Is it okay to eat ginger chews every day?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), ginger is generally recognized as safe for most people when consumed orally. However, when considering is it okay to eat ginger chews every day, it's important to understand how their processed form affects daily consumption.

Quick Summary

While ginger chews offer potential benefits like nausea relief, daily intake should be moderate due to high sugar content. Potential side effects can include digestive discomfort, and their active compound concentration may be less potent than other ginger forms.

Key Points

Moderation is key: Daily consumption should be limited due to the high sugar content in many ginger chews.
Check sugar content: Always read the nutritional label, as each chew can contain several grams of added sugar.
Be aware of side effects: Excessive intake can cause digestive issues like heartburn, gas, and diarrhea, especially with more than 5 grams of ginger daily.
Consult a doctor for interactions: Those on blood thinners, diabetes, or blood pressure medication should check with a healthcare provider due to potential drug interactions.
Consider alternative forms: Fresh ginger, tea, or powdered ginger offer more concentrated health benefits without the added sugar found in chews.
Not all chews are equal: The concentration of active compounds varies by brand, and chews are often less potent than fresh ginger.

The Appeal and Benefits of Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful health properties. Its effectiveness is largely due to bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea benefits.

Many people are drawn to ginger chews as a convenient and tasty way to get these benefits. They can be especially useful for occasional issues like motion sickness or temporary digestive upset. However, their pleasant taste can also lead to overconsumption, which is where the potential downsides emerge.

The Downsides of Daily Ginger Chew Consumption

While the root itself is healthful, ginger chews are processed candies that come with a significant amount of added sugar. Brands like Chimes and Prince of Peace, for instance, typically contain around 3 grams of sugar per chew. Consuming several chews daily can significantly increase your total daily sugar intake, leading to potential health issues such as weight gain, increased inflammation, and impacts on blood sugar regulation. This can undermine the very health benefits ginger is known for.

Overconsumption of any ginger product, not just chews, can lead to unpleasant side effects. Taking more than 5 grams of ginger a day is linked to gastrointestinal issues, including heartburn, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Sensitive individuals may experience mouth and throat irritation, and people with conditions like acid reflux or IBS may be more susceptible to these side effects.

Potential Drug Interactions

Another critical consideration is ginger's potential to interact with certain medications. Its natural blood-thinning properties mean that high daily intake can increase the risk of bleeding, especially for individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin. Furthermore, ginger may affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Those on diabetes or blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider before making daily ginger chews a habit, as the combination could cause blood sugar or blood pressure to drop too low.

Ginger Chews vs. Other Ginger Forms

Understanding the differences between ginger chews and other sources of ginger is key to a healthy dietary choice. Many processed ginger products, including chews, may contain a lower concentration of the beneficial active compounds compared to their fresh counterparts.


Feature	Ginger Chews	Fresh Ginger
Active Compounds (Gingerol)	Lower concentration. Bioactive compounds may be reduced during processing.	Higher concentration. Bioactive compounds are fresh and potent.
Sugar Content	High in added sugars. Typically 3+ grams per chew.	Naturally sugar-free.
Convenience	High. Individually wrapped and easy for on-the-go.	Lower. Requires preparation (grating, chopping) for consumption.
Dietary Impact	Can contribute to unhealthy sugar intake if overconsumed.	A whole-food addition with minimal caloric impact.
Best For	Mild, temporary nausea relief or as a treat.	General digestive health, potent anti-inflammatory effects, and cooking.

Safely Incorporating Ginger into Your Diet

For those seeking the daily health benefits of ginger without the added sugar, there are better options. Ginger tea, fresh grated ginger in smoothies, or powdered ginger in cooking all offer a more concentrated dose of the active compounds. If you prefer chews, moderation is key. A daily intake of 3-4 grams of ginger in total is often recommended for healthy adults, and it is crucial to check the label on your ginger chews to understand the total amount of sugar and ginger extract you are consuming.

For most people, a few ginger chews a day is fine, but it’s important to treat them as you would any other candy—as an occasional treat, not a primary source of nutritional benefits. Always be mindful of the added sugar and listen to your body for any adverse digestive reactions. Pregnant women or those with pre-existing medical conditions, especially related to bleeding or heart health, should always consult their doctor.

Visit the NCCIH website for more information on the uses and safety of ginger.

Conclusion

While eating ginger chews every day may seem like a simple way to reap ginger's health benefits, the high sugar content and potential for digestive issues with overconsumption are significant drawbacks. The key is balance and moderation. For therapeutic effects, consider fresh ginger or tea. For a tasty, occasional relief, a few chews are likely fine. Ultimately, a balanced approach ensures you get the most out of this powerful root without the added sugar and potential side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the specific number can vary by brand, most experts recommend limiting your total daily ginger intake to 3-4 grams for healthy adults. Check the label, as many chews contain about 3 grams of sugar and varying amounts of ginger per piece.

No, not necessarily. Ginger chews are a processed candy and may have a lower concentration of the therapeutic active compounds like gingerol compared to fresh ginger or potent extracts. The added sugar can also negate some of ginger's anti-inflammatory benefits.

Yes, excessive consumption of ginger, including daily chews, can lead to side effects such as heartburn, acid reflux, gas, and bloating. This is more likely with higher doses, typically over 5 grams of ginger daily.

Moderate amounts of ginger are often used to help with morning sickness, but it is best to consult a healthcare provider before consuming ginger chews regularly while pregnant. They are a candy with added sugar, and it's difficult to know the exact dosage of active compounds. Excessive ginger might pose risks.

High doses of ginger can potentially interact with blood-thinning, diabetes, and blood pressure medications. If you take any of these, it is crucial to speak with your doctor before consuming ginger chews daily.

Yes, most ginger chews contain significant added sugar, which can contribute to negative health outcomes if consumed in excess. For health purposes, it's best to prioritize ginger from sources without added sweeteners.

For daily ginger intake, healthier options include brewing fresh ginger tea, adding grated ginger to meals and smoothies, or taking a high-quality ginger supplement. These methods avoid the added sugars found in chews.