Cream soda is a sweet carbonated soft drink that has a distinct vanilla flavor. Unlike many other sodas, cream soda does not contain any alcohol. The drink gets its name from the creamy, frothy texture that results from blending vanilla syrup with carbonated water.
The Origins of Cream Soda
The first cream soda recipes appeared in the mid-1800s and originally contained some combination of cream, eggs, sugar, and flavorings like vanilla or ginger. These early versions did have a creamy texture, but they were difficult to make and not commercially viable. In the late 1800s, innovations in carbonation led to the invention of modern cream soda.
Carbonated water was added to flavored syrups to create a soda with the creamy mouthfeel of the original versions without the need for dairy products. This made large scale production and distribution possible. By the early 1900s, mass-produced cream soda was widely available from major beverage companies. Brands like Hires Root Beer and IBC Root Beer introduced creamy flavored sodas that are still popular today.
Ingredients in Cream Soda
While ingredients can vary between brands, most cream sodas consist of:
- Carbonated water – provides the bubbly effervescence.
- Sweetener – usually cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
- Natural and artificial flavors – most commonly vanilla, but sometimes wintergreen, caramel, or fruit flavors.
- Preservatives – like potassium benzoate or sodium benzoate.
- Acids – citric acid or phosphoric acid help provide tartness.
- Colors – caramel color or artificial food dyes like Red 40.
Since cream soda contains no actual cream, milk, eggs, alcohol, or other questionable ingredients, it meets the FDA’s definition of a “nonalcoholic” beverage.
Does Cream Soda Contain Alcohol?
There are a few reasons why people sometimes mistakenly believe cream soda could contain alcohol:
- Association with “beer” sodas – Some brands of cream soda like Henry Weinhard’s are made by breweries and sold alongside beers. This association leads some to assume it may contain alcohol.
- “Cream” in the name – The word “cream” makes some think it may contain distilled spirits like Irish cream.
- Sweet vanilla flavor – The pronounced vanilla taste resembles that of liquors like rum, so people assume it must be alcoholic.
Despite these perceptions, major brands of cream soda like A&W, IBC, and Sprecher’s contain 0% alcohol by volume. There are no spirits, malt, fermented sugars, or other sources of alcohol in traditional cream soda.
Alcoholic Cream Sodas
There are some alcoholic cream soda cocktails that add distilled spirits to standard cream soda. For example:
- Rum and cream soda
- Whiskey and cream soda
- Root beer float with vanilla vodka
When mixed with hard liquor in this way, the resulting beverage would contain alcohol and could not be considered a true nonalcoholic soda. However, the cream soda itself contains no alcohol unless otherwise specified.
Cream Soda Calories and Nutrition
Original cream sodas get nearly all of their calories from added sugars. A 12 ounce can typically contains about:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220-280 |
| Carbohydrates | 58-75 g |
| Sugars | 54-69 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Cream soda has little to no fat, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. The main nutrients are carbohydrates from added cane sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup. While tasty, it does not provide much nutritional value.
Diet Cream Soda
Diet versions of cream soda are also available, which typically contain:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0-10 |
| Carbohydrates | 0-2 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Artificial sweeteners | Acesulfame potassium, sucralose |
The lack of sugar significantly reduces the calorie content. However, artificial sweeteners are used to maintain a sweet flavor.
Is Cream Soda Bad for You?
The main health concern with cream soda is that it packs up to 69 grams of sugar into a 12 ounce serving. Consuming this much added sugar can contribute to:
- Weight gain
- Obesity
- Tooth decay
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
According to health authorities, women should have no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day, while men should stay under 36 grams. Just one can of cream soda exceeds these limits.
If you enjoy an occasional cream soda, the best option is to split a can between two people. Going for the diet version can also help minimize sugar intake. Drinking it infrequently and in moderation is key.
Alternatives to Cream Soda
If you want to skip the sugar but still enjoy a creamy vanilla soda, some healthier alternatives include:
- Homemade cream soda: Mix seltzer water, vanilla extract, and a small amount of stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Flavored seltzer: Try vanilla flavored seltzers from brands like La Croix, Spindrift, or Aha.
- Root beer: Barq’s and other root beers have creamy vanilla notes.
- Italian cream sodas: Sweeten plain seltzer with vanilla syrup and cream.
- Creamy smoothies: Blend frozen banana, berries, vanilla Greek yogurt, milk, and a touch of honey.
Experiment with different combinations of flavors and sweeteners to create a healthier cream soda alternative that satisfies your cravings.
Is Cream Soda Gluten-Free?
Most mass-produced cream sodas are gluten-free as they do not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains.
Major brands clearly label cream sodas as “gluten-free” on the packaging if they have been tested to verify the absence of gluten. However, it is still important to check the label carefully as formulas can change over time or vary between product lines.
Some potential sources of gluten to watch out for include:
- Grain alcohol like malt vinegar – not usually in cream sodas, but check for malt-based ingredients
- Flavors containing wheat, barley, malt
- Colors derived from gluten grains
As long as the cream soda does not contain any of these gluten sources, and is designated gluten-free, it can be safely consumed on a gluten-free diet.
