Is There Ginger Ale Without Sugar? Exploring Brands and Homemade Options

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Over one-third of adults in the US consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily, leading to a growing demand for healthier alternatives like zero-calorie sodas. For fans of the classic bubbly beverage, this raises a crucial question: is there ginger ale without sugar? The answer is a resounding yes, and it comes in several forms, from commercially available zero-sugar versions to simple homemade creations.

Quick Summary

Zero-sugar ginger ale is widely available from brands such as Canada Dry, Schweppes, and Reed's. The terms 'diet' and 'zero sugar' refer to products with zero-calorie sweeteners. The health benefits of ginger are best obtained from homemade versions using fresh ginger and natural sweeteners.

Key Points

Yes, it exists: Commercially, brands like Canada Dry, Schweppes, and Reed's offer zero-sugar ginger ale options using artificial or natural sweeteners.
Know the difference: 'Diet' and 'zero sugar' are often used interchangeably, but marketing and sweetener blends can vary slightly to alter taste.
Homemade is best for real ginger benefits: The ginger in most store-bought versions is just flavor, but a DIY version using fresh ginger root offers potential health benefits like soothing indigestion and fighting inflammation.
Control your ingredients: Making your own allows you to control the type of zero-calorie sweetener used, such as monk fruit or stevia, and the intensity of the ginger flavor.
Convenience vs. Quality: Commercial options offer convenience, while homemade provides superior quality, real ginger benefits, and ingredient control.
Check the label: Always read the ingredients list to see what sweeteners and flavorings are being used in commercial products.

The Rise of Zero-Sugar Beverages

In recent years, the beverage market has seen a significant shift away from traditional diet sodas toward products labeled "zero sugar." This change is driven by consumer preferences for more transparent and appealing branding. While diet sodas and zero-sugar sodas both typically contain zero calories and rely on artificial sweeteners, the formulation and marketing can differ slightly. Brands often use different sweetener blends in their zero-sugar products to achieve a taste that more closely mimics the full-sugar version, catering to a new generation of health-conscious consumers who may have a negative perception of older "diet" branding. For ginger ale, this has meant that long-standing diet options have been re-branded or re-formulated to join the zero-sugar trend.

The Difference Between 'Diet' and 'Zero Sugar'

When comparing a brand's "diet" and "zero sugar" version of the same soft drink, the differences are often subtle but important to the company's marketing strategy. As noted on Quora, the ingredients are often the same but may appear in different proportions, leading to a slightly different flavor profile. For many, the difference is unnoticeable. For others, a nuanced flavor or mouthfeel may emerge due to the specific blend of artificial sweeteners used, such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Ultimately, both are meant to be a zero-calorie alternative to the original. However, the term "zero sugar" is perceived as more modern and less stigmatized than "diet," which is why it is now the dominant terminology in the market.

Commercial Sugar-Free Ginger Ale Brands

For those seeking a convenient, ready-to-drink option, several major beverage companies and specialty brands offer a sugar-free ginger ale. These products use a mix of zero-calorie sweeteners to achieve their taste. Here are some of the most popular options available on the market:

Canada Dry Zero Sugar Ginger Ale: One of the most widely recognized and available options, Canada Dry's version offers the classic ginger ale flavor without the sugar. It is caffeine-free and uses a blend of artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Schweppes Zero Sugar Ginger Ale: Another popular mainstream brand, Schweppes also offers a zero-sugar option. It delivers the same crisp, bubbly experience as its sugared counterpart but without the calories.
Reed's Zero Sugar Real Ginger Ale: For those looking for a more natural approach, Reed's provides a zero-sugar, zero-calorie ginger ale made with real pressed organic ginger. Instead of artificial sweeteners, it uses natural, plant-based alternatives like erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit, making it a favorite for those following ketogenic diets.

A Note on Health Claims and Real Ginger

It is important to remember that most commercial ginger ales, including the sugar-free versions, contain very little, if any, actual ginger root extract. Many rely on "natural flavors" to create the ginger taste. The digestive-soothing benefits often associated with ginger are tied to the active compounds in fresh ginger root, such as gingerol. Therefore, consuming a mass-market ginger ale, even a zero-sugar one, is unlikely to provide the same therapeutic benefits as a homemade version or a ginger supplement. If your goal is to settle an upset stomach, a product made with real ginger or a simple ginger tea is a far more effective option.

