Is Ginger Beer Better Than Beer? A Comprehensive Nutritional Comparison

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

While often grouped together as fizzy drinks, the nutritional profile of ginger beer and traditional beer varies significantly. The answer to whether is ginger beer better than beer depends entirely on your specific health goals and personal preferences.

Quick Summary

This guide compares the core differences between ginger beer and traditional beer, focusing on nutritional value, health implications, and alcohol content. It breaks down production methods, ingredients, and the pros and cons of each beverage for different lifestyle needs.

Key Points

Alcohol is a Key Differentiator: The most significant difference is the alcohol content; modern ginger beer is typically non-alcoholic, unlike traditional beer.
Sugar Content Varies: Many commercial ginger beers are high in added sugars, which can outweigh the health benefits of the ginger. Always check the label.
Ginger's Benefits: Real ginger in authentic ginger beer offers digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a better choice for settling an upset stomach.
Carbs in Beer: Traditional beer is generally higher in carbohydrates due to its malt base, which may be a concern for those watching their carb intake.
Brewing Methods Differ: Traditional beer ferments malted grain, while ginger beer ferments ginger, leading to distinctly different flavor profiles and nutritional outcomes.

What's the Real Difference? Beyond the Name

Despite their similar names, ginger beer and traditional beer are fundamentally different beverages, with distinct histories, ingredients, and production methods. Understanding these core differences is the first step in deciding which is the 'better' option for you.

Historically, ginger beer was a naturally fermented beverage originating in 18th-century England, made from a 'ginger beer plant' (a culture of yeast and bacteria), sugar, water, and ginger. Early versions could reach up to 11% ABV. However, most modern commercial ginger beers are soft drinks that contain little to no alcohol, relying on artificial carbonation and flavorings.

Traditional beer, on the other hand, is a much older concoction brewed from malted grain (like barley), hops, yeast, and water. The fermentation process of the malted grains is what produces the alcohol and carbonation. The flavor profile is complex, deriving from the type of malt, hops, and yeast used, rather than just a single spice.

The Brewing Process: A Tale of Two Drinks

Ginger Beer (Traditional): A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) called a 'ginger bug' ferments ginger, sugar, and water. This creates the carbonation and flavor, resulting in a low-alcohol beverage. Modern non-alcoholic versions are made more like soda, mixing ginger extract or flavorings with carbonated water.
Traditional Beer: Malted grain is mashed to release sugars, which are then fermented by brewer's yeast. Hops are added for bitterness, aroma, and preservation. The final product is filtered, pasteurized, and carbonated.

Nutritional Showdown: Ginger Beer vs. Beer

When evaluating which beverage is 'better,' a close look at the nutritional content is essential. The comparison below is for a typical 12 oz (355ml) serving of a modern non-alcoholic ginger beer and a standard 5% ABV traditional beer.


Feature	Ginger Beer (Modern, Non-Alcoholic)	Traditional Beer (5% ABV)
Alcohol Content (ABV)	Typically <0.5%	Typically ~5%
Sugar	Often High (can be 30g+ per serving)	Low to Moderate (residual sugars)
Carbohydrates	Can be High (primarily from sugar)	High (from malt)
Calories	Varies widely (e.g., 45 to 200+ depending on brand)	Approximately 150 calories
Flavor Profile	Spicy, bold ginger kick	Complex, malty, hoppy, bitter
Potential Health Benefits	Gingerol (anti-inflammatory, digestive aid), Probiotics (in traditionally fermented versions)	Minimal (small amounts of B vitamins)

Health Benefits and Drawbacks

Ginger Beer: The main health advantage of ginger beer comes from its namesake ingredient: ginger. Real ginger root, especially in traditionally fermented varieties, contains compounds like gingerol which are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive-aiding properties. It's a popular remedy for nausea and stomach upset. However, most commercial ginger beers are loaded with sugar, which can negate these benefits and contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes.

Traditional Beer: Beer contains small amounts of nutrients like B vitamins and trace minerals. However, the health risks associated with alcohol consumption and its high carbohydrate and calorie content often outweigh these minor benefits. Excessive intake of alcohol can lead to numerous health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain cancers.

Making the Right Choice: Personal Health Goals and Preferences

The 'better' choice between ginger beer and traditional beer is highly individual, depending on your priorities:

If your goal is to avoid alcohol, modern ginger beer is the clear winner, as most varieties are non-alcoholic.
If you're seeking digestive relief, opting for a brand of ginger beer with real ginger (or brewing your own) can be beneficial.
If you're watching your sugar intake, you must be careful. Many ginger beers, despite being non-alcoholic, are packed with sugar. Some light beers might have lower sugar content than a sugary ginger beer.
If you prioritize a low-carb diet, traditional beer (which is high in carbohydrates from malt) may be a less suitable option.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for Your Health

Ultimately, there is no single answer to whether is ginger beer better than beer. For most people, the decision will come down to whether they prioritize avoiding alcohol and want the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger. In this case, a low-sugar, real-ginger ginger beer is the better option. However, for those concerned about sugar, a specific light beer might surprisingly be a better choice.

Both beverages are best enjoyed in moderation. A non-alcoholic ginger beer with minimal added sugar and real ginger can be a healthy, flavorful soft drink, while a traditional beer is best considered an occasional indulgence due to its alcohol and carb content. Always check nutritional labels to make the best decision for your personal health.

For more information on the history and production of different beverages, explore the resources available on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most modern commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic, typically containing less than 0.5% ABV. However, historically, it was an alcoholic brew, and some craft brands still produce alcoholic versions.

Calorie counts vary widely depending on the brand and recipe. Some low-sugar ginger beers can have fewer calories than a standard beer, but many sugary commercial ginger beers have a high calorie count.

Yes, ginger is known for its digestive benefits, including its ability to relieve nausea and soothe an upset stomach. For this benefit, seek brands made with real ginger.

Most modern commercially available ginger beer functions as a spicy soft drink. However, traditionally it is a fermented beverage, similar in process to kombucha, and some artisanal versions still follow this method.

No. Nutritional content, especially sugar and calorie count, differs significantly between brands. It's crucial to read the label and choose options with real ginger and less added sugar.

Traditional beer is typically higher in carbohydrates because it is brewed from malted grains like barley. Many commercial ginger beers, while not as high in carbs, can have a high sugar content.

Ginger beer's flavor comes primarily from real ginger root, which gives it a spicy, pungent kick. Traditional beer's complex flavor is derived from the malted grain, hops, and yeast used during fermentation.