A&W Root Beer (Made with Aged Vanilla) — BULLSHIT

Name: A&W Root Beer (Made with Aged Vanilla)
Brand: A&W

Munch or Dump rates A&W Root Beer (Made with Aged Vanilla) by A&W BULLSHIT — score 0/90.

Front label brags 'Made with Aged Vanilla' for a wholesome, craft-soda image, but there's no vanilla in it at all -- just artificial flavor over high fructose corn syrup. The claim was settled in a $15M false-advertising lawsuit.

Why this verdict

'Made with Aged Vanilla' on the label, but the formula contains no vanilla -- only artificial flavor (ethyl vanillin)
High fructose corn syrup is the dominant ingredient after water -- about 46g added sugar per 12 oz
Caramel color and sodium benzoate are cosmetic/preservative additives with zero nutritional value
The vanilla claim was the basis of a $15M false-advertising class-action settlement
Empty liquid calories -- spikes blood sugar, no protein, fiber, or micronutrients

Ingredients (6)

Carbonated Water (safe) — Basic component of most beverages, provides fizziness.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (caution) — The dominant sweetener and second ingredient; drives the sugar load.
caramel color (caution) — Artificial coloring for a browned look, no nutritional purpose.
sodium benzoate (caution) — Chemical preservative for shelf life.
Natural and Artificial Flavors (caution) — Undisclosed lab flavoring - the artificial half signals engineering.
Quillaia extract (moderate) — A plant-derived foaming/emulsifying agent used to build the head and mouthfeel; an engineered texture additive.