Exploring the Truth: What are the Benefits of Drinking Ginger Ale Soda?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional experts, most commercial ginger ale sodas contain very little, if any, real ginger, relying instead on artificial flavors and high sugar content. The perceived benefits of drinking ginger ale soda for an upset stomach often stem from a placebo effect and anecdotal tradition rather than genuine ginger properties.

Quick Summary

Most commercial ginger ale offers minimal health benefits due to low real ginger content and high sugar levels. While real ginger aids digestion and nausea, the sweetened soda provides little therapeutic value, and its carbonation can even worsen symptoms for some.

Key Points

Misconception vs. Reality: The perceived benefits of commercial ginger ale are largely a myth, as most versions contain negligible amounts of real ginger.
Real Ginger's Power: Genuine anti-nausea, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties come from the active compounds found in actual ginger root, not the soda.
High Sugar Content: Most commercial ginger ale contains significant added sugar, which can exacerbate stomach problems, cause bloating, and contribute to other health issues.
Placebo Effect: For many people, the relief felt from drinking commercial ginger ale is a result of the placebo effect or temporary comfort from the carbonation.
Read the Label: To find a product with true ginger benefits, consumers should seek out artisanal ginger ales made with real ginger root and lower sugar.
Healthier Alternatives: The most effective way to harness ginger's health properties is through fresh ginger tea, chews, or supplements, not sugary soda.

The Widespread Myth of Ginger Ale

For generations, ginger ale has been the go-to remedy for an upset stomach, a sick day staple offered by parents and grandparents. The belief is that the ginger flavor and carbonation provide relief from nausea and other digestive discomforts. However, scientific evidence reveals a different story, particularly regarding commercial varieties of the beverage. Most mass-market ginger ales, such as Canada Dry and Schweppes, are essentially carbonated water with high fructose corn syrup and artificial 'ginger' flavoring, containing little to no actual ginger root. This means the potential health benefits are almost non-existent in these common products.

The Real Source of Ginger's Benefits

The therapeutic properties people seek from ginger ale are derived from real ginger root, a natural remedy used for centuries in traditional medicine. The root contains bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its spicy flavor and medicinal effects. It's these compounds that offer genuine relief for various gastrointestinal complaints, not the flavored soda.

Documented benefits of real ginger root:

Nausea Relief: Gingerols and shogaols interact with serotonin receptors in the gut and brain to alleviate nausea from motion sickness, morning sickness during pregnancy, and even chemotherapy.
Digestive Aid: Ginger enhances gastrointestinal motility, helping food move through the digestive tract more efficiently. This can reduce bloating, gas, and fermentation.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The compounds in ginger have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Antioxidant Protection: Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Commercial vs. Artisanal Ginger Ale: A Crucial Distinction

The type of ginger ale you choose drastically impacts any potential health benefits. The vast majority of brands on supermarket shelves offer no therapeutic value, while a small number of artisanal and craft sodas use significant amounts of real ginger root. The table below highlights the key differences.


Feature	Commercial Ginger Ale	Artisanal/Craft Ginger Ale
Ginger Source	Artificial flavoring, extracts	Real ginger root, extracts
Active Compounds	Minimal to none	High levels of gingerols, shogaols
Sugar Content	High fructose corn syrup, high added sugar	Less sugar, sometimes cane sugar
Potential Benefits	Placebo effect, temporary soothing from carbonation	Genuine nausea relief, digestive support
Potential Negatives	Weight gain, dental problems, exacerbated GI issues	Less risk, but still high in sugar in some cases

The Placebo Effect and Other Side Effects

So why do so many people swear by commercial ginger ale for an upset stomach? The answer likely lies in the placebo effect. When a person believes a treatment will work, they may experience genuine relief simply due to that belief. The carbonation can also provide a temporary soothing sensation, while the sugar provides a quick energy boost that can distract from the feelings of nausea. However, the same carbonation that provides temporary relief can also lead to increased bloating and gas, and the high sugar content can worsen gastrointestinal distress and inflammation. For those with diabetes or other blood sugar concerns, the high sugar intake is particularly problematic. Artificial sweeteners used in diet versions can also cause stomach issues.

Healthier Alternatives to Get Real Ginger Benefits

If you are looking for the proven benefits of ginger for nausea, upset stomach, or inflammation, bypassing the soda aisle is the best approach. There are several healthier, more effective ways to consume ginger. For instance, Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses the significant benefits of ginger for gastrointestinal health.

Alternatives to commercial ginger ale:

Fresh Ginger Tea: Steep freshly peeled and sliced or grated ginger in hot water for a potent, soothing brew.
Ginger Chews or Candies: Choose low-sugar options available at health food stores for on-the-go relief.
Ginger Supplements: Available in capsules or tinctures, these provide a concentrated dose of ginger for maximum effectiveness.
DIY Ginger Ale: Create your own with real ginger, sparkling water, and a touch of natural sweetener for a more authentic and healthier version.

Conclusion

While the tradition of using ginger ale as a remedy for stomach issues is deeply ingrained, the reality is that most commercial brands offer minimal, if any, health benefits. The high sugar content and lack of real ginger make them a poor choice for genuine digestive relief. The true power lies in the bioactive compounds of real ginger root. For those seeking a natural solution for nausea or other stomach discomforts, opting for fresh ginger tea, chews, or supplements is a far more effective and healthier strategy than reaching for a can of commercial ginger ale. It is important to distinguish between the myth and the proven efficacy of the real ginger root when making health-conscious beverage choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most commercial ginger ale contains very little to no real ginger, so any relief is likely due to a placebo effect or the carbonation temporarily settling the stomach, not from the ginger itself.

Commercial brands often use artificial flavorings and high fructose corn syrup. Artisanal versions typically use real ginger root and sometimes less sugar, offering more potential therapeutic benefits derived from the actual ginger.

Yes, the high sugar content in many brands can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and increased bloating and gas, especially when you have an already upset stomach.

Real ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are known to help alleviate nausea, bloating, and indigestion.

While it is typically caffeine-free, commercial ginger ale should be viewed similarly to other sugary soft drinks. Healthier alternatives like fresh ginger tea are preferable for seeking ginger's benefits.

For genuine relief, try steeping fresh ginger in hot water to make tea, consuming ginger chews, or using high-quality ginger supplements that contain real ginger root extract.

Diet versions use artificial sweeteners, which can also cause gastric distress, bloating, and diarrhea in some individuals, potentially worsening symptoms rather than helping them.