Homemade Cream Soda
When making cream soda at home, take care to avoid introducing any sources of gluten such as:
- Flavored syrups containing maltodextrin, malt flavoring, or colors derived from gluten grains
- Using regular soda water that contains gluten-based caramel color
To keep homemade cream soda gluten-free, use plain seltzer, gluten-free vanilla extract, and natural sweeteners like sugar, honey, stevia, or fruit juice. This will ensure no inadvertent exposure to gluten.
Is Cream Soda Keto-Friendly?
Original, full-sugar cream soda is very high in carbohydrates and not keto-friendly. A 12 ounce serving contains 58-75 grams of carbs, almost entirely from added sugars.
When following a ketogenic diet, it is recommended to limit carbs to around 5-10% of total daily calories. For most people, this equates to 20-50 grams of carbs per day.
Just a single can of regular cream soda could potentially use up your entire carb allowance for the day. It is also devoid of fiber, protein and beneficial fats. For these reasons, regular cream soda should be avoided on a strict keto diet.
Low-Carb Cream Soda Options
Here are some better options for fitting cream soda into a keto diet:
- Diet cream soda – uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar
- DIY cream soda made with stevia or monkfruit sweetener
- Adding heavy whipping cream to diet cream soda for a “float”
- Flavored sparkling water with vanilla and cream
Consuming low-carb cream soda alternatives in small portions can help satisfy sweet cravings without kicking you out of ketosis. But regular cream soda is too high in sugar to work with a keto regimen.
Is Cream Soda Vegan?
The majority of mass-produced cream sodas are vegan as they do not contain any animal products.
Traditional cream sodas only have carbonated water, sugar or corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, preservatives, and colorings. None of these ingredients are derived from animals.
Brands clearly label cream sodas as “vegan” or “dairy-free” if they do not contain any animal-sourced ingredients. However, it’s still worthwhile to check the label for the following:
- Natural Flavors – rarely, but could potentially contain dairy
- Vitamin D3 – may be derived from lanolin (wool grease)
- Colors – sometimes carmine/cochineal extract (crushed bugs)
As long as the cream soda doesn’t contain any direct or hidden animal products like these, it can be included as part of a vegan diet.
Homemade Vegan Cream Soda
When making your own cream soda at home, leave out any milk, cream, eggs, gelatin, or other animal ingredients. Use plant-based options instead:
- Non-dairy milk like almond, soy, coconut
- Thickening agents like guar gum, xanthan gum, starch
- Vegan sweeteners like maple syrup, agave, stevia
Blending soda water with vegan vanilla syrup and non-dairy creamer or coconut cream can produce a delightful vegan cream soda without harming any animals.
Is Cream Soda Lactose Free?
Most cream sodas do not actually contain any cream, milk, or other dairy products. They get their name from the creamy mouthfeel rather than any cream-based ingredients.
Major brands of cream soda like A&W, IBC, and Jones are lactose-free as they do not contain lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk and dairy. The main ingredients are carbonated water, sugar/corn syrup, flavors, and preservatives.
Companies produce lactose-free versions using the exact same recipes and production methods as the regular versions, minus any dairy. So you can feel confident that mass market cream sodas are lactose-free and safe to drink, even if you have trouble digesting dairy.
Avoiding Dairy-Based Cream Sodas
There are some specialty cream soda recipes that do incorporate small amounts of milk or cream. To identify these dairy-containing versions, look out for the following on ingredient lists:
- Milk
- Cream
- Butter
- Condensed milk
- Non-fat dry milk powder
- Whey, casein (milk proteins)
As long as the cream soda does not contain any of these dairy ingredients, you can enjoy it lactose-free. Stick to major commercial brands and you’ll be able to avoid lactose.
FAQs
Why is it called cream soda?
Cream soda gets its name from its creamy, frothy texture. Originally cream sodas contained cream and eggs to create a thicker, foamier mouthfeel. Modern versions recreate this texture using carbonation, without actual cream.
What soda goes well with rum?
Cream soda complements rum’s sweet, vanilla flavor profile. Mix rum with cream soda for an easy cocktail. Ginger beer, cola, and lemon-lime soda also go well with rum.
Is cream soda good for sore throats?
The carbonation and cool temperature of cream soda can temporarily help soothe sore throat pain. However, the high sugar content may actually irritate the throat more. Caffeine-free teas or broths are better options.
Does cream soda have caffeine?
Most cream sodas do not contain any caffeine. They derive their flavor from vanilla rather than kola nut extract. Brands like Barq’s Red Cream Soda have trace amounts of caffeine, but regular cream sodas are considered caffeine-free.
The Bottom Line
Cream soda is a sweet, vanilla-flavored carbonated beverage. Despite the name, it does not actually contain cream or any other dairy ingredients. Major brands of cream soda have 0% alcohol by volume and are considered non-alcoholic beverages. However, the very high sugar content can make cream soda unhealthy to consume regularly or in large amounts.