What is Commercial Ginger Ale?
Commercially produced ginger ale is essentially a flavored and carbonated soft drink. The process does not involve the alcoholic fermentation that occurs in brewing traditional beer or some craft ginger beers. Instead, manufacturers mix carbonated water with a sweetener, such as sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, and add flavoring, which may be a natural ginger extract or an artificial one. The fizz is artificially created by dissolving carbon dioxide into the liquid, not from yeast consuming sugar and releasing gas as a byproduct.
Common ingredients in commercial ginger ale include:
- Carbonated water
- Sugar or high-fructose corn syrup
- Natural or artificial ginger flavorings
- Citric acid
- Caramel coloring
Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer: The Key Distinction
The confusion about ginger ale's alcohol content often stems from its similarity to ginger beer, a historical beverage that was traditionally fermented and did contain alcohol. Today, most commercial ginger beers are also non-alcoholic, but the manufacturing process and flavor profiles are still distinct. Knowing the difference is crucial for anyone monitoring their alcohol intake.
| Feature | Ginger Ale | Ginger Beer |
|---|---|---|
| Production | Flavored carbonated water; non-fermented. | Historically brewed and fermented; modern versions are typically brewed to have negligible alcohol. |
| Alcohol Content | Standard commercial varieties are non-alcoholic (0% ABV). | Can contain trace amounts of alcohol (<0.5% ABV) due to the brewing process; some specialty brands are explicitly alcoholic. |
| Flavor Profile | Milder, sweeter, and more delicate ginger flavor. | Stronger, spicier, and more robust ginger kick. |
| Appearance | Typically clear and light-colored. | Can have a cloudier appearance. |
| Carbonation | Artificially carbonated, resulting in more consistent and robust fizz. | Naturally carbonated from the fermentation process, leading to a less consistent and sometimes less intense fizz. |
Nutritional Concerns for a Balanced Diet
While commercial ginger ale does not contribute alcohol to your system, it's far from a health food. For those on a specific nutrition diet, the primary concern is its high sugar content. A single 12-ounce can of standard ginger ale can contain well over 30 grams of sugar, which contributes significantly to daily calorie intake without providing any substantial vitamins or minerals. This can be detrimental for individuals managing diabetes or trying to lose weight.
For instance, Canada Dry Ginger Ale contains 36 grams of sugar and 140 calories per 12-ounce serving. In contrast, Canada Dry Zero Sugar offers 0 calories and 0 grams of sugar. While the diet versions eliminate the sugar concern, they do so with artificial sweeteners, which some people may prefer to avoid due to potential digestive issues or personal preference.
The Health Benefits of Real Ginger vs. Ginger Ale
Many people associate ginger ale with the stomach-settling properties of real ginger. While the ginger root itself is well-regarded for its medicinal qualities, most commercial ginger ale contains only minimal or artificial ginger flavoring. Therefore, consuming commercial ginger ale is not the same as consuming real ginger.
Genuine ginger root contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which are responsible for its scientifically supported health benefits. These benefits include:
- Relief from nausea: Especially helpful for motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-related nausea.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Aids digestion: Encourages the efficient movement of food through the digestive system.
- Reduces muscle pain: May help alleviate muscle soreness after exercise.
To gain these benefits, incorporating fresh ginger, ginger tea, or supplements is a much more effective strategy than relying on sugary commercial ginger ale.
Making Healthier Ginger Choices
To benefit from ginger without the added sugars and calories of commercial ginger ale, consider these options:
- Brew your own ginger tea: Simmering sliced or grated ginger root in hot water creates a potent, sugar-free, and natural beverage.
- Infuse water with ginger: Add slices of fresh ginger to a pitcher of water for a refreshing, subtly flavored drink.
- Create homemade ginger ale: Mix a concentrated ginger syrup with sparkling water to control the amount of sugar and ensure you are using real ginger.
- Use fresh ginger in cooking: Incorporate grated or minced ginger into stir-fries, sauces, and soups.
- Choose diet or zero-sugar ginger ale: For those who enjoy the flavor and carbonation, selecting a sugar-free version is a better option, though it still lacks the health benefits of real ginger.
For more detailed information on the benefits of real ginger, you can visit Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Conclusion
In short, commercially produced ginger ale does not count as alcohol due to its manufacturing process, which relies on artificial carbonation rather than fermentation. While this makes it a safe option for non-drinkers, it is important for anyone focused on nutrition to be mindful of its high sugar and calorie content. The therapeutic benefits of ginger, such as settling an upset stomach, are best achieved through consuming actual ginger root rather than a sugary soft drink containing minimal or artificial flavoring. For a truly healthy diet, alternatives like ginger tea or homemade ginger-infused drinks are the better choice.
