Root beers are popular beverage that has been around for centuries. It is a sweet, carbonated drink that is often associated with American cuisine.
There is some confusion about whether root beers are a soda or alcohol. In this article, we will explore the history of Root Beers, its ingredients, and whether it is a soda or alcohol.
The History of Root Beers
Root beers was first created in the 19th century by American pharmacists who were looking for a cure for various ailments. They believed that the roots and herbs used in root beers had medicinal properties. The original recipe for root beers included sassafras root, birch bark, and other herbs and spices.
However, sassafras root was later found to contain a carcinogenic compound called safrole, which led to the ban of its use in food products by the FDA in 1960.
Ingredients in Root Beers
Today, most root beers recipes do not include sassafras root. Instead, they use artificial flavors and extracts to mimic the taste of traditional root beer. The main ingredients in root beers include carbonated water, sugar, and flavorings such as vanilla, wintergreen, and licorice. Some brands of root beer also contain caffeine.
Is Root Beers a Soda?
Root beers is often considered a type of soda. Soda is defined as a carbonated soft drink that is sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Root beers fits this definition because it is carbonated and sweetened with sugar. However, some people argue that root beers is not a soda because it does not contain fruit flavors like other sodas.
Is Root Beers Alcohol?
Root beers is not typically considered an alcoholic beverage. However, there are some brands of root beer that contain small amounts of alcohol.
These brands are often labeled as “hard” root beer and contain around 5% alcohol by volume. Hard root beer is made by fermenting sugar with yeast, which produces alcohol.
The Difference Between Regular and Hard Root Beers
The main difference between regular and hard root beer is the alcohol content. Regular root beer contains no alcohol, while hard root beer contains around 5% alcohol by volume.
Hard root beer also has a slightly different taste than regular root beer because it is made with fermented sugar.
Root Beers Floats
One of the most popular ways to enjoy root beers is in the form of a root beers float. A root beer float is made by combining vanilla ice cream with root beers.
The combination of the sweet, creamy ice cream and the fizzy root beer creates a delicious and refreshing treat.
The Health Benefits of Root Beers
While root beer is not necessarily a health food, it does have some potential health benefits. Some of the herbs and spices used in traditional root beer recipes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some studies have suggested that drinking moderate amounts of soda may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
The Risks of Drinking Root Beers
Despite its potential health benefits, there are also some risks associated with drinking root beers. One of the main concerns is the high sugar content in most root beers. Drinking too much sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems. Some brands of root beer contain caffeine, which can cause insomnia, anxiety, and other side effects.
