Is Canada Dry a Good Source of Ginger for Your Health?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Following several lawsuits challenging its marketing, Canada Dry removed its "Made from Real Ginger" claims in the U.S., but questions remain about its wellness properties. This has led many to question: is Canada Dry a good source of ginger for actual health benefits?

Quick Summary

Canada Dry is not a significant source of beneficial ginger. It contains only minimal, processed ginger extract, and its high sugar content and carbonation can undermine potential health benefits.

Key Points

Minimal Ginger Content: Canada Dry contains only trace amounts of highly processed ginger extract, not enough to provide health benefits.
High in Sugar: The high sugar content in Canada Dry can actually worsen stomach issues and undermine any perceived wellness effects.
Lacks Bioactive Compounds: The manufacturing process for the ginger extract destroys the beneficial compounds, like gingerol, found in fresh ginger root.
Placebo Effect: Any feeling of relief from drinking Canada Dry is likely due to the carbonation or a placebo effect, not the minimal ginger content.
Lawsuit Confirmation: Lawsuits over false advertising forced Canada Dry to remove the "Made from Real Ginger" claim from its U.S. packaging, confirming the misleading nature of the product.
Better Alternatives Exist: For genuine health benefits, opt for fresh ginger tea, ginger supplements, or premium ginger beer brewed with real ginger.

The Truth Behind Canada Dry's "Real Ginger" Claim

For years, Canada Dry was advertised as being “Made from Real Ginger,” leading many consumers to believe it offered the health benefits of fresh ginger root, such as soothing an upset stomach. However, class-action lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada challenged these claims, alleging the amount of ginger was misleading and nutritionally insignificant. The company ultimately settled these suits, removing the claim from American packaging.

What Is Really in Canada Dry?

If you look at the ingredient list for Canada Dry ginger ale, you'll see "ginger extract" mentioned, often listed with "natural flavors" and accounting for "less than 2%" of the total contents. This extract is a highly concentrated flavor compound known as ginger oleoresin. While technically derived from ginger root, the processing method used, which can involve boiling it in ethanol, effectively destroys or significantly diminishes the concentration of the active, health-benefiting compounds. A chemical analysis during the 2019 U.S. lawsuit estimated the ginger compound content at only two parts per million, an amount too minuscule to even be tasted, let alone provide any therapeutic effects.

Why Canada Dry is not a Medicinal Source of Ginger

Contrary to popular belief, Canada Dry is a soda first and foremost. This fact means it's not designed to be a health supplement, and its composition reflects that:

Minimal Bioactive Compounds: The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in fresh ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, are largely absent or severely compromised in the processed extract.
High Sugar Content: A single 12 fl oz can of regular Canada Dry contains around 33 grams of sugar, often high-fructose corn syrup. High sugar intake can cause inflammation and other negative effects that counteract any minor placebo effect of the ginger flavor.
Carbonation Factor: The carbonation in ginger ale can sometimes provide temporary relief for indigestion or a feeling of fullness. This effect is often mistaken for the benefits of ginger itself. However, for some, carbonation can worsen symptoms like bloating and gas.

Natural Ginger vs. Canada Dry

For real health benefits, fresh or properly processed ginger is the only way to go. Its potent compounds have been scientifically shown to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison Table: Canada Dry vs. Fresh Ginger Tea


Feature	Canada Dry Ginger Ale	Fresh Ginger Tea
Source of Ginger	Processed extract (oleoresin) in trace amounts	Freshly grated or sliced ginger root
Nutritional Value	Primarily sugar and carbonated water; contains minimal nutrients	Contains gingerol, shogaol, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds
Sugar Content	Very high, typically 33g+ per 12oz can	Can be brewed with or without a natural sweetener like honey, offering control over sugar intake
Health Benefits	Negligible; any perceived benefits are likely a placebo or due to carbonation	Proven to effectively relieve nausea, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion
Ingredients	Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, ginger extract, natural flavors, etc.	Fresh ginger, hot water, optional lemon and honey

Healthier Alternatives to Canada Dry

If you are seeking the genuine health benefits of ginger, especially for an upset stomach, there are several effective alternatives that don't involve a sugar-laden soda. These options provide the full therapeutic potential of the ginger root:

Fresh Ginger Tea: A classic remedy, simply adding slices of fresh ginger to hot water offers a potent dose of gingerol to help settle your stomach.
Ginger Supplements: Available in capsule form, these provide a concentrated, measured dose of ginger. It's best to choose a reputable brand that has been third-party certified.
Ginger Chews or Candied Ginger: Small portions can be a good way to get a quick dose of real ginger. Look for options with minimal added sugar.
Genuine Ginger Beer: Some premium brands of ginger beer are brewed with large amounts of real ginger root, offering a spicy and flavorful alternative with more health benefits than standard ginger ale.

For more information on the health benefits of fresh ginger, consider visiting the UCLA Health news section on diet. [Link: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/why-you-should-consider-adding-ginger-to-your-diet]

Conclusion: Canada Dry Falls Short as a Ginger Source

While Canada Dry is a popular beverage with a pleasant, mild ginger flavor, it is demonstrably not a good source of ginger for any meaningful health or therapeutic benefits. Its minimal, highly processed ginger extract and high sugar content make it an unsuitable remedy for conditions like nausea or indigestion. Consumers seeking the proven benefits of ginger are better off choosing fresh ginger preparations, such as a homemade tea, or opting for genuine supplements from trusted sources. Don't be fooled by the marketing; for real ginger benefits, the root is the real deal, not the ale.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite the popular belief, Canada Dry contains minimal processed ginger extract and is high in sugar and carbonation, which can actually worsen stomach upset for some people.

Canada Dry uses a ginger extract, known as oleoresin, derived from real ginger root. However, it is so highly processed that it loses the therapeutic compounds found in fresh ginger.

Canada Dry removed the claim from its U.S. packaging to settle class-action lawsuits that alleged false advertising and misleading health benefit claims, acknowledging the minuscule amount of ginger present.

Fresh ginger contains a high concentration of beneficial compounds like gingerol and shogaol. In contrast, Canada Dry's extract is a highly diluted flavor compound that lacks these therapeutic qualities.

A fresh ginger tea, made by steeping grated or sliced ginger in hot water, is a much more effective and healthier alternative for nausea relief.

The carbonation in ginger ale can sometimes provide temporary relief for indigestion, but this effect is often mistaken for the benefits of ginger. In some cases, carbonation can exacerbate bloating.

Chemical analysis conducted for a lawsuit estimated the ginger compound content in Canada Dry to be as low as two parts per million, which is far too little to provide any health benefits.