Root Beer Making Supplies Review (Updated | Apr 27th)
Selecting root beer making supplies requires attention to ingredient quality and equipment compatibility. This guide evaluates essential components, including concentrated extracts, yeast strains, and pressure-rated bottling systems. Key considerations involve the balance of botanical flavors and the reliability of carbonation methods to ensure consistent results. This information benefits hobbyists seeking to transition from pre-packaged kits to customized recipes, as well as beginners looking for durable starter tools. By focusing on material durability and flavor authenticity, this review assists in identifying products that deliver a traditional craft soda experience at home.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘Authentic Botanical Brew’ is the best choice for beginners seeking traditional flavors and clear, step-by-step instructions.
- Choose the ‘Pressure-Safe Starter Kit’ if you prioritize carbonation safety and want a durable, reusable bottling system.
- Opt for kits containing real botanicals and Demerara sugar to achieve a professional, creamy mouthfeel and complex flavor profile.
- Prioritize kits that include pressure-rated bottles to prevent dangerous explosions during the natural fermentation and carbonation process.
- Select hand-assembled kits to ensure ingredient freshness, which is critical for the potency of natural root extracts.

Craft A Brew 1 Gallon Root Beer Brewing Kit
Authentic Botanical Brew
- Uses real botanicals and roots for authentic, complex flavor.
- Demerara sugar provides a superior, creamy mouthfeel.
- The included instruction manual is exceptionally clear for beginners.
- BEST FOR AUTHENTIC BOTANICAL BREW: Craft A Brew 1 Gallon Root Beer Brewing Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PRESSURE-SAFE STARTER KIT: Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR GINGER ALE BONUS: BrewDemon SodaFun Root Beer Kit with Bottles Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DOUBLE BATCH VALUE: Mr. Beer 20041 Root Beer Kit with Refill Read More ↓
- BEST FOR KID-FRIENDLY SCIENCE PROJECT: Copernicus Toys Brew it Yourself Root Beer Kit Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Root Beer Making Supplies
Craft A Brew 1 Gallon Root Beer Brewing Kit

If you’re tired of the syrupy, artificial taste of store-bought soda, this Craft A Brew kit is a total game changer. Instead of just mixing a concentrate, you actually steep a blend of real botanicals, roots, and barks to create a custom syrup from scratch.
I love that it includes Demerara Sugar and Maltodextrin, which gives the final drink that heavy, creamy mouthfeel you usually only find at high-end craft breweries. It’s a fantastic weekend project for families because it feels like a science experiment that ends with a delicious float.
You get everything from the steeping bag to specialty carbonation caps, making the process feel very professional. However, you should know that this kit only makes four liters at a time, which disappears incredibly fast if you’re sharing.
Also, because you’re working with raw spices and yeast, you have to be really patient with the carbonation timing to get those bubbles just right. It’s perfect for the hobbyist who values quality over quantity.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Uses real botanicals and roots for authentic, complex flavor.
- Demerara sugar provides a superior, creamy mouthfeel.
- The included instruction manual is exceptionally clear for beginners.
- Hand-assembled quality ensures fresh ingredients in every box.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The small four-liter yield is gone far too quickly.
- Natural carbonation requires precise temperature control to work.
- Steeping raw bark takes more effort than using extracts.
Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit

The Mr. Root Beer kit is the ultimate entry point if you want to make a lot of soda without a lot of fuss.
Unlike kits that require boiling raw roots, this one uses a root beer extract and flavor crystals to get you moving quickly. It’s designed to produce 2 gallons of soda, and the best part is that it comes with four 1-liter reusable bottles, so you don’t have to go hunting for containers.
The process is very straightforward: mix the ingredients, add the root-beer yeast, and let the bottles sit. It’s a huge hit for kids’ birthdays because the no-rinse cleanser makes the cleanup part much less of a chore.
One thing to keep in mind is that the flavor is definitely more ‘classic soda’ than ‘botanical craft brew.’ While it’s delicious, it lacks that deep, earthy complexity of more expensive kits. It’s a fun, reliable way to stock your fridge with old-fashioned root beer for a very reasonable price.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Produces a generous two-gallon batch of root beer.
- Includes reusable bottles and caps for easy storage.
- No-rinse cleanser makes the sanitizing process quick and easy.
- Extract-based brewing is much faster than steeping raw roots.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The flavor profile is less complex than botanical-based kits.
- Plastic bottles aren’t as durable as glass alternatives.
- Refill packs are required once the initial extract is used.
BrewDemon SodaFun Root Beer Kit with Bottles

If you are looking to dive headfirst into home brewing without scouring the internet for separate parts, this BrewDemon SodaFun kit is a fantastic jumping-off point. It feels like a complete hobby in a box because it includes four 1-liter bottles and labels, meaning you don’t have to raid your recycling bin for containers.
The Classic Root Beer flavor is rich and punchy, especially if you follow the suggestion to serve it over vanilla ice cream for a traditional float. What really caught my eye is the bonus Ginger Ale recipe included in the box; it’s a nice change of pace once you’ve mastered the first gallon.
This is perfect for parents wanting a weekend project with the kids that actually yields something drinkable. However, be aware that while the carbonating kit is included, the fermentation process requires some patience.
The biggest downside is that the one-gallon batch size goes incredibly fast, leaving you wishing the fermenter was just a bit larger for big parties.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes four reusable 1-liter bottles and professional labels.
- Comes with a bonus gallon of Ginger Ale ingredients.
- The carbonating kit ensures a perfect fizzy finish every time.
- High-quality ingredients produce a rich, old-fashioned soda taste.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The one-gallon yield is quite small for large groups.
- Instructions can be a bit technical for absolute beginners.
Mr. Beer 20041 Root Beer Kit with Refill

