The Truth Behind Commercial Ginger Ale
For years, ginger ale has been marketed as a soothing beverage, sometimes even recommended for upset stomachs. The inclusion of the word 'ginger' creates an association with the root's known health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects. However, a closer look at the ingredient list of most commercial products, including Seagram's, reveals a different story.
Following a 2019 class-action lawsuit regarding misleading labels, Coca-Cola (the parent company of Seagram's) agreed to a settlement, and the phrase 'Made with Real Ginger' was removed from their packaging. While Seagram's continues to list "ginger extract" among its ingredients, the quantity is negligible and is often preceded by high fructose corn syrup. This means that for a typical serving, you are consuming a high-sugar soda, not a health-boosting ginger tonic.
Comparing Seagram's with Real Ginger Root
To understand the nutritional impact, it's crucial to distinguish between a commercial soft drink and the natural source. Real ginger root, used to make fresh ginger tea or added to meals, contains a potent compound called gingerol, which is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. Commercial ginger ale, on the other hand, is a processed beverage with a flavor derived from an extract, not the full nutritional profile of the root itself.
Health benefits of real ginger root:
- Relieves nausea: Studies support ginger's effectiveness against nausea caused by motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy.
- Reduces inflammation: Ginger contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help with conditions like osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps.
- Antioxidant effects: The antioxidants in ginger fight cellular damage from free radicals, supporting overall health.
- Aids digestion: Ginger can help speed up stomach emptying and reduce gas and bloating.
The nutritional drawbacks of ginger ale:
- High sugar content: Regular ginger ale is high in added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, which contributes to weight gain, chronic disease, and dental issues.
- Minimal ginger: The amount of ginger extract is insufficient to provide any meaningful health benefits.
- Additives: It contains additives like caramel color, which some have raised concerns about.
- No nutrient density: Unlike real ginger, which offers potassium and other trace nutrients, ginger ale provides empty calories.
How Seagram's Stacks Up Against Other Ginger Ales
When comparing different commercial ginger ales, the differences often come down to flavor and the quantity of sweeteners, not meaningful nutritional variation. Many brands, including the popular Canada Dry, have faced similar legal challenges for misleading labeling. For those seeking genuine ginger benefits, looking beyond the main soda brands is necessary.
| Feature | Seagram's Ginger Ale | Canada Dry Ginger Ale | Reed's Real Ginger Ale | Homemade Ginger Tea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Ginger | Uses 'ginger extract' | Uses 'natural flavors' (previously faced lawsuits) | Uses fresh, real ginger root | Freshly grated ginger root |
| Sugar | High Fructose Corn Syrup | High Fructose Corn Syrup | Often uses cane sugar | Optional sweetener (honey, maple syrup) |
| Additives | Caramel color, preservatives | Caramel color, preservatives | Fewer preservatives, often no artificial coloring | None |
| Health Benefits | Negligible | Negligible | Contains some gingerol, but still high in sugar | High in gingerol and antioxidants |
| Dietary Impact | Empty calories, high sugar | Empty calories, high sugar | High in sugar, but a better option among sodas | Can be a genuinely healthy, low-sugar drink |
Making Smarter Dietary Choices
For a nutrition-conscious diet, consuming commercial ginger ale in moderation is essential, treating it as an occasional treat rather than a health beverage. For those looking for the authentic flavor and health benefits of ginger, there are far better alternatives.
- Brew Your Own Ginger Tea: A simple and effective method is to slice or grate fresh ginger root and steep it in hot water. Add a squeeze of lemon and a little honey if desired for flavor. This provides the full spectrum of gingerol and antioxidants without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Opt for Craft Ginger Beer: Some craft ginger beers use real, fermented ginger root in significant quantities. These often have a spicier, more pronounced ginger flavor and may contain more beneficial compounds. However, check the sugar content, as it can still be high.
- Seek Out Low-Sugar Alternatives: When shopping for a bubbly ginger drink, carefully read the ingredients. Look for brands that explicitly use real ginger root and contain less sugar or use natural, low-calorie sweeteners.
- Infuse Water with Ginger: For a simple, sugar-free refreshment, add slices of fresh ginger root and cucumber to a pitcher of water. This creates a subtle, cleansing beverage perfect for sipping throughout the day.
Conclusion
While Seagram's may offer a pleasant, crisp taste, the answer to 'Does Seagrams have real ginger?' is nuanced. It contains a ginger extract, but this is not the same as the fresh ginger root that provides medicinal benefits. From a nutrition diet perspective, commercial ginger ale is best viewed as an ultra-processed, sugary soda with minimal health value. For those seeking the wellness benefits of ginger, healthier, more authentic alternatives are widely available and simple to make at home. Understanding the difference is key to making informed and healthier beverage choices.
Healthier Ginger Alternatives
- Homemade Ginger Tea: Steep fresh, grated ginger in hot water for a natural, healthy drink with no added sugar.
- Craft Ginger Beers: Look for brands that ferment real ginger root, though sugar content should still be checked.
- Infused Water: Add sliced fresh ginger to water for a subtle, sugar-free, and refreshing flavor.
- Smoothies: Incorporate a small piece of fresh ginger root into a fruit or vegetable smoothie for a spicy kick and nutritional boost.
- Cooking with Ginger: Use fresh or powdered ginger in stir-fries, soups, and marinades to maximize its health benefits in your diet.
- Ginger Supplements: In consultation with a doctor, consider ginger supplements for a concentrated dose, particularly for specific health concerns like nausea.
Explore some of the many health benefits of real ginger on the Healthline website.
What are some ingredients in Seagram's Ginger Ale?
Seagram's Ginger Ale contains carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, ginger extract with other natural flavors, and preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, along with caramel color.
What is the difference between ginger extract and real ginger root?
Ginger extract is a concentrated flavoring derived from ginger, but it lacks the full profile of beneficial compounds, particularly gingerol, found in real, fresh ginger root. The amount used in ginger ale is minimal, unlike the higher concentrations found in actual ginger.
Was Seagram's Ginger Ale involved in a lawsuit?
Yes, Seagram's was the subject of a class-action lawsuit regarding its marketing claims of being 'Made with Real Ginger.' The company settled the lawsuit in 2019, agreeing to stop using the phrase on its labels.
Is diet ginger ale a healthier option?
While diet ginger ale is sugar-free, it often contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium, which can have their own set of potential side effects and are not universally considered healthy alternatives.
How does real ginger benefit digestion, and can ginger ale provide this?
Real ginger, through its active compound gingerol, can speed up stomach emptying and help relieve nausea and gas. Commercial ginger ale, with only a negligible amount of ginger extract and high sugar, does not provide these same benefits effectively.
Is ginger ale considered an ultra-processed food?
Yes, according to organizations like the Environmental Working Group, beverages like Seagram's Ginger Ale, which are high in sugar and contain various additives, are classified as ultra-processed foods.
What is the healthiest way to consume ginger for nutritional benefits?
The healthiest way to consume ginger is to use fresh, grated ginger root to make tea or to add it to your cooking. This avoids the added sugars and artificial ingredients found in most commercial beverages and provides the full nutritional value.
