How Many Calories Are in a 20 oz Bottle of Ginger Ale?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

A 20 oz bottle of ginger ale from a major brand like Canada Dry contains approximately 230 calories, with nearly all calories coming from added sugars. This calorie count is similar to other popular sodas, challenging the perception that ginger ale is a healthier carbonated beverage choice.

Quick Summary

A 20 oz bottle of ginger ale is high in calories and sugar, with specific nutritional values varying slightly by brand. The primary energy source is high-fructose corn syrup, and the beverage offers no nutritional benefits.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: A 20 oz bottle of ginger ale, from brands like Canada Dry or Schweppes, contains over 200 calories, primarily from sugar.
Equivalent to Other Sodas: Nutritionally, ginger ale is comparable to other sugary soft drinks like Coke or Sprite, dispelling the myth that it is a healthier choice.
High in Added Sugars: A single 20 oz bottle often contains over 50 grams of sugar, exceeding the daily recommended limit for most adults.
Lack of Nutritional Value: Standard ginger ale is devoid of significant vitamins, minerals, protein, or fiber, making it a source of empty calories.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For a similar taste or to soothe an upset stomach, healthier options include fresh ginger water, ginger tea, or zero-calorie versions.
Important for Diet Management: Recognizing the hidden calories in seemingly benign beverages is crucial for managing weight and overall health.

Understanding the Calories in a 20 oz Bottle of Ginger Ale

When you reach for a 20 oz bottle of ginger ale, you might not consider the hidden sugars and calories it contains. Many people perceive ginger ale as a mild or even soothing beverage, but from a nutritional standpoint, it's often on par with other sugary soft drinks. A closer look at the nutrition labels reveals that a standard 20 oz serving can be a significant source of empty calories.

Calorie Breakdown by Brand

While all major brands of ginger ale deliver a significant calorie load, there can be slight variations. These differences are typically based on the specific formulation, particularly the amount of high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners used.

Canada Dry (20 oz): A 20 oz bottle of Canada Dry ginger ale contains approximately 230 calories. This equates to roughly 59 grams of sugar.
Schweppes (20 oz): A 20 oz bottle of Schweppes is similar, offering around 210 calories, which corresponds to 54 grams of added sugar.
Seagram's (20 oz): Seagram's ginger ale in a 20 oz serving has about 210 calories and 56 grams of sugar.
Generic/Store Brands: Store brands can vary, but generally fall within the same calorie and sugar range as their national brand counterparts.

It's important to recognize that these calories are almost entirely derived from sugar, as ginger ale contains virtually no protein, fat, or fiber.

Comparing Ginger Ale to Other Sodas

To put these numbers into perspective, it's helpful to compare a 20 oz bottle of ginger ale to other popular soft drinks. The idea that ginger ale is 'healthier' than other sodas is largely a myth, as evidenced by their similar nutritional profiles.


Beverage	20 oz Calories (approx.)	Primary Energy Source	Key Takeaway
Canada Dry Ginger Ale	230	Added Sugar	High sugar content, zero nutritional value.
Coca-Cola	~233 (12 oz can = 140 cal)	Added Sugar	Very similar calorie density to ginger ale.
Sprite	~233 (12 oz can = 140 cal)	Added Sugar	Comparable high-sugar, high-calorie profile.
Orange Juice (from concentrate)	~183 (16 oz = 146 cal)	Natural Sugar	Contains vitamins, but also high in sugar.

This comparison table shows that ginger ale is not a low-calorie alternative to other soft drinks. Its high sugar content makes it a calorically dense beverage with little to no nutritional benefit. While it might have a gentler flavor, it's a mistake to consider it a healthier option for hydration.

The Health Implications of Sugar Intake

Consuming sugary beverages like ginger ale contributes to a high intake of added sugars. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar to no more than 36 grams for most adult males and 25 grams for most adult females per day. A single 20 oz bottle of ginger ale can easily push you over this recommended daily limit. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a number of health issues, including:

Weight Gain: Liquid calories from sugary drinks do not provide the same feeling of fullness as solid food, leading to overconsumption.
Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: High sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance over time.
Dental Issues: Sugars feed bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Healthier Alternatives

If you're seeking a carbonated beverage or a way to settle your stomach, there are more nutritious alternatives to high-sugar ginger ale. Consider these options:

DIY Ginger Water: Simply add a few slices of fresh ginger root to a bottle of carbonated water. This provides the flavor of ginger without any added sugar.
Ginger Tea: Brewing a cup of ginger tea from real ginger root is a traditional remedy for an upset stomach and contains no calories.
Sparkling Water with a Twist: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, calorie-free drink.
Zero-Calorie Ginger Ales: Many brands now offer a zero-sugar or diet version of their ginger ale. However, be aware of artificial sweeteners and their potential impact on your health.

Conclusion

While a 20 oz bottle of ginger ale is a popular and readily available beverage, it contains a significant number of calories, almost entirely from added sugars. Rather than being a 'light' or 'healthy' option, it is comparable in calorie and sugar content to other soft drinks. For those mindful of their sugar intake or seeking a truly restorative beverage, exploring alternatives such as fresh ginger water or ginger tea is a far better choice. Understanding the nutritional facts of what you drink is a crucial step toward making more informed and healthier decisions for your diet.

For more detailed nutritional information and a comprehensive food database, you can visit a resource like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most commercially available ginger ales contain very little to no real ginger root and are instead flavored artificially. While some premium brands may use real ginger, the amount is usually not significant enough to provide health benefits.

While it's a common folk remedy, the high sugar content in most commercial ginger ales can actually worsen stomach issues. The soothing effect is more likely due to the carbonation and psychological comfort, not medicinal properties.

Diet or zero-sugar ginger ale contains zero calories and zero sugar because it uses artificial sweeteners. This makes it a better choice for those monitoring their calorie or sugar intake, though it offers no nutritional value.

The main ingredients in most ginger ales are carbonated water, high-fructose corn syrup, natural flavors, citric acid, and caramel color.

Yes, regularly consuming high-calorie, sugar-laden drinks like ginger ale can contribute significantly to weight gain. Liquid calories are less satiating than solid food, which can lead to consuming more total calories.

Yes, a simple and healthy alternative is to add fresh ginger slices and a squeeze of lemon or lime to sparkling water. This provides the flavor and fizz without the sugar and calories.

This misconception likely stems from its name, which suggests it contains the healthy spice ginger, and its mild, non-cola flavor. In reality, the high sugar content puts it in the same category as other sugary soft drinks.