The quest for the best diet root beer is a noble one, especially for those who crave the classic root beer flavor without the added sugar. The ideal diet root beer should closely mimic the taste of its full-sugar counterpart, offering a satisfying and authentic experience. In the pursuit of this ideal, nine different diet root beer brands were subjected to a taste test, revealing some exceptional contenders.
The Missing Contenders
Before diving into the rankings, it's important to address some notable absences. Diet Barq's, a popular choice, was surprisingly elusive and unavailable for testing. Similarly, Diet A&W appears to have been discontinued, and even A&W Zero Sugar proved impossible to find. While these omissions are regrettable, the focus remains on the nine brands that were successfully tracked down. Once these missing brands are located, the ranking will be updated to provide a more comprehensive assessment.
The Exceptional Four
Among the nine diet root beers tested, four stood out as truly exceptional. These brands managed to capture the essence of root beer flavor while minimizing the telltale artificial sweetener taste that often plagues diet sodas.
Fitz's: The Low-Carbonation Champion
One of the defining characteristics of root beer is its ability to maintain its appeal even with low carbonation. Fitz's is a prime example of this, offering a gentle fizz that makes it easy to guzzle. This makes it an excellent choice for those who dislike the intense prickle of highly carbonated sodas. The flavor profile of Fitz's is also noteworthy, with a slightly bitter edge that resembles an after-dinner amaro. This unique characteristic sets it apart from other diet root beers, creating a more sophisticated and nuanced drinking experience.
Diet IBC: The Fruity and Spicy Delight
Diet IBC distinguishes itself with a subtly fruity flavor, reminiscent of a splash of tart cherry juice added to the mix. This fruity note is complemented by a heavy dose of spices, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile. For those who enjoy a more vibrant carbonation, Diet IBC delivers an explosion of tiny bubbles that dance on the tongue. This lively effervescence enhances the overall drinking experience, making it a refreshing and enjoyable choice.
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Diet Mug: The Cream Soda Imposter
Diet Mug delivers a surprisingly authentic root beer flavor that defies its diet designation. The flavor is well-rounded, with notes of cooked sugar and winter spices, creating a warm and inviting taste. The sweetness is pronounced, almost like a cream soda, further masking any artificial sweetener aftertaste. Diet Mug is a testament to the possibility of creating a diet root beer that truly tastes like the real thing.
Diet Stewart's: The Dry and Spicy Winner
Diet Stewart's emerges as the best diet root beer of the bunch, boasting a multitude of tiny bubbles and a delightful spiced cinnamon or nutmeg quality. Remarkably, it avoids the artificial sweetener taste that often plagues diet sodas. In fact, Diet Stewart's leans towards the drier end of the spectrum, a surprising characteristic for a diet root beer. This dryness balances the sweetness, creating a more refined and satisfying flavor profile.
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