Monday, February 13, 2017

IBC recipe change?

So I was alerted by a reader (tip of the hat to you Squealer, don't let it go to your head) that IBC recently underwent a change in recipe that is leaving people pretty unhappy.

I tried to do some research online about it but could only find that the company is now owned by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, a conglomerate that owns and distributes several sodas and root beers including Hires, Stewart's, A&W, and yes, IBC. To be honest, i don't know how long they have been owned by Dr Pepper Snapple and i don't really care. The Dr Pepper Snapple Group website claims that, "the quality of IBC Root Beer has been upheld by retaining the original, secret formula packaged in a distinctive brown bottle." So they are claiming that the recipe is the same, though i don't know when this description on their website was posted or if it ever gets updated. I can't find any specifics on what the changes were, who made the changes, when the changes were made, etc. except that some people say it was sweetened with high fructose corn syrup and changed to cane sugar, and others say just the opposite. But it seems like every post i have been reading about this is of one consensus; they are upset with the change and no longer want to drink IBC.

I recently bought some IBCs and i did notice they changed to a sticker label on an otherwise unmarked bottle, which was quite disappointing to me. And to be completely honest, i did notice a change in the flavor. To me it was subtle and I couldn't tell you how or what changed, but i don't know that it was enough to make me upset. The "new" flavor wasn't an improvement, i'll say that, but it certainly doesn't make the root beer undrinkable. Come on, if you think that you're being super obtuse about this whole situation. Do you know how many GARBAGE root beers i have drank over the last 9 years i have been doing this blog? Dozens, if not hundreds. You think this soda is worse now? Every soda has become worse over time. Everything is getting cheaper, smaller, less healthy, easier to produce with little consideration of how the public will react. It's a natural side effect of our capitalistic society, ever cutting corners to seek the marginal stock increase, appease the investors, and help everyone's retirement funds grow. You don't like the new recipe? Move to Russia, you pinko commie.

So here is my hard line in the sand. IBC is still the best root beer available on planet Earth. Keep in mind that i have a system in place that hinges entirely on rating other root beers on a basis of how good they are compared to IBC. I have a vested interest in this root beer. Am i being biased? You're damn right i am. But that's why you read these reviews, isn't it? Am i happy with the change? I don't even know what the change really is. Am i a die hard IBC fan? Till the day i violently murder my whole family and then take my own life (someone start the clock). So that being said, and based upon my most recent tasting of IBC, i still feel they can do no wrong in my eyes. And the day i stop drinking this delicious golden nectar is the day it starts tasting anything like Henry Weinhard's.

That's right Henry, i still hate your guts and your stupid root beer more than anything.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, the recipe has been changed and there was actually a commercial stating this. New design. New taste. I HATE IT. After over 20 years of drinking this soda, I will never drink it again.

synclavier said...

The change in bottle design and taste simply makes IBC just another mediocre root beer brand. Now it's on par with A&W, Barq's, Stewart's, etc. There is no more Cadillac root beer to look forward to drinking anymore. It's all the tin cup of gin in Orwell's 1984. :)

Unknown said...

I just got bottles brought back to the UK, I don't recall it tasting as licorice as it does now, maybe its my taste buds, I think I will be sticking with virgils from now on and it is much easier to get hold of in the uk

Unknown said...

I drank silly amounts of the old formula and directly compared old with new. The new formula is fine, just sort of monolithic in flavor, like artificial flavors have been substituted for whole plants. It used to have a real sarsaparilla kick to it that would make my throat tingle by the third bottle. Barq's comes close but I can't chug it all day or I'm up all night.

Unknown said...

Hey I gotta give you props for loving IBC. Here in SOFLA it's cheaper than Stewarts, the only root beer which gives it a run for the money. I have tried many others, but these 2 are my favs. IBC might be a bit sweeter, but they are both refreshing! IBC says 160 calories per bottle. Thoughts on comparison of these 2?

Unknown said...

To follow up on some other RB's, Bundaberg was much more expensive and down right nasty. Avoid! Dad's is not bad as a second tier product. Hires used to be around when I was a kid, but I can't seem to find it here. Boylan's was also pretty bad.

Unknown said...

I conducted a blind taste test among family members yesterday, which included:
1-IBC
2-Boylan's
3-Blue Sky
4-Mug
5-A&W
6-Bundaberg
7-Dad's
8-Frostie
9-Stewart's
10-Virgil's
11-Jone's
12-Natural Brew

The winner....Frostie
#2....IBC
#3....Jone's
Honorable Mentions....Stewart's and Dad's

The absolute worst....Bundaberg and Natural Brew

Toots said...

As said, you are allowed your opinion, but for others to respect it, you need to honor theirs.
I found my way here with a question about a product recipe change, and found a very angry, narcissistic blog.
I have no issue with your self proclaimed expertise, but found your delivery insulting and obtuse.
As with my favorite root beers, you get more love with sweetness and a bit of sass.
No disrespect, but I prefer you not reply as I doubt it would be an apology.. I wish you well and hope you realize to get people to respect your knowledge you need to respect them in return.
Best to you, luck with your blog...

Unknown said...

Must you pull a Chris Benoit?

Unknown said...


I don't drink much IBC but I do use it to make root beer floats with BlueBell ice cream which I prefer. I have noticed a distinct difference in the taste. The bottle has changed too.

Unknown said...

Absolutely I agree just drank a bottle right now and noticed it taste like crap and then when I got it halfway down I noticed the bottle is clear that's when I looked up the information and found your post I fully agree

Josh said...

Reading this as I sit here with a 3/4 empty clear bottle in my hands.. that’s when I looked up the information and found your post I fully agree

Bryan said...

The IBC bottls are not in brown bottles anymore. They are in clear bottles. I won't be buying IBC anymore. A&W rootbeer are in cans, that are so thin you drop and they bust open. cheap.

Ben said...

Why did they change the formula? Does it taste ANYTHING like the original? I would have loved to have tried the original one back in the day...I didn't get a chance to growing up...I had A&W, Barq's, and Dad's...(loved the last 2, hated A&W except for their cream soda, now that stuff is awesome!). I still really like the "modern" IBC root beer though. It's definitely good, and uses real cane sugar. I'd love to taste a Barq's or Dad's with cane sugar too.