Difference between Root Beer, Coke and Soda
Nothing cools like a refreshing carbonated beverage, and the overwhelmingly popular choices are soft drinks like Coke and root beer. Both these and many other similar drinks are made up of a mixture of carbonated water, sugar and other flavorings, and it is in these other flavorings that they have their main differences, as you will see in this comparison article.
Definition
Root beer is a carbonated beverage that contains flavoring made from sassafras plant roots. Alternately, sassafras bark may also be used. Root beer first became popular in North America, and it comes in alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic form.
Coke, or Coca-Cola, is a carbonated beverage that is available in over 200 countries all over the world. Coke is a product of The Coca-Cola Company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and the company has actually held the rights to the name "Coke" since March 27, 1944.
Soda is simply an umbrella term that encompasses almost all carbonated drinks including Coke and root beer, although not the alcoholic type of root beer. The first efforts to replicate naturally carbonated liquids occurred in the late 18th century, when Joseph Priestley infused carbon dioxide into water. This was a pivotal step in the development of soda as we know it today.
Ingredients
There are hundreds of different root beer brands in the United States, and the formula changes from region to region and among different manufacturers. However, all root beer is flavored by artificial sassafras flavoring, although a few other flavors are included such as vanilla, wintergreen, cherry bark, licorice, sarsaparilla, nutmeg, anise, cinnamon, and many more
Coke’s ingredients on the other hand are carbonated water, sugar in the form of sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, caffeine, phosphoric acid, caramel and natural flavorings.
Health Implications
Root beer generally does not contain caffeine, although some manufacturers add it during the manufacturing process. This makes root beer a better choice for people who are trying to curb their caffeine intake. Although all soda drinks cannot be considered health foods by any means, root beer is considered just a bit better for you than Coke or soda. Cola drinks are particularly harmful for the erosive ingredients that can damage tooth enamel. Root beer is in fact the safest of sodas in terms of dental health.
Of course all soda drinks, including root beer and Coke, contain sugar or corn syrup, which can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental issues, and reduced nutrient levels.
Similarities and Differences
Root beer
- A carbonated beverage that contains flavoring made from sassafras plant roots
- Sassafras bark may also be used
- Root beer first became popular in North America
- Comes in alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic form
Coke
- A carbonated beverage available in over 200 countries all over the world
Soda
- An umbrella term that encompasses almost all carbonated drinks including Coke and root beer
- Can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental issues, and reduced nutrient levels
