Yes, Barq’s has caffeine. The root beer is known for its “bite”, which at least partially refers to its caffeine content. Caffeine is added as an ingredient and is not naturally occurring in this beverage.
Barq’s is one of the very few root beers that has caffeine. Most major brands of root beer found at grocery stores are caffeine-free.
Barq’s Caffeine Content
Below is the caffeine content of Barq’s for its common serving sizes. Its caffeine content is considered low.
| Serving Size | Caffeine(mg) | Caffeine(mg)/fl oz |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 fl oz | 14 | 1.87 |
| 12 fl oz | 22 | 1.83 |
| 16.9 fl oz | 31 | 1.83 |
| 20 fl oz | 36.7 | 1.83 |
Barq’s Ingredients
Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (To Protect Taste), Citric Acid, Caffeine, Artificial And Natural Flavors, Acacia.
Barq’s Caffeine vs Other Beverages
The table below reflects the caffeine in Barq’s in comparison to other popular beverages. The caffeine content is considered low for Barq’s.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Caffeine mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Barq’s | 12 fl oz | 22 |
| A&W Root Beer | 12 fl oz | 0 |
| Mug Root Beer | 12 fl oz | 0 |
| Dad’s Root Beer | 12 fl oz | 0 |
| IBC Root Beer | 12 fl oz | 0 |
| Coca-Cola | 12 fl oz | 34 |
| Monster Energy | 12 fl oz | 120 |
| Coffee | 12 fl oz | 136 (approximate) |
Note that Diet Barq’s, Barq’s Creme Soda, and Barq’s Red Creme Soda are all caffeine-free. Only the original root beer contains caffeine as referenced above.
Barq’s Nutrition Facts
While its caffeine is relatively tame, the sugar content of Barq’s is high.
As you can see below, a typical 12-ounce can has 44 grams of added sugar. If you are following a 2,000 calorie diet, the often referenced Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting added sugar to 50 grams or approximately 12 teaspoons per day.
Simply drinking one can of regular Barq’s will leave little room for error the rest of the day if you wish to stick within the added sugar recommendation. It is a good idea to drink Barq’s or other sugary sodas in moderation or eliminate them altogether.
| Serving Size | 1 Can (12 fl. oz.) |
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44g |
| Total Sugars | 44g |
| Includes 44g Added Sugars | |
| Protein | 0g |
Sources:
barqs.com
Image Credit – David Singleton/flickr
