In 2025, nothing is sacred. Need proof? I have a couple cans of A&W’s new ice cream sundae flavored soda in front of me. That phrasing is important; this is not an ice cream flavored root beer. While you’d think “root beer float flavored root beer” would be an obvious choice from one of the most popular root beer brands on earth, A&W decided to go with an ice cream sundae flavored cream soda instead.
As if that wasn’t confusing enough, there’s also a zero sugar version of this ice cream-flavored soda. Let’s crack these open and see what the hell A&W is doing.
Pros: This is a very accurate hot fudge and marshmallow soda. I don’t specifically get ice cream out of this soda, but I definitely get “sweet dessert with hot fudge,” which is close enough. This is the most “little treat” coded soda I’ve had in a long time.
Cons: This is a hot fudge and marshmallow soda. I have no idea who the target market for this soda is. Every single person who tried this with me agreed that it is too sweet.
Pros: This is just as “hot fudge and marshmallow” as the full sugar version.
Cons: Oh brother, I don’t know how A&W is getting away with this alternative sweetener in 2025. This is the least convincing fake sugar soda I’ve had in a long time. We’ve made huge strides in getting rid of that fake sugar flavor—apparently, A&W has not gotten the memo. Take my advice and just stick with the full sugar version.
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
Rating:
4.5/10
Sporks
Where can I get these new A&W Ice Cream sodas for myself?
A&W Ice Cream Sundae Soda should be available wherever A&W is sold. I found mine at the store most befitting “dessert flavored soda” as a concept: Walmart. The full sugar version is available in 20oz bottles, 7.5oz mini-can 10-packs, and 12oz can 12-packs. The zero sugar version is only available in 12oz can 12-packs. This soda is only available for a limited time, so keep your eyes peeled to try the most unique cream soda I’ve had all year.
Griffin Parker is a writer, "influencer", and generally very-busy person based in Columbus, Ohio. He's sacrificed countless hours in the pursuit of ranking Lindt Lindor truffles, HI-CHEW candies, and more. When he's not writing for Sporked or running @SodaSeekers, you can find Griffin espousing the virtues of Dayton-style pizza, Cincinnati-style chili, and Dolly Parton's Fabulously Double Fudge Brownie Mix.
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Griffin Parker
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