A slow cooker and a handful of ingredients are all you need to make Root Beer Pulled Pork. This tender fall-apart pork is begging to be piled onto buns and served with coleslaw! You’ll love this flavorful BBQ inspired meal.

Pulled pork is a favorite at our house. And using root beer in the slow cooker with the meat creates a tender, juicy result. You could also swap it out for Coca cola too!

Pulled pork sandwiches with bbq sauce and potato chips on the side.

This recipe was originally published in July 2013. The recipe notes were updated and the photos improved in February 2025.

Aimee’s Recipe Notes

Taste & Texture: Tender, juicy pulled pork with a sweetness from root beer and a tangy kick from the BBQ sauce.

Ease of Making: You only need FIVE ingredients (and that includes salt & pepper).

Cooking Method: Set it and forget it! After adding everything to the slow cooker, walk away while it cooks to perfection.

Top Tip: After shredding the pork, return it to the slow cooker to soak up all the flavorful juices. For a twist, try using Coca-Cola instead of root beer.

Only 5 Ingredients

Ingredients needed for root beer pulled pork recipe.

Root Beer. Any brand of root beer works here. I use regular root beer for the sweetness, but diet root beer may be used as well. The acid in the root beer helps break down the proteins in the meat resulting in an extra juicy, tender pulled pork!
BBQ sauce. I typically use bottled sauce when making pulled pork. If you have a favorite homemade version, that would be delicious here too.
Salt & Pepper. A little coarse kosher salt and some pepper add the perfect flavor!

Pork Shoulder. For this recipe, you’ll need boneless or bone-in pork shoulder. Shoulder is available in both bone-in and boneless cuts, either work for this slow cooker recipe.

Pork Butt vs. Pork Shoulder: Pork Butt (ironically it’s still from the shoulder) is also commonly used in pulled pork. However, it is a tougher cut of meat and needs a longer cooking time. Since we’ll be cooking this in the slow cooker you could opt for a pork butt.

Step by step photos showing how to make root beer pork.

Tips & Tricks

Whisk together the marinade first. Add all the sauce ingredients and the root beer to the bottom of your slow cooker. Whisk them together before adding the pork so the meat gets evenly marinated.
Shred with forks. After the pork is done cooking, remove it from the pot and shred it in a separate bowl. Then, add it back to the slow cooker to recombine with the marinade.
Substitute. Use Coca-Cola instead of root beer for a similar flavor and texture!

In a hurry? Check out this Instant Pot Pulled Pork for a quicker pork recipe! Or try my Hawaiian inspired pulled pork which is delicious too!

Black crockpot with shredded pulled pork.

Serving Suggestions

Sandwiches. Layer pulled pork on toasted hamburger buns, Kaiser Rolls, sliced artisan bread, or sweet Hawaiian rolls. Top with onions, lettuce and all your favorite sandwich fixings.
Sliders. These easy pulled pork sliders are delicious for game day snacking!
Mashed potatoes. This pulled pork is delicious ladled over mashed potatoes with a bit of extra BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw. We always serve our pork with homemade coleslaw. Whether you like our traditional version or our KFC coleslaw, slop some on top of your sandwich!
Pizza. Add this pork to a cheesy crust for a “Nashville style” pizza! Or use it on my Hawaiian Pizza instead of our Kalua Pork!
Salads. Leftover pulled pork makes a simple lunchtime green salad more exciting. Toss with ranch dressing and other fresh veggies.

Plate of pulled pork sandwiches with root beer.

More Pork Recipes

If you love shredded pork, be sure to try my tender pork ragu served over noodles next!

My Baked Pork Chops recipe features thick cut breaded pork chops that are juicy and tender.

These Instant Pot Pork Chops are made in minutes and have a delicious mushroom gravy too.

My grandma always made these Breaded Pork Chops with Peaches for Sunday supper!

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