How Many Carbs Are in Zero Sugar Ginger Ale? The Definitive Guide

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite the sweet taste, most major brands of zero sugar ginger ale contain exactly 0 grams of carbohydrates. This is a major difference from traditional ginger ale and a key factor for those managing blood sugar or following low-carb diets.

Quick Summary

Most zero sugar ginger ales, including popular brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes, contain zero carbohydrates, using artificial sweeteners for flavor instead of sugar.

Key Points

Zero Carbohydrates: Standard zero sugar ginger ale from major brands contains 0g of total carbohydrates per serving.
Artificial Sweeteners: The sweet flavor is achieved using non-caloric artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, which don't contribute carbs.
Check for Flavored Variants: Some flavored zero sugar varieties, particularly from smaller brands, may contain trace carbohydrates (e.g., 1g).
Net Carbs vs. Total Carbs: Some specialty brands use sugar alcohols (like erythritol), meaning they might have zero net carbs but a non-zero total carb count.
Keto-Friendly Option: Due to the lack of carbohydrates, standard zero sugar ginger ale is a suitable beverage for those following a ketogenic diet.
Sodium Content: Be aware that zero sugar alternatives may have a higher sodium content than their regular counterparts.

Unpacking the Zero-Carb Claim: How Zero Sugar Ginger Ale is Made

The central question, "how many carbs are in zero sugar ginger ale," has a straightforward answer for most brands: zero. This is possible because manufacturers replace traditional caloric sugars, like high-fructose corn syrup, with non-nutritive, high-intensity artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners provide a sweet taste but are not metabolized by the body in the same way as sugar, meaning they contribute zero carbohydrates and zero calories to the finished product.

Key artificial sweeteners commonly found in these beverages include:

Aspartame: A widely used, low-calorie sweetener often found in diet sodas.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A calorie-free sweetener that works synergistically with aspartame to enhance the flavor.
Sucralose: Another common calorie-free sweetener known for its stability.

Reading the Nutrition Label: What to Look For

When you pick up a can of zero sugar ginger ale, the nutrition label is your best source of information. You should see a total carbohydrate count of 0g and a total sugar count of 0g. However, there are nuances to be aware of. Some specialty or flavored zero-sugar sodas might contain trace amounts of carbs, so checking the label is always the safest bet. For instance, certain flavored zero sugar varieties might have up to 1g of carbs per serving.

The Rise of Sugar Alcohols and Net Carbs

While most big-name zero-sugar ginger ales use artificial sweeteners, some craft or health-focused alternatives use sugar alcohols, like erythritol. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that the body doesn't fully metabolize, meaning it doesn't significantly impact blood sugar levels. These products are often advertised as having zero "net carbs" rather than zero total carbs, because net carbs are calculated by subtracting sugar alcohols from the total carb count. This is an important distinction for those strictly monitoring their intake.

Here’s what to look for on the label of a product with sugar alcohols:

Total Carbohydrates: May show a number greater than zero.
Sugar Alcohols: Will list a specific amount.
Net Carbs: Often stated as zero or a very low number, reflecting the total carbs minus the sugar alcohols.

A Comparison: Zero Sugar vs. Regular Ginger Ale

To put the carbohydrate difference into perspective, here is a comparison table using standard nutritional information for a 12 fl oz serving of regular vs. zero sugar ginger ale.


Nutrient	Regular Ginger Ale	Zero Sugar Ginger Ale
Total Carbohydrates	~36-40g	0g
Total Sugars	~33-40g	0g
Calories	~120-140	0
Fat	0g	0g
Sodium	50-60mg	110-120mg

Are There Any Health Concerns?

While zero sugar ginger ale is a carb-free alternative, the use of artificial sweeteners is a topic of ongoing discussion. For most people, these beverages are safe for moderate consumption. However, there is ongoing research and some debate about their long-term effects on metabolic health and the gut microbiome. It is worth noting that some individuals may experience digestive discomfort with large quantities of certain artificial sweeteners, and moderation is always recommended. For more information on the safety of artificial sweeteners, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an authoritative source on the matter.

The Verdict: A Carb-Conscious Choice

For those watching their carb intake, zero sugar ginger ale is a very clear and reliable choice. Most brands offer a 0-carb, 0-sugar option that provides a satisfyingly sweet and fizzy beverage without the negative effects of high-sugar intake. While it's always wise to check the label for any surprises in flavored versions or from smaller brands, the nutritional promise of zero carbs is largely accurate for this category of drink. However, for overall health, hydration from plain water remains the optimal choice.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

The simple fact is that in most cases, zero sugar ginger ale contains zero carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those on a keto, low-carb, or sugar-free diet. The difference lies in the sugar substitutes used, with major brands favoring artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium. For specialty brands, be mindful of sugar alcohols and the distinction between total and net carbs. Ultimately, zero sugar ginger ale offers a carb-free way to enjoy a classic flavor, but as with any dietary choice, moderation is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most major brands are completely carb-free. However, it is crucial to check the nutrition label, especially for flavored varieties or smaller, specialty brands, as some may contain trace amounts of carbohydrates.

The main difference is the sweetener. Regular ginger ale uses caloric sugars, leading to a high carbohydrate and calorie count, while zero sugar versions use non-caloric artificial sweeteners, resulting in 0 carbs and 0 calories.

Artificial sweeteners, unlike sugar, do not typically raise blood sugar levels. For this reason, zero sugar ginger ale is often a safe beverage choice for individuals managing diabetes or following a keto diet.

As a swap for regular, high-sugar soda, zero sugar ginger ale is a lower-calorie and carb-free alternative. However, like all drinks containing artificial ingredients, moderation is recommended.

Zero sugar ginger ale can be included in a healthy diet as an occasional beverage, especially for those trying to reduce sugar intake. It's not a health drink, but it is a better choice than sugary sodas for carb-conscious individuals.

No, standard zero sugar ginger ale contains zero calories, as the artificial sweeteners used are not metabolized for energy.

Checking the label is important to ensure you understand the ingredients and nutritional content, particularly for net carb counts if sugar alcohols are used, or to catch any surprise trace carbs in flavored versions.