root beer: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Oct. 25, 2026

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Photos

A glass mug of root beer float with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top sits on a blue napkin, with a spoon and an ice cream scoop nearby on a wooden table.

Branches of a sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum, with green leaves and a few leaves turning orange.

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Topics

Why is root beer called root beer?wintergreen sarsaparilla sassafras soft drink carbonated beverage ginger ale What’s the Difference Between Sugar in Fruit and Sugar in Sweets and Candy?