Does Seagram's Ginger Ale Contain Real Ginger?

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2019, Coca-Cola Co. settled a $2.5 million class-action lawsuit claiming its labels were misleading, directly addressing the core question: does Seagram's ginger ale contain real ginger?. The answer is complex and requires a closer look at the actual ingredients and legal history behind the popular beverage.

Quick Summary

Seagram's ginger ale does contain a ginger extract, but the amount is likely negligible and its taste is primarily based on "natural flavors". A class-action lawsuit settlement prohibited the company from using the phrase "Made with Real Ginger" alone, reflecting the minimal ginger content. It's more of a ginger-flavored soda than a drink with genuine ginger benefits.

Key Points

Contains Ginger Extract, Not Root: Seagram's uses a minimal "ginger extract with other natural flavors" rather than a significant amount of fresh ginger root, distinguishing it from craft beverages.
Minimal Ginger Content: The quantity of ginger extract in Seagram's is so low it is primarily for flavor, and the taste is augmented by other "natural flavors".
Misleading Labeling Lawsuit: A 2019 class-action settlement resulted in Seagram's parent company, Coca-Cola, agreeing to remove the specific phrase "Made with Real Ginger" from its labels.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: The beverage's primary sweetener is high fructose corn syrup, placing it in the same category as other sugary soft drinks.
Caramel Coloring: Artificial caramel coloring is added to Seagram's to create its golden appearance, which does not affect the flavor.
Craft Alternatives Available: For a more authentic and potent ginger experience, consumers should seek out craft brands like Reed's or Fever-Tree, which explicitly use real ginger root or oils.
Focus on Flavor, Not Health Benefits: The minimal ginger content means Seagram's should not be consumed for any perceived health benefits typically associated with ginger root.
Marketing vs. Ingredients: Past marketing tactics have leveraged consumer perception of "real ginger," but close inspection of the ingredients reveals a different story.

The Ingredient Breakdown: What's in Seagram's Ginger Ale?

To answer the question of whether Seagram's ginger ale contains real ginger, we must examine the ingredient list. The product is manufactured by Coca-Cola Co., and the official ingredients include:

Carbonated water
High fructose corn syrup
Citric acid
Ginger extract with other natural flavors
Potassium sorbate (to protect taste)
Caramel color
Sodium benzoate (to protect taste)

The key phrase is "ginger extract with other natural flavors." This indicates that while the beverage includes a component derived from ginger, it is not simply made from fresh ginger root. The "other natural flavors" also contribute significantly to the overall taste. This proprietary mix allows for flavor consistency at a lower cost than using a substantial amount of genuine ginger.

The Aftermath of the "Real Ginger" Lawsuit

In December 2016, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Coca-Cola, alleging that Seagram's Ginger Ale was falsely advertised as being "MADE FROM REAL GINGER". The lawsuit was settled in 2019 for $2.5 million. As part of the settlement, Coca-Cola agreed to stop using the phrase "Made with Real Ginger" on its packaging. However, the company is still permitted to use the words "ginger," "real ginger," or "natural ginger" as long as they are accompanied by "taste," "extract," or "flavor".

This legal decision highlights that the amount of actual ginger extract in the product is minimal, not enough to constitute the beverage being "made with" real ginger in a substantive sense. Experts noted during similar legal proceedings for Canada Dry that the ginger content in some commercial ginger ales is so low it is below the detectable taste threshold for humans.

Seagram's vs. Other Ginger Ales: A Comparison

Mainstream ginger ales vary significantly in their ginger content. While Seagram's has been noted for having a pleasant and refreshing taste, particularly as a mixer, it's not the spiciest or most authentic option available.


