Is A&W Root Beer Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
A&W Root Beer
A&W Soda
A&W Root Beer receives a C grade for pregnancy safety. While it's caffeine free, it contains high fructose corn syrup and sodium benzoate, which warrant caution during pregnancy due to potential metabolic effects and preservative concerns.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in A&W Root Beer?
A&W Root Beer has 6 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch and widely used in processed foods and beverages. Limit intake during pregnancy as excessive consumption has been linked to increased risk of gestational diabetes and metabolic issues.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Generally safe in small amounts, but minimize exposure during pregnancy as it may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
caramel color
SAFE
Caramel color is a widely used food additive that imparts a rich, brown hue to beverages and processed foods. Caramel color is generally considered safe during pregnancy in the amounts found in foods and beverages.
carbonated water
SAFE
Carbonated water is water infused with carbon dioxide gas, creating a fizzy, bubbly sensation. Plain carbonated water is safe during pregnancy and can help with nausea relief for some women.
natural and artificial flavors
SAFE
A blend of natural and artificial flavors used to enhance the taste and aroma of food and beverages. The FDA approved flavoring blend in this product is considered safe during pregnancy at normal consumption levels.
quillaia extract
SAFE
Quillaia extract is a natural surfactant derived from the bark of the Quillaja saponaria tree, commonly used as a foaming agent and emulsifier in food and beverage products. Quillaia extract is safe during pregnancy in the small amounts used as a foaming agent in beverages.
Answering Your Questions
How much A&W Root Beer is safe during pregnancy?
If you choose to drink A&W Root Beer during pregnancy, limit yourself to one 12 oz serving at a time. This helps minimize exposure to high fructose corn syrup and sodium benzoate while still allowing an occasional treat.
Can you use A&W Root Beer daily while pregnant?
Consider limiting A&W Root Beer to once or twice per week rather than daily consumption. Opting for water, sparkling water, or naturally flavored beverages more frequently is a healthier choice during pregnancy.
Is A&W Root Beer safe while breastfeeding?
A&W Root Beer is generally considered safe while breastfeeding in moderation. Since it's caffeine free, it won't affect your baby's sleep. However, the high sugar content means it's best enjoyed occasionally rather than as a regular beverage.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to A&W Root Beer?
Sparkling water with natural fruit flavoring, homemade root Beer using stevia, or brands that use cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup are better alternatives. Ginger Ale made with real ginger can also satisfy soda cravings while potentially helping with nausea.
Why does A&W Root Beer get a C grade?
A&W Root Beer receives a C grade because it contains high fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to gestational diabetes risk, and sodium benzoate, a preservative that may form benzene when combined with certain acids. While not dangerous in moderation, these ingredients warrant caution.
Can you drink root beer while pregnant?
Yes, you can drink root Beer while pregnant in moderation. Root beer is caffeine free, which is a plus. However, most commercial root beers contain high fructose corn syrup and preservatives, so limiting intake to occasional treats is recommended.
Is the sugar in soda safe during pregnancy?
Excessive sugar intake during pregnancy is linked to gestational diabetes and excessive weight gain. A&W Root Beer contains high fructose corn syrup, which some studies suggest may have additional metabolic effects. Moderation is key save sugary sodas for occasional treats.
Is quillaia extract safe during pregnancy?
Quillaia extract, used as a foaming agent in A&W Root Beer, is generally recognized as safe by the FDA in the small amounts used in beverages. There's no evidence suggesting it poses risks during pregnancy at typical consumption levels.
Is drinking seltzer water while pregnant okay?
Yes, plain seltzer water is perfectly safe during pregnancy and can be a great alternative to sugary sodas like root Beer. It provides the fizzy satisfaction without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to A&W Root Beer?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Coca Cola Original Taste | Coca-Cola | soft drink |
| A | Hawai Tropical | Hawai,Coca Cola | soft drink |
| A | Fanta Tops Lemon 1.5L | — | soft drink |
| A | Sicilian Lemon & Lime | Belvoir Farm | soft drink |
Are Other A&W Soda Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other A&W Soda products. 0 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 10 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C | A&W Ice Cream Sundae Zero Sugar Caffeine Free Soda Cans | soda |
| C | A&W® Root Beer Soda Bottle | soft drink |
| C | A&W® Root Beer Soda Bottles | soda |
| C | A&W® Root Beer Soda Mini Cans | soda |
How Does A&W Root Beer Compare to Other Soft Drinks?
We graded 4,295 Soft Drinks for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
A&W Root Beer earns a C grade, placing it among the majority of Soft Drinks. Only 14% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
- https://thrivemarket.com/blog/heres a-convincing reason to avoid high fructose corn syrup during pregnancy
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1203063/full
- https://www.nature.com/articles/srep25091
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286322000225
- https://www.orlandohealth.com/content hub/why you should not consume high fructose corn syrup if you are pregnant/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7441786/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35123000/
- https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/32/12/2314/25900/Dietary Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522034220
- https://medicine.washu.edu/news/high fructose diet pregnancy may harm placenta restrict fetal growth/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6685737/
- https://www.cdc.gov/maternal infant health/pregnancy diabetes/index.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5491864/
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- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4398903/
- https://www.obgproject.com/2023/01/02/acog releases updated guidance gestational diabetes/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.848983/full
- https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.02.600389v1.full text
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12620731/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10469680/
