Root beer is a sweet North American soft drink. This article discusses whether KFC has root beer and more.
Everytime I want a sweet, non-alcoholic, carbonated drink I always go for root beer. Plus, it seems odd but I love the thick and foamy head it forms just like Cola.
I’ll address whether KFC has root beer. So stick around.
History of Root Beer
Root beer is a type of carbonated soft drink that is flavored with the extract of roots and herbs. The drink has a long and interesting history that dates back to pre-colonial times.
Indigenous tribes in North America used to create beverages and medicinal remedies from the roots of the sassafras tree, which is native to the continent.
The modern version of root beer can be traced back to Charles Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist who created the first commercially produced root beer in 1876.
Hires developed a recipe for a beverage made from sassafras root, which he sold as a concentrate that could be mixed with water and carbonated. The drink quickly became popular throughout the United States.
In the early days of root beer, many different herbs and roots were used to flavor the drink. However, sassafras was the most common ingredient, as it was believed to have medicinal properties.
Unfortunately, sassafras contains a compound called safrole, which was found to be carcinogenic in large doses. As a result, the use of sassafras in root beer was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1960.
Today, most commercial root beers are made without sassafras. Instead, they are flavored with a combination of artificial flavors and natural ingredients such as vanilla, wintergreen, and licorice.
Despite the absence of sassafras, root beer remains a popular beverage in the United States and is enjoyed by millions of people every year.
Ingredients of Root Beer
Root beer is known for its sweet, creamy taste and unique blend of flavors. It is typically made using a combination of primary ingredients and additional flavors, which give it its distinct taste. Here are the main ingredients that are commonly used in root beer:
Primary Ingredients
- Sassafras: Traditionally, sassafras root bark was used as the primary flavoring agent in root beer. However, due to the potential health risks associated with sassafras, most commercial root beers today use safrole-free sassafras extract instead.
- Sugar: Root beer is a sweet beverage, and sugar is the primary sweetener used to achieve this flavor. Most root beers use cane sugar, but some may also use high fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners.
- Carbonated Water: Root beer is a carbonated beverage, and carbonated water is used to give it its characteristic fizz.
Additional Flavors
- Herbs and Spices: Root beer typically contains a blend of herbs and spices, which can vary depending on the recipe. Some common herbs and spices used in root beer include vanilla, licorice root, anise, cinnamon, honey, birch bark, burdock root, dandelion root, yellow dock, prickly ash bark, and star anise.
- Artificial Flavors: Some root beers may also contain artificial flavors, which are used to enhance the taste and aroma of the beverage.
The ingredients used in root beer can vary depending on the recipe and brand. However, most root beers contain a combination of primary ingredients and additional flavors that give it its unique taste and aroma.
Popular Root Beer Brands
Root beer is a beloved soda flavor that has been around for over a century. It is sweet and bubbly. And, is often enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make a delicious root beer float.
There are many different brands of root beer available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular root beer brands:
A&W Root Beer
A&W is a popular fast-food chain that is known for its delicious root beer. A&W root beer is made with a blend of sassafras root, vanilla, and other spices that give it a unique flavor. It is also available in diet and caffeine-free varieties.
Barq’s Root Beer
Barq’s is another popular root beer brand that is known for its bold and spicy flavor. It is made with a blend of sassafras, wintergreen, and vanilla, which gives it a distinctive taste. Barq’s root beer is also available in a diet and caffeine-free version.
Mug Root Beer
Mug root beer is a classic root beer brand that has been around since the 1940s. It is made with a blend of natural and artificial flavors, which gives it a creamy and smooth taste. Mug root beer is also available in a diet and caffeine-free version.
Coca-Cola Root Beer
Coca-Cola also produces its own root beer. Coca-Cola root beer is made with a blend of natural flavors and is known for its sweet and smooth taste. It is also available in a diet version.
Overall, there are many different root beer brands available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Whether you prefer a bold and spicy root beer or a creamy and smooth one, there is a root beer brand out there for everyone to enjoy.
Nutritional Information of Root Beer
Root beer is sweet and fizzy. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a complement to a meal. It is made from a combination of sassafras root, vanilla, and other ingredients that give it a distinct taste. KFC offers two types of root beer, A&W Root Beer and Mug Root Beer, both of which are available in 16 oz cups.
The nutritional information of root beer can vary depending on the brand and serving size. A 16 oz serving of A&W Root Beer from KFC contains 240 calories, 60 mg of sodium, and 65 g of carbohydrates.
It does not contain any fat, protein, or caffeine. A 16 oz serving of Mug Root Beer from KFC contains 200 calories, 55 mg of sodium, and 51 g of carbohydrates. It also does not contain any fat, protein, or caffeine.
Note that root beer is a high-calorie beverage that should be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much root beer can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Be aware of the sugar content of root beer, as it can be high in some brands.
