Is Maine Root soda made in Maine? | Fact brief

Maine Root soda originated in Maine, but the company says it is now “made, owned and run” in Austin, Texas.

Founder Matt Seiler developed the original root beer in the early 2000s while working at Flatbread Company in Portland. The restaurant emphasized natural and organic food, but its sodas did not, so Seiler set out to create a better match.

The root beer grew into a beverage line that includes ginger brew, sarsaparilla, blueberry, mandarin orange, lemon-lime and “Mexicane” cola.

Maine Root’s drinks are now sold in more than 7,500 locations worldwide. The company still highlights its origins with the slogan: “Born in Maine. Enjoyed everywhere.”

The company’s beverages use Fair Trade Certified organic cane sugar from Brazil instead of high-fructose corn syrup. Maine Root says the certification pays farmers a premium and helps support hospitals and schools in their communities.