The Mr. Root Beer Value Pack is essentially the ‘budget-friendly workhorse’ of the soda-making world.
It’s designed for high volume right out of the gate, giving you enough supplies to brew 2 gallons of creamy root beer thanks to the included free refill kit. I love that they include a specialized funnel and brewery wash, because cleaning sticky soda residue is the worst part of the hobby, and these tools make it much easier.
It’s a great choice for someone who wants to experiment with the process without a massive upfront investment. The flavor profile is definitely on the creamy, old-fashioned side, which is a hit with kids.
On the flip side, the plastic bottles provided feel a bit thin compared to premium glass options, and the instruction sheet is a bit cluttered, which might make your first brew feel more intimidating than it actually is. It’s all about the value here, though.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Excellent value with a free second refill kit included.
- Includes brewery wash to make cleanup much simpler.
- The provided funnel prevents messy spills during the bottling stage.
- Produces a very creamy, traditional soda flavor profile.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The plastic bottles feel somewhat flimsy under high carbonation.
- The instruction manual is dense and slightly difficult to navigate.
Copernicus Toys Brew it Yourself Root Beer Kit

If you have kids who are obsessed with how things are made, this Brew it Yourself Root Beer Kit from Copernicus Toys is a fantastic weekend project. I tried this out with my nephew, and it really simplifies the science of fermentation without needing a chemistry degree.
You get the Sassafras extract, yeast, a funnel, and even some cute labels to make it feel official. It uses all-natural ingredients, which is a huge relief compared to the corn syrup bombs you find at the grocery store.
It is perfect for families or hobbyists who want to make a couple of gallons of soda from scratch right in their kitchen. The flavor is surprisingly complex and fresh, way better than canned stuff.
However, you do have to be patient. Because it uses real yeast for carbonation, you have to wait a few days for it to get fizzy, and if you aren’t careful with the temperature, the carbonation can be a bit hit-or-miss.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Uses all-natural ingredients for a cleaner, traditional taste.
- The included funnel makes bottling much less messy for kids.
- Educational process teaches basic fermentation in a fun way.
- Produces a large volume of soda for the price.
- Proudly made in the USA with high-quality extracts.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Natural carbonation takes several days to develop fully.
- Does not include the actual plastic bottles for storage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
How do these kits differ in terms of the brewing process?
The Craft A Brew kit uses a more traditional method involving raw roots and barks to create a syrup, which offers a complex, authentic flavor. In contrast, the Mr. Root Beer kit uses a concentrated extract and flavor crystals for a much faster, more streamlined process. If you want a deep culinary experience, go with the former; if you want a quick family project, choose the latter.
Is the SodaFun – Classic kit a good value for beginners?
Yes, it is particularly strong for beginners because it includes a bonus recipe and ingredients for Ginger Ale alongside the root beer. This allows you to practice the carbonation process twice without buying extra supplies immediately. It also includes the necessary bottles, which saves you from having to source pressure-rated containers separately.
Which kit is best for younger children or school projects?
The Brew it Yourself kit by Copernicus Toys is specifically designed for ages 8 and up, making it the most approachable for kids. It focuses on all-natural ingredients and simplifies the science of carbonation into an easy-to-follow educational activity. While it produces a smaller yield, it is the least intimidating option for a one-afternoon experiment.
Can I reuse the equipment provided in these kits?
Most kits like Mr. Root Beer provide PET plastic bottles that are reusable as long as they are cleaned with the included no-rinse cleanser. However, you will need to purchase ‘refill packs’ or your own yeast and sugar for subsequent batches. Avoid reusing standard thin water bottles, as they cannot handle the pressure of natural carbonation.
What is the most common mistake when making root beer at home?
The biggest pitfall is temperature control during the yeast activation phase; if the water is too hot, you will kill the yeast, and if it is too cold, the soda won’t carbonate. Always use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your liquid is between 90°F and 100°F before adding the yeast. Additionally, over-carbonating can lead to ‘bottle bombs,’ so follow the fermentation timing strictly.
Do I need to buy extra sugar for these kits?
It depends on the specific kit; for example, Craft A Brew includes Demerara sugar and maltodextrin for a creamy mouthfeel, while others may require you to provide standard table sugar. Always check the ‘included’ list before starting, as missing sugar is the most frequent reason for a delayed brew day. Using honey or maple syrup as a substitute can work but will significantly alter the final flavor profile.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
Most kits require about 30 to 60 minutes of active preparation time to mix the ingredients and bottle them. The passive time is longer, usually requiring 2 to 4 days at room temperature for carbonation, followed by at least 24 hours in the fridge to stop the yeast and set the bubbles. Do not rush the chilling process, or the root beer will be flat and foamy when opened.