Is ginger ale high in potassium? A comprehensive guide

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 12-ounce serving of regular ginger ale contains only a negligible amount of potassium, often less than 1% of the daily recommended value. This fact is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake, especially those with kidney health concerns, who might wonder, 'is ginger ale high in potassium?'

Quick Summary

Ginger ale is very low in potassium, with most commercial brands containing only a trace amount per serving. It is not considered a significant source of this mineral, unlike the potent ginger root from which it is derived. The beverage is suitable for low-potassium diets but remains a sugary soft drink.

Key Points

Extremely Low Potassium: Commercial ginger ale contains a negligible amount of potassium, often less than 1% of the daily value per serving.
Not a High-Potassium Drink: The processing of ginger ale removes virtually all the high potassium content present in raw ginger root.
Suitable for Restricted Diets: Due to its low potassium level, it is an acceptable beverage for individuals on a low-potassium diet.
Distinct from Ginger Root: Do not confuse the nutrient-rich raw ginger root with the processed soda, which offers minimal nutritional benefits.
Other Health Concerns: While low in potassium, most ginger ales are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Check Labels: Potassium content can vary slightly by brand, but labels confirm it is not a significant source.
Manufacturing Matters: The use of flavorings instead of large amounts of fresh ginger root explains the low mineral count.

What the Nutrition Facts Say

For anyone monitoring their mineral intake, a common concern is how everyday beverages like soda affect their diet. The answer to 'is ginger ale high in potassium?' is a resounding no. An analysis of major commercial ginger ale products reveals that they contain a very small amount of potassium, often just 1 to 10 milligrams per 12-ounce can. This is an insignificant fraction when compared to the daily adequate intake for adults, which ranges from 2,600 to 3,400 milligrams.

The reason for this low mineral content lies in the manufacturing process. Most commercial ginger ales are not brewed with large quantities of real ginger root. Instead, they use artificial or natural flavorings, along with high-fructose corn syrup, carbonated water, and caramel coloring. The potent, nutrient-dense ginger root, which is naturally rich in potassium, is largely absent or present in such minimal amounts that its nutritional impact on the final product is negligible.

The Misconception of Ginger Root's Health Benefits

Many people associate ginger ale with the therapeutic properties of raw ginger, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and nausea-reducing effects. This can lead to the false assumption that ginger ale provides similar benefits, including the nutritional value of the root. However, the high levels of added sugar and lack of actual ginger in most brands mean this is simply not the case. The placebo effect and the simple act of sipping a carbonated beverage may offer temporary relief from an upset stomach, but it is not a healthful source of minerals like potassium.

Potassium Content Comparison by Brand

To better understand how ginger ale's potassium content varies, here is a comparison of typical values from a few popular brands. While specific numbers can differ slightly, they consistently show a low potassium profile.


Brand	Serving Size	Potassium (mg)	Notes
Schweppes Ginger Ale	12 fl oz (355 mL)	3.7 mg	A very low amount, less than 1% DV.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale	12 fl oz (355 mL)	~0 mg	Often listed as 0% of the daily value.
Shasta Ginger Ale	12 fl oz (355 mL)	~50 mg	Still a low amount relative to daily needs.
Diet Ginger Ale	12 fl oz (355 mL)	~10 mg	Diet versions may vary but remain low.

How Ginger Ale Fits into a Low-Potassium Diet

For individuals on a potassium-restricted diet, often due to kidney disease, it's essential to monitor mineral intake carefully. High-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes are typically limited. Given its low potassium content, ginger ale can be a safe beverage choice in moderation. This is a key reason why it is often included on lists of suitable drinks for those managing potassium levels. However, other nutritional factors, such as sugar intake, must also be considered.

Low-Potassium Beverage Alternatives

If you are looking for other low-potassium drink options, many beverages fit the bill:

Apple juice
Grape juice
Cranberry juice
Lemon-lime soda
Clear sodas (lemonade)
Water (plain or flavored with low-potassium fruits like berries)
Herbal teas (decaf)

High-Potassium Food and Drink Counterparts

For context, it is helpful to compare ginger ale's potassium levels to foods that are high in the mineral. This highlights just how insignificant the potassium in ginger ale truly is:

Banana: One medium banana contains approximately 451 mg of potassium.
Baked Potato (with skin): One medium baked potato can contain over 900 mg of potassium.
Orange Juice: A single cup of 100% orange juice contains nearly 500 mg.
Spinach: A cup of cooked spinach provides over 800 mg.

As you can see, a person would need to consume an unrealistic amount of ginger ale to get the same potassium from a single serving of a whole food. This underscores why ginger ale is not a concern for high potassium intake.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Ginger Ale and Potassium

In summary, the notion that ginger ale is high in potassium is a myth based on the properties of its namesake root, not the commercial beverage. Most brands contain only trace amounts of the mineral, making it a suitable option for those on a low-potassium diet. However, this is not a recommendation for ginger ale as a health drink. The high sugar content in many versions poses other health concerns, such as weight gain and dental issues, which should be considered. When choosing a beverage, it is always wise to read the nutritional label and make an informed decision based on your overall dietary needs. For the genuine health benefits of ginger and a significant boost in potassium, consuming fresh ginger root or ginger tea is the far superior choice.

For more detailed information on dietary potassium and other nutritional topics, consider consulting authoritative sources such as Johns Hopkins Medicine or other reputable medical websites like WebMD.

Here is a link for more information on ginger and its nutritional content.

Optional: Table Comparing Potassium Sources


Item	Serving Size	Potassium (mg)	Notes
Canada Dry Ginger Ale	12 oz	~0-1 mg	Varies slightly, but consistently very low.
Schweppes Ginger Ale	12 oz	~3.7 mg	Low, a small fraction of daily needs.
100% Orange Juice	1 cup	~496 mg	A significant source of potassium.
Medium Banana	1 medium	~451 mg	A well-known high-potassium fruit.
Cooked Spinach	1 cup	~839 mg	An excellent source of dietary potassium.

This comparison reinforces that ginger ale, unlike many whole foods and juices, is not a meaningful source of potassium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only a minimal amount. Most commercial ginger ales contain less than 10 milligrams of potassium per 12-ounce can, which is a trace amount compared to your daily needs.

For most people on a low-potassium diet, ginger ale is considered safe to consume in moderation, as its potassium content is not significant enough to impact blood potassium levels.

A 12-ounce can of regular Canada Dry Ginger Ale typically contains a very small amount of potassium, sometimes listed as 0% of the daily value.

Yes, unlike ginger ale, fresh ginger root is naturally high in potassium. For example, 100 grams of raw ginger can contain over 400 mg of potassium.

Drinks high in potassium include orange juice, prune juice, tomato juice, and milk. These should be limited or avoided by those on a potassium-restricted diet.

Any perceived health benefits, such as soothing a stomach ache, are often attributed to the minimal ginger extract. However, the high sugar content and carbonation in most commercial ginger ales outweigh these minor benefits.

For a healthier option with low potassium, consider drinking water infused with fresh ginger slices, lemon, or other low-potassium fruits like berries.

The potassium content in both diet and regular ginger ale is very low, though it can vary slightly by brand. Always check the nutrition label for specific details if you are tracking your intake closely.

The tradition stems from the belief that ginger can ease nausea. While real ginger can help, the comforting fizz and minimal ginger flavor in commercial ginger ale are the primary factors, rather than significant health benefits.