Over the past few weeks, we’ve received multiple messages asking what the difference is between Root Beer and Sarsaparilla… and even more specifically, our Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla. Today, we thought we would set the record straight on this one and there’s one simple answer to this: aside from the label, there is no difference! Let us explain:
At its simplest, Bundaberg Sarsaparilla and Bundaberg Root Beer do not have any key differences – bar the label.
Our Brewniverse stretches far and wide in 2022, and with this means that you may see your brews slightly different to some others. Those in the United Kingdom and United States will be Root Beer, whereas our friends in Australia and New Zealand will see Sarsaparilla. But let us clarify, even though these brews do not share a name, they are the exact same drink! Both crafted over three days using real liquorice root, sarsaparilla root, molasses, and vanilla beans. And regardless of what the label says, both are brewed right here In Bundaberg to the exact same recipe!
Despite Root Beer and Sarsaparilla being alternative names for the same Bundaberg brew, traditionally these are two different drinks with very different histories – so we wanted to take a little dive into this.
Sarsaparilla, traditionally, was made from Sarsaparilla Root alone. This extract holds a slightly bitter flavour profile, which is why many producers now pair this with ingredients like liquorice – attempting to reduce the boldness. On the other side of things, Root Beer is a drink that’s been heavily engrained in American Culture which dates back to the 19th century. Many over time have dubbed Root Beer as the ‘adulterated sarsaparilla’ due to the mix of flavour enhancing ingredients; vanilla, wintergreen, nutmeg, anise, among others.
What makes our Bundaberg Root Beer/Sarsaparilla so special is that we take the best things of both these traditional drinks to make one ultimate tasting Brew. We use real locally sourced ingredients, craft brewed for over 3-days to ensure we extract the most delicious, complex flavours we possibly can. Then wallah, you have our world-class, completely unique Brew.
So in conclusion, to answer the age old question, our Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla are the same delicious Brew! However, pending where you are based in the world, you may see a different label on your supermarket shelves. And that’s that on this one.
root, molasses and vanilla beans. In fact, no matter what the brew is called, it was brewed right here in our hometown of Bundaberg
Bundaberg
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks still uses this traditional brewing process to make their Ginger Beer using real Ginger grown in the region of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. Our Ginger Beer is brewed over 3 days and is alcohol-free making it a refreshing soda or the perfect ingredient for a Moscow Mule.
The modern versions of root beer and sarsaparilla are nearly identical, the difference lies in the combination of ingredients and brewing technique. Each brand has a unique combination of ingredients and techniques to ensure a satisfying sip.
Safrole was found to contribute to liver cancer in rats when given in high doses, and thus it and sassafras or sarsaparilla-containing products were banned.
A true sarsaparilla drink is made from the dried root bark of any of several plants in the genus Smilax (Smilax ornata or Smilax officinalis, for example), vivid green climbing shrubs with Christmas-y berries.
Despite Root Beer and Sarsaparilla being alternative names for the same Bundaberg brew, traditionally these are two different drinks with very different histories – so we wanted to take a little dive into this. Sarsaparilla, traditionally, was made from Sarsaparilla Root alone.
Dr. pepper is actually a blend of all 23 flavors. Supposedly those flavors are cola, cherry, licorice, amaretto almond, vanilla, blackberry, apricot, blackberry, caramel, pepper, anise, sarsaparilla, ginger, molasses, lemon, plum, orange, nutmeg, cardamon, all spice, coriander juniper, birch and prickly ash.
The beneficial phytochemicals in the root of the sarsaparilla plant have been shown to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin and joint healing effects. Sarsaparilla is considered safe for most people, but be wary of false claims.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sarsaparilla is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Kidney disease: Sarsaparilla might make kidney disease worse. Avoid sarsaparilla if you have kidney problems.
Since safrole, a key component of sassafras, was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960 due to its carcinogenicity, most commercial root beers have been flavored using artificial sassafras flavoring, but a few (e.g. Hansen's) use a safrole-free sassafras extract.
Consuming large amounts of saponins, which are included in sarsaparilla, can induce stomach irritation; some people may also have stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, and indigestion. Sarsaparilla dust, the herb's powdered form, or "sarsaparilla dust," may cause allergic reactions in certain people.
These tonics typically promised a cure for virtually any known ailment. Perhaps the best known of these tonics, Sarsaparilla, was enjoyed both for medicinal purposes and for refreshment. It was said to have been the most popular drink among ranchers and cowboys.
Consuming root beer occasionally is acceptable. However, consuming it more than a couple of times a week can affect your health, cause weight gain, and eventually invite other health problems such as obesity and other chronic diseases.
Sarsaparilla was made from the Sarsaparilla vine, while Root Beer, roots of the sassafras tree. These days, Root Beer recipes do not include sassafras as the plant has been found to cause serious health issues. The vine was banned by the American Food and Drug Administration for commercial food production in 1960.
Barq's (/ˈbɑːrks/) is an American brand of root beer created by Edward Barq and bottled since the beginning of the 20th century. It is owned by the Coca-Cola Company. It was known as "Barq's Famous Olde Tyme Root Beer" until 2012.
The flavor of Barq's differed from other root beers on the market, as it used sarsaparilla instead of sassafras and incorporated more caffeine and less sugar than other brands, giving it a bit of a “bite.” Over the years, the drink grew in popularity and was ultimately acquired by Coca-Cola in 1995.
Vernor's boasts the oldest soda in America, but not the world. That belongs to Schweppe's, who created a carbonated mineral water in 1783. Other old sodas include Hires Root Beer (1876), Moxie 1876, Dr. Pepper (1885) Coca-Cola (1886) and Pepsi (1893.
People used to drink sassafras tea. However, sassafras tea contains a high concentration of safrole, which was about 4.5 times the permissible dose. Thus, in 1976, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the sales of sassafras tea.
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Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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