Does Zero Sugar Ginger Ale Have Carbs? Unpacking the Nutrition Facts

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the nutrition labels of major zero sugar ginger ale brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes, a standard serving contains 0 grams of total carbohydrates. For many, this is a green light, but understanding the ingredients behind the "zero carbs" claim is key for those closely monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

Zero sugar ginger ale contains no carbohydrates or sugar, as it is sweetened with artificial or natural non-nutritive sweeteners. These alternatives typically do not affect blood sugar, making the beverage suitable for low-carb diets, though moderate consumption is often advised.

Key Points

Zero Carb Content: Major zero sugar ginger ale brands list 0 grams of total carbohydrates per serving on their nutrition labels.
Sweetened by Alternatives: Carbs are absent because sugar is replaced by artificial or natural non-caloric sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia.
Low Blood Sugar Impact: Since the sweeteners are not metabolized like sugar, the beverage typically does not cause blood sugar spikes, making it keto-friendly.
Check the Label: To be certain, always verify the "Total Carbohydrates" line and look for non-nutritive sweeteners in the ingredients list.
Consume in Moderation: While carb-free, long-term overconsumption of artificially sweetened drinks may have potential health drawbacks, including affecting gut health and perpetuating sugar cravings.
Not a Health Drink: Despite being zero-carb, it lacks nutritional value and should not replace water or healthier beverage options for overall well-being.

Zero Sugar Ginger Ale: The Carbohydrate Breakdown

When you see a label that says "zero sugar," it is almost always followed by a total carbohydrate count of zero as well. This is because standard carbohydrates are typically derived from sugars, and eliminating sugar effectively eliminates the carbohydrates from that source. Major manufacturers achieve this by replacing sugar with non-caloric alternatives.

How Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Replace Carbs

Non-nutritive sweeteners are substances that provide a sweet taste without adding significant calories or carbohydrates. The human body does not metabolize them for energy in the same way as sugar, so they pass through the digestive system largely unabsorbed. This is the fundamental reason why beverages containing them can be labeled as having zero carbs and zero calories.

Some of the common sweeteners you might find in zero sugar ginger ale include:

Aspartame: A widely used artificial sweetener often found in diet sodas.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Another artificial sweetener, frequently used in combination with aspartame for a more sugar-like taste.
Sucralose: An artificial sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar and is a key ingredient in many zero-sugar products.
Stevia: A natural, plant-based sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that is naturally occurring and provides some sweetness with minimal caloric or carb impact, though it can cause digestive issues in large quantities.

Reading the Nutrition Label Accurately

To be sure about the carb content of any zero-sugar drink, always check the Nutrition Facts label. Look specifically at the "Total Carbohydrates" line. For most major zero-sugar ginger ale brands, this number will be 0g. If a product contains a sugar alcohol like erythritol, it might be listed separately under the total carbohydrate count, but for keto and low-carb diets, these are often excluded from the "net carb" calculation. However, it's worth noting that some individuals may experience a slight blood sugar response to certain sugar alcohols, so personal testing is recommended.

Zero Sugar vs. Regular Ginger Ale: A Carb Comparison

For those watching their carb intake, the difference between the traditional and zero-sugar versions is staggering. Here's a quick comparison based on a 12-ounce (355ml) serving.


Feature	Regular Ginger Ale	Zero Sugar Ginger Ale
Carbohydrates	33-40g	0g
Added Sugars	33-40g	0g
Calories	120-150 kcal	0 kcal
Sweeteners	High-fructose corn syrup, sugar	Aspartame, Ace-K, Stevia
Blood Sugar Impact	Significant increase	Minimal to none

Potential Downsides of Zero-Sugar Drinks

While zero-sugar ginger ale is a great option for minimizing carb intake, it's not without potential drawbacks. Many health professionals recommend consuming all sodas, diet included, in moderation.

Here are some of the potential downsides associated with diet beverages:

Sugar Cravings: Some studies suggest that the intense sweetness of artificial sweeteners can perpetuate sugar cravings, potentially making it harder to appreciate the natural sweetness of whole foods.
Gut Health: Artificial sweeteners may disrupt the balance of healthy gut bacteria, which is crucial for overall digestive health.
Dental Health: The acidity of carbonated drinks can erode tooth enamel over time, regardless of whether they contain sugar.
Metabolic Response: The body's expectation of calories when tasting something sweet, paired with the lack of actual caloric intake, can sometimes confuse metabolic processes. Some studies have linked long-term, heavy consumption to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, though more research is needed.

A Healthier Alternative

For optimal hydration and health, plain water remains the best choice. However, if you enjoy the taste and fizziness of ginger ale, zero-sugar versions can be a helpful occasional alternative. You can also try making your own homemade low-carb version with a mix of seltzer water, freshly grated ginger, and a preferred natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. For more information on understanding food labels, visit the American Diabetes Association's resource at diabetes.org/food-nutrition/reading-food-labels.

Conclusion: Zero Carbs, Cautious Consumption

In short, zero sugar ginger ale does not have carbs in the traditional sense, making it a suitable choice for those on ketogenic, low-carb, or diabetic diets. The carb count is zero because the beverage relies on non-nutritive sweeteners rather than traditional sugar. However, like any processed beverage, it is best consumed in moderation. Being mindful of the potential long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on cravings and metabolic health is a sensible approach. For the healthiest option, plain or naturally flavored water is always the top recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, because zero sugar ginger ale contains no total or net carbs, it is considered a keto-friendly beverage. It won't disrupt ketosis, the metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose.

Generally, diet or zero sugar ginger ale does not raise blood sugar levels because it is sweetened with non-caloric sweeteners that are not metabolized into glucose by the body. However, individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose, as some sugar alcohols can have a slight effect.

Zero sugar ginger ale is typically sweetened with a combination of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Some brands might use natural alternatives like stevia or monk fruit extract.

For most major brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes, the carb count will be 0g. However, ingredient lists and specific sweeteners can differ, so it's always best to check the label if you have a specific preference or sensitivity.

For most people managing diabetes, zero sugar ginger ale is a safer alternative to regular sugary soda as it does not cause blood sugar spikes. It is still advisable to consult a healthcare provider and consume it in moderation.

Artificial sweeteners approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA are generally recognized as safe for consumption. However, ongoing research and varying expert opinions suggest moderate intake is best, especially regarding gut health and metabolic effects.

From a carbohydrate and calorie perspective, zero sugar ginger ale is a far better choice, especially for weight management and blood sugar control. However, it is not a nutritionally dense beverage, and excessive consumption of any soda, including diet varieties, is not recommended.