Is there a lot of calories in ginger beer?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Calorie counts for ginger beer can vary dramatically, ranging from as few as 0-10 calories for a diet version to over 200 calories per serving for traditional varieties. This wide range means that whether there is a lot of calories in ginger beer depends entirely on the brand and sugar content of the beverage you choose.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of ginger beer fluctuates widely depending on the brand and sugar concentration. Full-sugar versions can be high in calories, while diet alternatives contain minimal to no calories, primarily using different sweeteners.

Key Points

High-Calorie Potential: Standard ginger beer can contain a significant number of calories, often comparable to or more than regular soda, due to high sugar content.
Varies by Brand: Calorie counts are highly dependent on the brand and whether it's a full-sugar or diet version.
Diet Options Available: Many brands offer low-calorie or zero-sugar alternatives that use non-caloric sweeteners.
Sugar is the Main Source: The vast majority of calories in a standard ginger beer come from added sugars, not from the ginger itself.
Homemade Offers Control: Making your own ginger beer allows you to control the ingredients and use low-calorie sweeteners to reduce or eliminate the calories.
Check Labels Carefully: Always check the nutrition label for the specific product, as even some naturally flavored options may be high in sugar.

Decoding the Calories in Ginger Beer

Understanding the calorie content of ginger beer requires a closer look at what goes into the bottle. Unlike standard ginger ale, ginger beer is often brewed through a fermentation process, which traditionally involves fermenting ginger, sugar, and water. The amount of sugar added, both during brewing and afterward, is the most significant factor determining the final calorie count. For example, some mainstream brands pack in as much sugar as a regular soda, while diet and low-sugar alternatives use artificial or natural, non-caloric sweeteners to achieve a similar taste profile.

Why Ginger Beer Calories Vary So Much

Several factors contribute to the wide variation in ginger beer calories. These include:

Sugar Content: This is the primary driver. Brands like Bundaberg's Original ginger beer are known for their high sugar content, while their diet versions are considerably lower.
Brewing Method: Traditional fermentation processes can result in varying levels of residual sugar depending on how long the brew is fermented. Artificially carbonated versions have a more controlled sugar content.
Added Ingredients: Some craft or specialty ginger beers may include fruit juices or other flavorings that add to the calorie count.
Alcohol Content: While many commercial ginger beers are non-alcoholic (less than 0.5% ABV), some craft versions are explicitly brewed to be alcoholic. Any alcohol present will add to the total calories.
Serving Size: The calorie count is always linked to the serving size, typically 12 fl oz (355 ml) or 330 ml bottles. A larger bottle will have more total calories, even if the per-ounce concentration is the same.

Ginger Beer vs. Other Popular Drinks: A Comparison

To put ginger beer's calories into perspective, let's compare it to other common beverages. This table provides a clear overview of how different drinks stack up based on a standard 12 fl oz (355 ml) serving size. Calorie counts can vary by brand, so these are representative averages based on search result data.


Beverage Type	Approximate Calories (12 fl oz)	Primary Calorie Source	Notes
Standard Ginger Beer	170-200	Added Sugars	Often higher in sugar and calories than ginger ale.
Diet Ginger Beer	0-10	Non-caloric Sweeteners	Uses alternatives like sucralose or agave.
Standard Ginger Ale	120-140	Added Sugars	Generally milder and sweeter than ginger beer.
Regular Cola	140	Added Sugars	Comparable to ginger ale but often less than full-sugar ginger beer.
Fresh Orange Juice	110	Natural Sugars	Lower in calories than many sodas, but still contains sugar.
Sparkling Water	0	None	A calorie-free alternative for fizz.

This comparison highlights that full-sugar ginger beer can be a significant source of calories, often comparable to or exceeding standard cola. For those watching their intake, diet versions or other sparkling alternatives are a better choice.

Finding Lower-Calorie Alternatives and How to Brew Your Own

For individuals seeking to reduce their calorie or sugar intake, several excellent options are available. The simplest approach is to switch to a diet or light ginger beer. Brands like Fever-Tree and Bundaberg offer lower-calorie versions that maintain a robust ginger flavor.

How to Choose a Low-Calorie Option

When shopping, follow these tips:

Read the Label: The most reliable method is to check the nutrition facts label for calorie and sugar content. Don't be fooled by 'natural' claims; some natural sweeteners still contribute significant calories.
Look for 'Diet' or 'Zero Sugar': These labels are the clearest indication of a low-calorie product. Check the ingredients for non-caloric sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or sucralose.
Check Serving Size: Pay attention to whether the nutrition information is for the entire bottle or a smaller portion, especially with larger bottles.

Brew Your Own Low-Calorie Ginger Beer

For ultimate control over ingredients and calories, making ginger beer at home is a great option. Using sweeteners like stevia or erythritol instead of sugar allows you to create a delicious and fiery ginger beer with minimal to no calories.

Homemade Low-Calorie Ginger Beer Recipe:

Prepare the Ginger Syrup: Grate fresh ginger and simmer it with water and your chosen zero-calorie sweetener to create a concentrated syrup.
Combine and Carbonate: Once cooled, combine the strained syrup with chilled sparkling water or club soda.
Adjust to Taste: Add fresh lemon or lime juice for a tangy, refreshing kick. Garnish with a mint leaf for a finishing touch.

This method not only cuts calories but also provides the potent, natural digestive benefits of ginger without the added sugar. For more on the benefits of ginger, visit MedlinePlus's entry on sodas, which discusses the general considerations of sugary drinks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the calorie content of ginger beer is not uniformly high. Traditional, full-sugar ginger beers do contain a significant amount of calories, primarily from sugar, and should be consumed in moderation, similar to other sweetened soft drinks. However, a wealth of diet, light, and zero-sugar options are readily available for those seeking the bold ginger flavor without the caloric impact. By reading nutrition labels or choosing to brew your own, you can easily control your intake and enjoy ginger beer as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, diet or zero-sugar ginger beers are reliably low in calories, often containing less than 10 calories per serving. They achieve this by using artificial or natural non-caloric sweeteners in place of traditional sugar.

Generally, ginger beer has more calories than ginger ale due to a higher sugar content and a bolder flavor profile. A typical 12 oz ginger ale has around 120-140 calories, while a standard ginger beer can have 170-200 calories.

Yes, if a ginger beer is alcoholic, the alcohol itself contributes to the total calorie count. For example, one brand noted contains 196 calories per 330ml can, with alcohol being a factor.

The health benefits are primarily from the ginger itself, which is known for aiding digestion and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the high sugar content in many versions can outweigh these benefits, so it's a trade-off to consider.

Look for products explicitly labeled 'diet,' 'zero sugar,' or 'refreshingly light.' Reading the nutrition facts label is the most accurate way to check the calorie and sugar content before buying.

Making your own allows you to control the sugar content. By substituting sugar with natural, zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, you can produce a low-calorie beverage.

Not all. While many traditional and commercial ginger beers rely on added sugar for sweetness, diet and light versions use alternative sweeteners. Always check the ingredients list to be sure.