweetness is also on point, not too overpowering but just enough to make it indulgent. It's the kind of root beer that takes you back to childhood memories of enjoying a cold glass on a hot day.

Barq's Root Beer

Barq's is a bit of a wild card in the root beer lineup. It has a much more intense and complex flavor profile compared to A&W. The spiciness from ingredients like anise and wintergreen is much more pronounced, giving it a bold and zesty kick. There's also a slight bitterness that lingers at the end, which some might find off-putting, but for me, it adds an extra layer of depth. This bitterness is balanced by a moderate sweetness, making it a more grown-up take on root beer. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a root beer with a bit more character and a strong flavor punch, Barq's is the way to go.

Mug Root Beer

Mug Root Beer falls somewhere in the middle between A&W and Barq's in terms of flavor. It has a decent blend of the classic root beer spices, but it doesn't have the same level of creaminess as A&W or the intense spiciness of Barq's. The sweetness is also more moderate, making it a more accessible option for those who prefer a less sugary or overpowering taste. It's a solid, reliable root beer that gets the job done, but it might not stand out as much as the other two in a blind taste test. However, it's a great choice for everyday drinking and pairs well with a variety of foods.

#2. Carbonation

A&W Root Beer

A&W has a moderate level of carbonation that's just right for my taste. The bubbles are small and delicate, giving it a nice fizz without being too overwhelming. This allows the flavor to shine through, and it doesn't leave that harsh, tingling sensation in your throat. It's the kind of carbonation that makes you want to take another sip, and it enhances the overall smoothness of the root beer.

Barq's Root Beer

Barq's, on the other hand, has a higher level of carbonation. The bubbles are more aggressive, which can be quite refreshing, especially on a hot day. However, for some people, it might be a bit too much, as it can sometimes overpower the flavor. The extra carbonation does add to the boldness of the root beer, but it's something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to highly carbonated beverages.

Mug Root Beer

Mug Root Beer has a carbonation level that's similar to A&W, but with slightly larger bubbles. It has a good amount of fizz, but it's not as intense as Barq's. The carbonation helps to give it a lively mouthfeel, and it complements the flavor well. It's a comfortable level of carbonation that most people should enjoy without any issues.

#3. Sweetness Levels

A&W Root Beer

As mentioned earlier, A&W is on the sweeter side of the spectrum. The sugar content is noticeable, but it's not overly cloying. The sweetness works in harmony with the other flavors, enhancing the vanilla and creating a more decadent taste. It's a great option for those with a sweet tooth, but if you're trying to cut back on sugar, it might be a bit too much for you.

Barq's Root Beer

Barq's is less sweet than A&W, which allows the spiciness and bitterness to come through more prominently. This makes it a better choice for those who prefer a more savory or less sugary root beer. The lower sweetness level also means it can pair well with a wider range of foods, especially those with bold flavors.

Mug Root Beer

Mug Root Beer has a moderate sweetness level that's not too high or too low. It's a good balance that makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes. It's sweet enough to be enjoyable, but not so sweet that it overpowers the other flavors. It's a safe bet for those who want a root beer that's not too extreme in terms of sweetness.

#4. Pros and Cons 

A&W Root Beer has the advantage of its classic and creamy flavor, along with a strong nostalgic appeal. However, it does have a higher sugar content and a milder carbonation compared to some. 

Barq's Root Beer offers a bold and spicy flavor, lower sugar, and a refreshingly high carbonation, but its slight bitterness may turn some people off. 

Mug Root Beer provides a balanced flavor, moderate carbonation, and an affordable price, but it may lack the distinctiveness and brand recognition of the other two.

#5. Ingredients

A&W Root Beer: Contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, sodium benzoate (preservative), natural and artificial flavors, and quillaia extract. 

Barq's Root Beer: Made with carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, sodium benzoate (to protect taste), citric acid, caffeine, artificial and natural flavors, and acacia. The addition of citric acid and acacia are part of what gives Barq's its unique, slightly earthy and spicy taste, setting it apart from other root beers. Of course, the caffeine also sets it apart from some other root beers.

Mug Root Beer: Composed of carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness), citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor), and quillaia extract. 

It's important to note that all three root beers use high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, which is a common ingredient in many soft drinks.

#6. Nutrition Facts

A&W Root Beer packs 170 calories per can, with 80mg of sodium, 47g of total carbohydrates, and a whopping 46g of added sugar. This makes it one of the higher calorie and sugar options among the three.

Barq's Root Beer has 160 calories, 65mg of sodium, 44g of total carbohydrates, and 44g of added sugar. It's a bit lower in calories and sodium compared to A&W, but still contains a significant amount of sugar.

Mug Root Beer also has 160 calories, 65mg of sodium, 43g of total carbohydrates, and 43g of added sugar. It's very similar in nutrition to Barq's, with slightly fewer carbohydrates and added sugar.

If you're watching your calorie and sugar intake, you might want to consider these numbers carefully when choosing a root beer.

#7. Caffeine Content

A&W Root Beer: Is caffeine - free, making it ideal for those who want to avoid caffeine or are sensitive to it.

Barq's Root Beer: Contains around 22 mg of caffeine per 12 - ounce serving, giving it a bit of a pick - me - up.

Mug Root Beer: Is also caffeine - free, suitable for those who prefer a caffeine - free option.

#8. Price

A&W Root Beer: Often costs around $5 or $6 for a case of 12 cans, making it one of the more affordable choices.

Barq's Root Beer: Typically priced around $7 or $10 for a case. It's a bit more expensive than A&W, but prices can vary by location.

Mug Root Beer: Cases cost around $6 or $9, falling in the middle in terms of price, offering a balance between cost and quality.

Final Thoughts

Overall, A&W Root Beer offers a classic, indulgent experience. It's the kind of root beer that you can enjoy on its own or pair with your favorite desserts. Its smooth flavor, moderate carbonation, and sweet profile make it a crowd-pleaser, and it's no wonder it's been a favorite for generations. If you're looking for a traditional, comforting root beer, A&W is a great choice.

Barq's provides a more adventurous and unique drinking experience. Its bold flavor, high carbonation, and lower sweetness level make it a standout option. It's not for everyone, but if you're a fan of strong, spicy flavors and don't mind a bit of bitterness, Barq's is definitely worth trying. It's a root beer that can add a bit of excitement to your soda routine.

Mug Root Beer offers a solid, reliable option that's suitable for everyday consumption. It might not be the most exciting root beer out there, but it gets the job done. Its balanced flavor, moderate carbonation, and medium sweetness level make it a safe choice for those who want a consistent and enjoyable root beer experience.

In conclusion, there's no clear winner in the A&W Root Beer vs. Barq's Root Beer vs. Mug Root Beer debate, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 

My number one choice is A&W Root Beer!

($5, 12 Pack Cans FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back & Save $2.92)

($12.67, 24 Pack Cans FROM Walmart - Get Up To 4% Cash Back)

In short, A&W Root Beer wins me over with its amazing flavor, perfect carbonation, versatility, availability, and nostalgic charm. If you haven't given it a try, you're really missing out!

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