15 Cream Sodas Ranked from Worst to Best

If you grew up loving cream soda, you know how ridiculously nostalgic that first fizzy sip can feel. The flavor is simple, sweet, and a little old-fashioned in the best way. But once you start trying different brands, you quickly notice how much the taste, sweetness level, and vanilla finish can vary. Some leave you with a weird aftertaste, while others feel smooth and balanced. Here’s a ranking of 15 common cream sodas you can find in stores, from the ones you probably won’t buy again to the bottles that actually earn a permanent spot in your fridge.

1. Henry Weinhard’s Vanilla Cream Soda

If you want the cream soda that does almost everything right, Henry Weinhard’s is the one. The vanilla tastes deep, warm, and real, and the soda has a rich body that feels almost dessert-like without becoming heavy. The carbonation supports the flavor instead of overpowering it, and the sweetness is dialed in so you can finish the bottle without regrets. Every sip hits the familiar nostalgic notes you expect, but with enough refinement to stand apart. It feels premium without being pretentious, and once you try it, most other cream sodas instantly taste less exciting.

2. Virgil’s Cream Soda

Virgil’s uses natural ingredients, and the difference shows immediately. The vanilla tastes rich and genuine, and you get subtle spice notes that make the flavor layered without being odd. The carbonation is steady, giving each sip a lively texture, and the sweetness is measured so you can finish the bottle easily. Virgil’s feels like something made for adults who still love soda but want a cleaner, fuller taste. If you want a cream soda that feels handcrafted but still familiar, Virgil’s hits that sweet spot and earns its near top ranking.

3. Jones Vanilla Cream Soda

Jones has several variations, but the vanilla cream version lands near the top because it handles flavor much better. The vanilla is strong without tasting fake, the carbonation has punch, and the sweetness is noticeable but not cloying. It feels lively and fun to drink, especially chilled, and it doesn’t leave a harsh aftertaste. The label still brings personality and nostalgia, but this time the flavor stands on its own. If you want something that feels modern without losing the throwback soda shop vibe, Jones Vanilla Cream is a great pick.

4. Sprecher Cream Soda

Sprecher is brewed with honey, which immediately gives it a different flavor profile from most brands. You taste real vanilla and a warm finishing sweetness that feels natural instead of sugary. The carbonation is lower, allowing the creaminess to shine. Some people might want more fizz, but Sprecher works beautifully if you enjoy smooth, mellow soda that tastes almost homemade. It’s one of the few sodas that feel complex, and you appreciate every sip. If you want something that stands out from the crowd without being strange or gimmicky, Sprecher deserves a top spot.

5. Boylan Cream Soda

Boylan nails a classic approach that works for people who prefer root beer sweetness without going too sugary. The vanilla tastes authentic and slightly floral, and the carbonation keeps each sip crisp. The soda has a soft finish that feels smooth rather than artificial, and the flavor balance makes it easy to drink the whole bottle without feeling overwhelmed. Some might expect a little more intensity or body given the premium branding, but overall, Boylan delivers one of the more polished traditional cream soda experiences you can buy in regular grocery stores.

6. Sioux City Cream Soda

Sioux City looks like something you’d expect to find in an old Western general store, and the taste lives up to that charm. The vanilla flavor is distinct and slightly buttery, giving you a creamy finish that feels more premium than mid-range sodas. The carbonation is strong enough to keep it refreshing, and the sweetness is balanced. It sometimes has a mild herbal note that sets it apart, and that unique character won’t appeal to everyone. But if you want something familiar with a hint of personality, Sioux City is a strong mid-tier choice.

7. IBC Cream Soda

IBC comes in a glass bottle, and the first sip usually feels promising. The vanilla is strong and creamy, and the sweetness level is pleasant without becoming sticky. It has enough carbonation to keep things light, and the aftertaste is smooth. Some people find it a bit simple, lacking the complexity or depth of the highest-ranked options. But if you want a dependable cream soda that feels a little special without being expensive or hard to find, IBC hits a nice sweet spot. It’s a reliable pick that suits most palates.