Root Beer in KFC
KFC is an American fast-food restaurant chain that is famous for its fried chicken. However, many customers also enjoy the variety of drinks available on the menu, including root beer.
Availability
Root beer is enjoyed by many families in the United States. KFC recognizes the popularity of this drink and has made it available on their menu.
Customers can order root beer in different sizes, including small, medium, and large. The root beer served in KFC is made by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. It is a caffeine-free drink made with natural and artificial flavors.
Popular Combinations
Customers who visit KFC often enjoy pairing their meals with a refreshing drink. Root beer is a popular choice among customers, and it pairs well with many of the items on the menu. Here are some popular combinations that customers enjoy:
- Root Beer Float: KFC’s Root Beer Float is a delicious dessert that is made by blending vanilla ice cream, root beer syrup, and whipped cream. It is a perfect treat for those who love sweet and creamy desserts.
- Hamburger and Root Beer: Many customers enjoy pairing their hamburger with a cold glass of root beer. The sweetness of the root beer complements the savory flavors of the hamburger, making it a satisfying meal.
- Fried Chicken and Root Beer: The crispy and flavorful fried chicken served in KFC goes well with a cold glass of root beer. The sweetness of the root beer helps balance out the saltiness of the chicken, making it a perfect combination.
- You can order root beer in different sizes, and it pairs well with many of the items on the menu. Whether you are looking for a refreshing drink or a sweet dessert, root beer is a great option to consider when dining at KFC.
Making Root Beer at Home
For those who love root beer, making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to create a delicious and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed any time.
Here are the recipes for preparing root beer at home.
Basic Recipe
The basic recipe for making root beer at home involves boiling sassafras or sarsaparilla root into a strong tea. Once the decoction or extract is done, it’s time to season it with vanilla extract, cherry tree bark, or cinnamon.
Some like to add natural honey instead of sugar because it makes it taste a lot better. The next step in any root beer recipe is carbonation.
You will need to add yeast and sugar to the mixture to carbonate the root beer. The yeast will consume the sugar and produce carbon dioxide, which will create the bubbles in the root beer. Once the mixture is carbonated, it can be bottled and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Make sure you get the bubbles right. There is no root beer without bubbles! …(chuckles)
Variations
There are many variations that can be used to create unique and delicious flavors of root beer. Some people like to add vanilla ice cream to their root beer to create a root beer float. Others like to add chocolate or berries to the mixture to create a better flavor profile.
Another popular variation is to mix root beer with lemonade to create a refreshing summer beverage. Simply mix equal parts root beer and lemonade in a large pitcher and serve over ice to make this variation.
No matter which variation you choose, making root beer at home is a fun and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, it’s easy to create a delicious and refreshing beverage that is perfect for any occasion.
FAQS
What root beer does KFC sell?
KFC typically sells A&W Root Beer at their locations. A&W Root Beer is a popular brand of root beer that has been around since 1919. It is known for its creamy, smooth taste and is often paired with KFC’s fried chicken and other menu items. However, the availability of A&W Root Beer may vary by location, and some KFC locations may offer other brands of root beer or soft drinks.
Does KFC root beer have caffeine?
Yes, A&W Root Beer, which is the brand of root beer typically sold at KFC locations, contains caffeine. However, the amount of caffeine in A&W Root Beer is relatively low compared to other soft drinks like cola. A 12-ounce can of A&W Root Beer contains around 22 milligrams of caffeine, which is about one-third the amount of caffeine found in a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola. If you are sensitive to caffeine or trying to limit your caffeine intake, check the nutrition label or ask the staff at your local KFC for more information.
How much is a fountain drink at KFC?
The price of a fountain drink at KFC may vary depending on the location and size of the drink. However, in general, a small fountain drink at KFC typically costs around $1.79, a medium costs around $1.99, and a large costs around $2.19. These prices may vary by location and are subject to change.
Does root beer have alcohol?
Most commercially available root beers do not contain alcohol. Root beer is typically a non-alcoholic carbonated soft drink that is flavored with extracts from roots and herbs, such as sassafras, vanilla, and wintergreen.
However, some brands of root beer may contain trace amounts of alcohol, usually less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). These types of root beer are often labeled as “hard root beer” and are intended for adult consumption. Check the label or ask the staff at your local store if you are unsure if a particular root beer contains alcohol.
Does root beer keep you awake?
Root beer typically does not contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can keep you awake. However, some brands of root beer may contain small amounts of caffeine, usually less than what is found in a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts may affect your sleep. Also, consuming sugary drinks like root beer before bed can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which may also affect your sleep. It’s always a good idea to consume sugary drinks in moderation. Avoid consuming them close to bedtime if you are concerned about their effects on your sleep.
Related Articles:
If you liked this article, here are other similar articles you can read:
- Does KFC Chicken Contain Eggs?
- Does KFC Accept American Express?
- Does KFC Have Jalapenos? [ A Clear Answer]