I first tried OLIPOP Classic Root Beer during a picnic with friends. I had seen plenty of ads for prebiotic sodas, but I wasn’t sure they were worth the hype—or the higher price. Since OLIPOP was still an unfamiliar brand to me, I was also skeptical about whether it could deliver the classic root beer flavor I already knew and loved.
After a little encouragement from my friends, I finally gave it a try. I was curious to see why OLIPOP had become so popular, especially among people looking for healthier alternatives to traditional soda.
So, was OLIPOP Classic Root Beer worth the splurge? For me, yes. It had the familiar, satisfying taste of root beer, but with a slightly different twist that made it feel fresh and unique.
Key Features
The proprietary OLISMART blend is one of the key elements of OLIPOP. It includes ingredients like cassava root, chicory root, and botanicals such as marshmallow root and calendula flower.
The nutrition profile is another feature that stands out. OLIPOP has 2–5 g of sugar, 30–50 calories, and 6–9 g of dietary fiber per can, depending on flavor.
There are many formulations of OLIPOP as well. The high-fiber options contain 9 g of fiber and need refrigeration. The shelf-stable options have 6 g of fiber. The Classic Root Beer I tasted had 3 g of sugar, 40 calories, and 9 g of dietary fiber in the 355 mL can.
Pros
OLIPOP Classic Root Beer has several things going for it. For me, the best part was the familiar taste, along with a unique nutritional profile. I didn’t have to choose an unusual flavor to try something new.
The root beer flavor also makes it easy for someone who is already familiar with traditional sodas. The vanilla, sweet birch, and burdock root contribute to the characteristic root beer flavor. I also liked that it contains 9 g of dietary fiber.
Another benefit is the variety. OLIPOP offers several flavors, including Vintage Cola, Cream Soda, Strawberry Vanilla, and Ginger Ale.
Cons
Although I enjoyed trying OLIPOP, the biggest disadvantage is the price. OLIPOP is more expensive compared to traditional sodas. Its official website currently lists a 12-pack of Classic Root Beer at $35.99. That makes it a premium buy rather than an everyday budget drink.
Then there's the refrigerated 9 g fiber one. If there are several cans to keep at home, then you need adequate refrigerator space. OLIPOP also has a shelf-stable, 6 g fiber version.
Everyone will want to switch from their favorite soft drink to a working soda. Taste is subjective, and some may just like the traditional soda.
Value for Money
My biggest concern before buying OLIPOP was whether it would be worth the extra money. I had already spent almost a month thinking about it. I did not want to pay a premium price for something that felt like an ordinary soda in a different can.
After trying it, I got to understand why people are interested in products like OLIPOP. It is not just about price; it’s for people looking for something different from a regular soft drink.
If you just need a cheap soda, then there are other options that will save you money. If you like functional drinks, the extra cost may seem more reasonable.
Who Should Buy This Product?
OLIPOP Classic Root Beer is a great option for those looking to sample something new. It might also be appropriate for individuals who:
- Enjoy root beer
- Want a lower-sugar soda
- Are interested in functional beverages
- Follow viral food and drink trends
- Enjoy premium food and beverage products
Alternative Items to Consider
Classic Root Beer is not everyone’s favorite flavor, but OLIPOP offers a few other flavors: Vintage Cola, Cream Soda, Strawberry Vanilla, Cherry Cola, Ginger Ale, and Lemon Lime.
You can also consider the 6 g fiber version of Classic Root Beer. It is shelf-stable, which may be more convenient if refrigerator space is limited.
If you're looking for the best gourmet foods and premium drinks, there are many other products to check out. Specialty coffee, gourmet snacks, and functional beverages all deliver a unique experience to the cup.
Conclusion
I had been thinking about OLIPOP Classic Root Beer for almost a month before I finally tried it. My main hesitation was simple. I did not know the brand, and I was not sure if the drink would live up to the attention it was getting.
My friends changed my mind during our picnic. They encouraged me to give it a try, and I am glad I listened to them.
What I like most about OLIPOP is that it does not completely move away from the soda experience. Classic Root Beer still gives you a familiar flavor. At the same time, it offers 9 g of dietary fiber and only 3 g of total sugar per 355 mL can.
The one thing that is the major disadvantage is the price. It's also more expensive than some conventional soft drinks. However, I think the higher price makes more sense if you are interested in functional beverages and want to try something different.
Is It Worth It?
I would purchase it again as it was something different than a regular soda. It’s also very suitable for my interests of sampling new food and drink products. The cost may be a factor if you only consume soda from time to time. A less expensive option may be enough. However, if you're into experimenting with the latest trends, viral food, and gourmet drinks, OLIPOP Classic Root Beer should be worth putting on your list.