The DIY Approach: Homemade Sugar-Free Ginger Ale

Making your own sugar-free ginger ale is the best way to ensure it contains real ginger and is free from artificial sweeteners. A simple ginger syrup can be prepared in advance and mixed with sparkling water for a fresh, fizzy drink. This recipe from Food.com is diabetic-friendly and uses real ginger for maximum flavor and potential health benefits.

Simple Homemade Diabetic-Friendly Ginger Ale

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
2 cups water
Zero-calorie sweetener to taste (such as granular Splenda, stevia, or monk fruit)
4 oz fresh lime juice
Sparkling water or seltzer
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring the sliced ginger and water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes to infuse the ginger flavor.
Strain the liquid to remove the ginger pieces. Stir in your desired amount of zero-calorie sweetener until dissolved.
For each serving, combine 4 oz of the ginger syrup with 4 oz of sparkling water and a splash of lime juice over ice.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and enjoy immediately.

Commercial vs. Homemade Sugar-Free Ginger Ale Comparison


Feature	Commercial (e.g., Canada Dry Zero)	Homemade (DIY Syrup)
Sweeteners	Artificial (Aspartame, Acesulfame K) or Natural (Stevia, Monk Fruit)	Natural (Stevia, Monk Fruit, Erythritol)
Real Ginger Content	Low to None (often just flavor)	High (uses fresh, real ginger root)
Control	Minimal. Brand dictates flavor and ingredients.	Full control over sweetness, strength, and ingredients.
Cost	Relatively low. Sold in bulk at most retailers.	Higher initial cost for ingredients, but often cheaper per serving over time.
Preparation	None. Grab and go.	Requires simmering and straining to create a syrup base.
Authenticity	Taste is often less intense and spicy than fresh ginger.	Flavor is strong, fresh, and can be adjusted for a spicier kick.
Health Benefits	Minimal to none, as real ginger content is negligible.	Potential digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits from real ginger.

Conclusion

Whether you're concerned about sugar intake for dietary reasons, diabetes management, or personal preference, finding a ginger ale without sugar is easier than ever. For convenience, commercial brands like Canada Dry and Reed's offer palatable zero-calorie options, though it is important to check the ingredients to understand the sweeteners used. However, if your primary motivation is to consume real ginger for its potential health benefits, or if you prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, the best solution is to create a homemade version. This approach allows for maximum control over both flavor and ingredients, ensuring a genuinely refreshing and healthy drink. For more diabetic-friendly recipes, resources like Food.com can provide useful guides and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Several brands produce sugar-free ginger ale, including Canada Dry, Schweppes, and Reed's. Canada Dry and Schweppes typically use artificial sweeteners, while Reed's Zero Sugar uses natural plant-based sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit.

The terms 'diet' and 'zero sugar' are often used for the same product type: a zero-calorie, artificially-sweetened beverage. The difference is primarily in marketing and potentially the specific blend of sweeteners used to achieve a particular flavor profile.

Traditional, store-bought ginger ale, including the sugar-free versions, contains very little real ginger and is unlikely to provide significant health benefits. For soothing an upset stomach, you are better off consuming a beverage made with fresh ginger or a real ginger supplement.

Yes, you can easily make your own sugar-free ginger ale. A common method involves simmering fresh ginger with water to create a concentrate, then mixing it with sparkling water and a zero-calorie sweetener of your choice, such as stevia or monk fruit.

The sweeteners used can vary by brand. Mainstream brands often use a blend of aspartame and acesulfame potassium. More natural options, like Reed's, use plant-based sweeteners such as erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit.

Zero-sugar ginger ale is better in the sense that it contains no added sugar and zero calories, which can be beneficial for blood sugar management and weight control. However, it is not a health drink, and excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners may have its own health considerations.

Zero-sugar ginger ale is widely available in most grocery stores and supermarkets. You can find brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes in the soda aisle. Health food stores or online retailers like Amazon may carry specialty brands like Reed's.