8. Stewart’s Cream Soda

Stewart’s feels like something you’d drink in a diner booth with a burger and fries, and that classic vibe carries through in the flavor. The vanilla tastes smooth and more natural than some of the lower-ranked brands, and the carbonation balances the sweetness nicely. The only drawback is that it can sometimes taste a little thin, leaving you wanting more body and richness. Still, it’s one of the more nostalgic sodas available, and if you want something familiar that consistently delivers without tasting fake, Stewart’s is a solid choice to keep in your rotation.

9. Barq’s Cream Soda

Barq’s is pleasantly drinkable, with a noticeable vanilla profile and fairly good carbonation. The sweetness is on the higher side, and while not overpowering, it does make you feel like one bottle is enough. The mouthfeel isn’t as creamy as better-ranked sodas, and it lacks a signature element that makes it stand out. Still, you can rely on Barq’s when you want something that tastes like traditional cream soda without big surprises. You won’t rave about it, but you also won’t regret buying it when it’s one of the few choices available.

10. Faygo Cream Soda

Faygo wins on affordability and fun personality, but when you taste it carefully, the flavor is sweeter than many people prefer. The vanilla comes through, but doesn’t feel layered or rich, and the finish can be slightly syrupy. Still, the carbonation helps keep it from becoming overwhelming, and it’s one of the better, cheaper options you can buy in multipacks. If you want something that works well with ice cream floats or casual summer cookouts, Faygo is reliable. It’s not top tier, but it has enough flavor and personality to stay in the middle of the list.

11. Dad’s Cream Soda

Dad’s has a recognizable old school feel that makes you want to enjoy it, but the flavor doesn’t always match the nostalgia. The vanilla is present, though it leans synthetic and doesn’t have the smooth finish you expect. The sweetness level is moderate, but the carbonation feels uneven, leading to a sip that’s a little flat. You might appreciate it if you grew up with the brand or want something that looks classic on the shelf, but taste-wise, it falls somewhere in the middle. It’s fine, drinkable, and not offensive, just not memorable.

12. Jones Cream Soda

Jones stands out with quirky labels and a bold personality, which makes you want the flavor to hit just as hard. Unfortunately, it can feel slightly unbalanced. The vanilla is strong in the beginning but slides into a sugary aftertaste that feels a bit sharp. The carbonation is decent, but the overall flavor seems thin instead of creamy and rounded. If you want something fun to share at a party, Jones works because people like the brand itself. But if you focus only on the taste, it’s not as consistent or satisfying as higher-ranked options.

13. Crush Cream Soda

Crush Cream Soda is one you pick when you want something bright and sweet without thinking too hard about it. You get a strong vanilla burst on the first sip, but the flavor settles quickly into something simple and sugary rather than layered. The carbonation is lively and keeps the drink from feeling too heavy, but there’s not much complexity once you get halfway through the bottle. If you like straightforward soda that tastes fun and familiar, Crush does the job. Just don’t expect a deep, creamy finish that stands out in a blind taste test.

14. Big Red Soda

Big Red has a loyal following, but if you are expecting a traditional cream soda, you might feel confused on the first sip. The flavor leans closer to bubblegum, and while it’s sweet and punchy, it doesn’t deliver the creamy vanilla profile you usually look for. The carbonation is on the lighter side, and the sweetness can become tiring halfway through the can. It’s a fun novelty if you like something bold and different, but it’s not a reliable choice when you want a simple, satisfying cream soda that tastes balanced and familiar.

15. Shasta Cream Soda.

You probably reach for Shasta when you want something affordable, but you also know you are getting what you pay for. The flavor is candy sweet in a way that feels artificial instead of nostalgic, and the vanilla is flat rather than creamy. You don’t get much carbonation, which makes the sip feel dull and syrupy. If you grew up with Shasta, the taste might evoke a little sentimental joy, but when compared directly with other brands, it falls short. It’s fine in a party cooler when no one is paying attention, but not a soda you’ll choose on purpose for real enjoyment.