Feature	Seagram's	Reed's Ginger Ale	Fever-Tree Ginger Ale
Ginger Content	Ginger extract with other natural flavors; negligible amount	Contains fresh ginger root	Made with ginger root oils
Sweetener	High fructose corn syrup	Cane sugar	Sugar
Flavor Profile	Mild, sweet, with a distinct 'ginger ale' flavor; gummy aftertaste	Potent, spicy, and authentic ginger flavor	Mildly spicy, crisp finish
Coloring	Caramel color	Natural color from ginger root	Natural color from ginger root
Positioning	Mass-market soda and mixer	Craft, more authentic ginger taste	Premium mixer, authentic flavor

Where to Find More Authentic Ginger Ales

For those seeking a more authentic ginger flavor, several craft brands offer products that are genuinely made with real ginger. Brands like Reed's, which uses fresh ginger root, and Fever-Tree, which uses ginger root oils, provide a more robust and less-sweet taste experience. These are generally better choices if you're looking for the purported benefits of ginger or a more potent, spicy flavor.

The Role of Marketing and Consumer Perception

The confusion surrounding the ginger content in beverages like Seagram's is often fueled by marketing. Phrases like "natural flavors" and past claims of being "made with real ginger" can lead consumers to believe they are purchasing a more natural, healthier product than they are. The settlement requiring the removal of the specific phrase "Made with Real Ginger" highlights the importance of precise labeling. Consumers who are health-conscious or seeking therapeutic benefits from ginger should always examine the ingredients list closely rather than relying solely on marketing messages.

Conclusion

To summarize, Seagram's ginger ale does contain a ginger extract, but the evidence from legal action and ingredient analysis suggests the amount is minimal, providing flavoring rather than a genuine ginger experience. It is sweetened primarily with high fructose corn syrup and contains added coloring, placing it firmly in the category of a ginger-flavored soda rather than a traditional ginger tonic. For consumers seeking the authentic taste or potential health benefits of real ginger, looking to craft brands or beverages with clear real ginger root listings is the best option. Ultimately, Seagram's provides a refreshing, mass-market ginger-flavored soft drink, not a beverage rich in real ginger.

A Final Word on Making Informed Choices

Understanding a product's ingredient list is essential for making informed dietary choices. In the case of Seagram's, the inclusion of "ginger extract with other natural flavors" signifies a flavor profile engineered for taste rather than relying on a significant concentration of actual ginger. This distinction is crucial for anyone who assumes they are consuming a product rich in ginger's natural properties. By being aware of such details, consumers can make better choices that align with their preferences, whether they are looking for a simple mixer or a more genuine ginger-based beverage.

Visit Truth in Advertising's article on the Seagram's ginger ale lawsuit for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Seagram's ginger ale does contain some ginger in the form of a ginger extract. However, this amount is minimal and is mixed with other natural flavors, so it is not a significant source of real ginger.

Yes, in 2019, Coca-Cola Co., the manufacturer of Seagram's, paid a $2.5 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit concerning misleading labels that stated the product was "Made with Real Ginger".

The main difference lies in the ingredients and processing. Seagram's relies on a minimal ginger extract and high fructose corn syrup, while craft ginger ales like Reed's often use real, fresh ginger root and cane sugar, resulting in a more potent, authentic, and less sugary flavor.

Seagram's uses a combination of "ginger extract with other natural flavors" and high fructose corn syrup for its taste. The use of proprietary "natural flavors" is common in the soft drink industry to create a consistent flavor profile.

No, Seagram's ginger ale is not a healthy choice if you are seeking the health benefits of ginger root. The beverage is primarily carbonated water and high fructose corn syrup, with a small amount of ginger extract for flavor. It should be considered a soft drink, not a health tonic.

While ginger root has been known to help with nausea, the amount of ginger extract in Seagram's ginger ale is so low that it is unlikely to provide any significant therapeutic benefit.

The primary sweetener used in Seagram's regular ginger ale is high fructose corn syrup. For sugar-free versions, artificial sweeteners are used.

The best way is to check the ingredients list. Look for terms like "real ginger root," or check for sediment at the bottom of the bottle, which can indicate unfiltered ginger. Craft brands often highlight their use of real ginger.