Barq’s Root Beer has been a popular soft drink since its inception in 1898. However, its caffeine content has been a subject of controversy for years. Some people claim that Barq’s Root Beer contains caffeine, while others dispute this fact.
Barq’s Root Beer was invented by Edward Charles Edmond Barq, Sr. in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1898. Barq’s Root Beer was originally made with sarsaparilla root, but in the early 1900s, the formula was changed to include wintergreen, vanilla, and other flavors.
Barq’s Root Beer quickly became a popular drink in the southern United States. In 1919, the company opened a bottling plant in New Orleans, Louisiana, which helped expand its distribution to other states. By the 1950s, Barq’s Root Beer had become a nationwide brand.
Today, Barq’s Root Beer is owned by The Coca-Cola Company and is sold in many countries around the world. Despite its popularity, the soft drink has been the subject of controversy due to its caffeine content.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in many plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. It is also commonly found in soft drinks, including cola and root beer.
According to the Coca-Cola Company, Barq’s Root Beer contains approximately 22 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce serving. This is significantly less caffeine than a cup of coffee, which can contain anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.
However, some people claim that the actual caffeine content of Barq’s Root Beer is higher than what is listed on the label. This controversy has led to debates and discussions among consumers and health professionals alike.
Despite the controversy, Barq’s Root Beer remains a popular choice for those who enjoy the taste of root beer with a little bit of caffeine. But with the debate ongoing, it’s essential for consumers to be informed about the caffeine content of their favorite soft drinks.
The controversy surrounding the caffeine content of Barq’s Root Beer began in the early 2000s when the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a non-profit organization, tested several brands of root beer for caffeine content. The CSPI found that Barq’s Root Beer contained approximately 22.5 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce serving, while other brands did not contain caffeine.
This finding led to debates about whether Barq’s Root Beer should be labeled as a caffeinated beverage. Some people argued that the caffeine content was too small to be of concern, while others believed that consumers had the right to know what was in their drinks.
In response to the controversy, the Coca-Cola Company made changes to the labeling of Barq’s Root Beer. The company added a disclaimer to the label, stating that the product contains caffeine. The company also made changes to the recipe to reduce the caffeine content, although the exact amount was not disclosed.
Despite these changes, the controversy surrounding Barq’s Root Beer’s caffeine content continues to this day. Some people still argue that the actual caffeine content is higher than what is listed on the label, while others believe that the controversy is much ado about nothing.
Caffeine in Barq’s Root Beer

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It has several effects on the body, including increased alertness, improved mood, and enhanced physical performance. However, too much caffeine can cause side effects like jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Compared to other sodas, Barq’s Root Beer contains a relatively small amount of caffeine. For example, a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains approximately 34 milligrams of caffeine, while a 12-ounce can of Pepsi contains approximately 38 milligrams of caffeine. In contrast, a 12-ounce can of Barq’s Root Beer contains only 22 milligrams of caffeine.
Despite the low caffeine content, some people still maintain that Barq’s Root Beer should not contain caffeine at all. This belief has led to the ongoing controversy surrounding the soft drink’s caffeine content.
Controversy Surrounding Barq’s Root Beer’s Caffeine Content
The controversy surrounding Barq’s Root Beer’s caffeine content began in the early 2000s, as previously mentioned. The CSPI tested several brands of root beer for caffeine content, including Barq’s Root Beer. The test results showed that Barq’s Root Beer contained caffeine, while other brands did not.
This discovery led to debates about whether Barq’s Root Beer should be considered a caffeinated beverage. Some people argued that the caffeine content was too small to be of concern, while others believed that consumers had the right to know what was in their drinks.
One argument against Barq’s Root Beer containing caffeine is that it is marketed as a family-friendly beverage. Some people believe that adding caffeine to a soft drink aimed at children and families is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
On the other hand, those who support the inclusion of caffeine in Barq’s Root Beer argue that the caffeine content is low and not harmful to most people. They also point out that other soft drinks, including cola, contain caffeine and are not subject to the same controversy.
Despite the ongoing debate, Barq’s Root Beer remains a popular soft drink. Whether or not it contains caffeine, it is up to consumers to decide if they want to include it in their diets.
Barq’s Response to the Controversy
In response to the controversy surrounding the caffeine content of Barq’s Root Beer, the Coca-Cola Company took several actions to address the issue.
One of the first steps the company took was to add a disclaimer to the label of Barq’s Root Beer, stating that the product contains caffeine. This was done to ensure that consumers were aware of the caffeine content and could make an informed decision about whether to consume the product.
The company also made changes to the recipe of Barq’s Root Beer to reduce the amount of caffeine. However, the exact amount of caffeine in the new recipe was not disclosed. The company stated that the changes were made to address consumer concerns and to ensure that Barq’s Root Beer remained a popular beverage choice.
Despite these changes, the controversy surrounding Barq’s Root Beer’s caffeine content continues to be a topic of discussion among consumers and health professionals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Barq’s Root Beer is a popular soft drink that has been enjoyed by consumers for over a century. However, its caffeine content has been the subject of controversy for years.
Although the Coca-Cola Company has taken steps to address the issue by adding a disclaimer to the label and reducing the amount of caffeine in the recipe, the controversy surrounding Barq’s Root Beer’s caffeine content continues.
As a brand that has maintained its popularity for over a century, Barq’s Root Beer remains a relevant player in the soda industry. Despite the controversy surrounding its caffeine content, it continues to be a popular choice for those who enjoy the taste of root beer with a little bit of caffeine.
At Marmalade Cafe, we recognize the importance of being informed about the products we consume. As such, it’s essential for consumers to be aware of the caffeine content of their favorite soft drinks, including Barq’s Root Beer. Whether you choose to consume it or not, it’s important to make an informed decision about what you put into your body.