Ask someone in the US to describe root beer and they'll struggle to pin it down beyond "root beer flavour" - ask someone in the UK and the most common word is "medicinal". That gap is exactly why the drink never crossed the Atlantic in any serious way.
What root beer is actually flavoured with
- Sassafras root bark — the traditional base flavouring, giving root beer its sweet, earthy backbone. Pure sassafras oil (safrole) was banned as a food additive by US regulators in 1960 over cancer concerns in animal studies, so modern root beer uses safrole-free sassafras extract or artificial flavouring instead.
- Wintergreen — the ingredient most responsible for root beer's "medicinal" reputation in the UK, since methyl salicylate is the same compound used in muscle rubs and some mouthwashes here.
- Liquorice, vanilla and clove notes — most recipes layer in these spiced, sweet undertones, which is why root beer is often compared to old-fashioned cough sweets rather than a typical fizzy drink.
Why it never took off in Britain
Root beer grew up in America alongside cola as an everyday soda fountain staple from the late 19th century onwards, brewed by brands like A&W, Barq's, Dad's and Mug. Britain had its own parallel soft drink culture - dandelion and burdock, ginger beer, cola - and root beer simply arrived too late and too unfamiliar to compete. Its wintergreen note in particular clashes with British flavour associations, where that taste means medicine cabinet rather than refreshment.
Where to actually find it in the UK
Root beer isn't a supermarket staple here, but it's far from impossible to find - American candy and import shops stock the major US brands, and it turns up in the wider world of American candy and snacks alongside other US imports that share the same "acquired taste" reputation, like extra-strong mint or cinnamon sweets.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't root beer popular in the UK?
Root beer never developed a mainstream following in Britain because its dominant flavour, wintergreen, tastes medicinal to most British palates - closer to a muscle rub or mouthwash than a soft drink - whereas in the US it grew up as an everyday soda alongside cola.
What does root beer actually taste like?
Root beer's flavour comes mainly from sassafras root bark and wintergreen, giving a sweet, herbal, faintly spiced taste often compared to liquorice, cloves and old-fashioned cough sweets rather than anything fruity or cola-like.
Can you buy root beer in the UK?
Yes - root beer isn't stocked by most UK supermarkets, but it's widely available through American candy and import shops and online specialist retailers, usually as bottled or canned brands imported directly from the US.