Can I Buy Root Beer in Russia? 2026 Guide to Availability & Alternatives

Yes — but it’s not easy to find Root Beer in most regular Russian grocery stores or supermarkets.

Instead, Root Beer is typically:

Sold only in specialty imported goods shops

Available at international food stores

Found online through import retailers

Sometimes carried in expat-oriented supermarkets

Major Russian supermarket chains like Magnit, Pyaterochka, and Auchan generally do not carry Root Beer on their shelves as a standard product. This means that if you’re walking through a typical Russian grocery store in Moscow or St. Petersburg looking for A&W Root Beer or Barq’s Root Beer, you’ll most likely come up empty-handed.

However, there are ways to get your Root Beer fix — we’ll cover them in the sections below.

Which Brands of Root Beer You Might Find

Root Beer isn’t a native Russian beverage, so availability depends on imports. The brands most commonly searched for include:

A&W Root Beer

The most recognizable Root Beer brand in the U.S., known for its classic sweet, vanilla, and herbal flavor. If you find Root Beer in Russia, it’s most likely A&W — but only through specialty import sources.

Barq’s Root Beer

Another iconic American brand, Barq’s has a slightly sharper taste. It’s less commonly stocked than A&W but can sometimes be found via international beverage retailers.

Dad’s Root Beer & Sprecher Root Beer

Smaller or craft Root Beer brands may be even harder to locate in Russia, but expat communities sometimes find them through import channels or online sellers shipping abroad.

Where to Buy Root Beer in Russia

Since mainstream Russian supermarkets don’t usually stock Root Beer, you’ll want to consider these options:

1. International Grocery Stores

In major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, some specialty groceries and international shops carry American sodas, including Root Beer:

Shops aimed at expats and diplomats

Imported food specialty stores

Beverage boutiques in higher-end districts

These stores occasionally stock American snacks and drinks — including Root Beer — but selection and availability can vary widely.

Example searches you might use in Russian:

корневое пиво купить в Москве (buy Root Beer in Moscow)

Импортные напитки Root Beer Россия (import drinks Root Beer Russia)

Tip: Calling ahead or checking store inventories online (if available) can save you a trip.

2. Online International Retailers

One of the most reliable ways to get Root Beer in Russia is through online import stores that ship to the country.

These include:

International Amazon Sellers: Some international sellers list Root Beer brands on regional Amazon marketplaces that ship to Russia.

Specialty Import Websites: Websites that focus on imported goods for expats and food enthusiasts sometimes stock American sodas.

Expats & Russian Food Import Stores: Local Russian food importers may offer Root Beer alongside other foreign food products.

Note:
Don’t forget to check import and customs taxes — international beverage shipping may incur additional fees before delivery.

3. Duty-Free Shops (Occasionally)

In some international airports in Russia, duty-free stores may occasionally stock American sodas, though Root Beer is not guaranteed.

If you’re flying through Moscow’s Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo, or St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport, it’s worth checking the beverage section — especially the imported drinks aisle.

Local Russian Alternatives to Root Beer

If Root Beer is hard to find or too expensive to import, you can still explore local Russian sodas that might satisfy similar beverage desires:

Baikal (Байкал)

A classic Russian soft drink with herbal and sweet notes. Originally developed as a Soviet alternative to Western colas and root-styled sodas, Baikal can be a fun local stand-in — though its flavor is still quite different from American Root Beer.

Tarhun (Тархун)

A striking green soda made with tarragon — sweet, aromatic, and unique. While not similar to Root Beer in flavor, it appeals to fans of unusual sodas.

Aquarius / Other International Sodas

Imported sodas like Coca-Cola and Fanta are much more common in Russia. While not Root Beer, they offer familiar carbonation experiences for visitors.

Travel & Shopping Tips for Root Beer Lovers in Russia

Here are some practical tips if you’re determined to find Root Beer during your stay:

Check Specialty Imported Food Stores First: Look for expat grocery boutiques or stores catering to international products in upscale districts.

Ask Store Staff About Orders: Some imported food stores can order items upon request. If they don’t have Root Beer in stock, they might be able to bring it in for you.

Use Online Import Retailers: Searching for Root Beer in Russian online marketplaces or international sellers can uncover brands you wouldn’t find in stores.

Explore Duty-Free Sections: Sometimes international drink selections show up in airport duty-free stores — especially at airports serving a lot of Western flights.

Fun Facts About Root Beer and Soda Culture

Root Beer’s unique flavor comes from sassafras root and other botanicals — quite different from the cola tradition dominant in much of Europe and Russia.

In the U.S., Root Beer is often served as a float with vanilla ice cream, a classic American treat.

Outside North America, Root Beer tends to be a novelty item, often sought after by expats and tourists.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Is Root Beer sold in Russian supermarkets?
Generally no — major chains like Magnit and Pyaterochka don’t stock it regularly. Imported food shops and online options are your best bet.

What brands of Root Beer might be available?
A&W and Barq’s are the most commonly sought brands, though availability is limited and inconsistent.

Can I import Root Beer into Russia?
Yes — but check customs regulations and shipping taxes before you order.

Is there a Russian soda similar to Root Beer?
Baikal is the closest Russian soft drink with herbal notes, though it’s still a distinct flavor.

Where should I look if I want Root Beer in Moscow?
Start with international grocery stores and then expand to online markets that ship imported beverages.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that classic American fizz and sweet herbal flavor of Root Beer while in Russia, it’s not a common find in standard supermarkets, but it’s not impossible to locate either. Your best options lie with specialty import stores, online retailers, and expat-oriented groceries, especially in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

And if all else fails, trying local Russian sodas like Baikal adds a cultural twist to your beverage journey. With the right search terms and a little local exploration, cravings for Root Beer can be satisfied even far from its home market.