Nutrition Diet: What soda has actual ginger in it?

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Less than a decade ago, one of the most popular ginger ale brands faced a class-action lawsuit for not containing real ginger. This highlights a crucial distinction for consumers asking: What soda has actual ginger in it?. The answer reveals a world of craft beverages that offer genuine spice and potential health benefits, unlike their artificially flavored counterparts.

Quick Summary

This article explores which popular sodas use real ginger versus artificial flavors. It provides a brand comparison, discusses the potential health benefits of genuine ginger, and offers nutritional insights for incorporating real ginger beverages into your diet.

Key Points

Authentic Ginger Flavor: Look for brands like Reed's, Fever-Tree, and Bruce Cost that use real, fresh ginger root for a genuine spicy taste.
Check the Ingredients: Mainstream ginger ales (e.g., Canada Dry, Schweppes) often use artificial flavorings and high-fructose corn syrup, so always read the label.
Health Benefits: Real ginger offers digestive support, nausea relief, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to its natural compounds.
Difference from Ginger Beer: While both contain ginger, ginger beer is typically spicier and brewed, whereas ginger ale is often milder and artificially carbonated.
DIY for Control: Making homemade ginger ale or tea allows for complete control over the amount of real ginger and sugar, providing the healthiest option.
Avoid Excessive Sugar: Be mindful of the high sugar content in many commercial sodas, even those with real ginger, and consider alternatives for a healthier diet.
Mindful Consumption: As with any supplement or beverage, consume ginger in moderation. Consult a doctor if you have underlying health conditions.

The Deception of Artificial Ginger Flavoring

For many years, major beverage manufacturers sold 'ginger ale' that contained little to no actual ginger root, relying instead on high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavoring. This led to lawsuits and consumer disappointment, as many people turned to ginger ale for its perceived digestive benefits, a long-held tradition. Understanding the difference between a mass-produced, artificially flavored soda and one crafted with real ginger is the first step toward making more informed and nutritionally sound choices.

Brands that Deliver: Sodas with Real Ginger

Fortunately, a number of brands prioritize quality and use genuine, natural ingredients, offering a spicier, more robust flavor profile compared to mainstream ginger ales.

Some options that use real ginger include:

Reed's Real Ginger Ale: Made with fresh ginger root, available in various strengths and a zero-sugar version.
Fever-Tree Ginger Ale: Uses three types of ginger for a distinct, fiery flavor.
Bruce Cost Unfiltered Ginger Ale: Known for unfiltered fresh ginger, providing a powerful, spicy kick.
GuS (Grown-Up Soda) Extra Dry Ginger Ale: A 100% natural soda with real ginger root extract.
Q Ginger Ale: Offers a crisp taste with a notable gingery bite from real ginger, chili, and other botanicals.
Blenheim Ginger Ale: A Southern U.S. classic with different heat levels, originally made with Jamaican ginger.
Ale-8-One: A regional favorite crafted since 1926 with real ginger and citrus.

Nutritional and Health Benefits of Real Ginger

Real ginger in sodas provides access to the root's health benefits, stemming from compounds like gingerols and shogaols.

Ginger's Positive Impact on Your Diet

Ginger is known for relieving various types of nausea, including motion and morning sickness. It can also aid digestion by accelerating gastric emptying, reducing indigestion, bloating, and gas. Gingerols provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Some studies also indicate ginger may help with muscle pain, soreness, and menstrual cramps.

While real ginger soda offers benefits over artificial options, its sugar content is a consideration. For maximum benefits and less sugar, consider homemade ginger tea or zero-sugar real ginger ale.

Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer

These beverages differ in production and taste.

Comparison Table: Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer


Feature	Ginger Ale (Traditional & Modern)	Ginger Beer (Traditional & Modern)
Production	Artificially carbonated water mixed with ginger syrup or flavor.	Brewed and fermented with real ginger, citrus, and sugar.
Flavor	Generally milder and sweeter.	Typically much spicier and more pungent.
Carbonation	Artificially introduced, leading to a softer fizz.	Naturally occurring from fermentation, creating a bolder fizz.
Ingredients	Often uses artificial flavorings and high sugar content in mainstream brands. Brands with real ginger use fresh root.	Made with fresh ginger root, cane sugar, and water.
Alcohol Content	Non-alcoholic.	Traditionally contained a small amount of alcohol, but modern versions are usually non-alcoholic.
Best For	Casual sipping, mixing in highball drinks.	Robust cocktail mixing (e.g., Moscow Mule) and for those who prefer a spicier taste.

Making Your Own Health-Conscious Ginger Drink

To control sugar and maximize ginger benefits, making your own ginger soda or tea is a good option. A simple homemade ginger ale can be made by infusing fresh grated ginger with water, then mixing with a sweetener and club soda. This provides active ginger compounds without excessive sugar.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for a Healthier Diet

Choosing a soda with actual ginger means opting for a beverage with a more authentic flavor and potential health benefits. Many craft sodas use real ginger root, unlike mainstream brands that often rely on artificial flavors. Whether you buy a quality brand or make your own, selecting real ginger is a healthier, more flavorful dietary choice. For more health information, consult resources like Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The Health Benefits of Ginger and Digestion

Ginger can improve gastric motility, aiding digestion and reducing bloating and gas due to the compound gingerol.

How to Choose the Best Real Ginger Soda

Check the ingredients for "real ginger" or "fresh ginger root." Avoid vague terms like "natural flavors".

The Difference Between Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer

Ginger beer is typically spicier and brewed, while ginger ale is milder and often uses artificial carbonation and flavorings.

Ginger's Anti-inflammatory Properties

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis by blocking inflammatory chemicals.

Consuming Ginger Safely

While generally safe in moderation, consuming over 4 grams daily can cause mild side effects. Individuals on blood thinners should avoid it.

Using Real Ginger in Your Diet

Real ginger can be added to teas, juices, and meals for flavor and nutrition.

The Role of Sugar in Ginger Sodas

Real ginger sodas can be high in sugar. Check labels and consider zero-sugar or homemade options for less sugar.

Homemade Ginger Soda Recipe

Make homemade ginger ale with fresh grated ginger, water, sweetener, and carbonated water to control ingredients.

Considerations for Specific Health Conditions

Consult a healthcare provider before increasing ginger intake if you have conditions like diabetes or gallbladder issues.

The Verdict on Ginger Supplements vs. Food

Experts recommend getting ginger benefits from food and beverages rather than unregulated supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands known for using real ginger include Reed's Real Ginger Ale, Fever-Tree Ginger Ale, Bruce Cost Unfiltered Ginger Ale, and Q Ginger Ale. Some regional brands like Ale-8-One and Blenheim also use real ginger.

No. Canada Dry was famously sued for misleading consumers about using real ginger and settled the lawsuit. It is primarily flavored with artificial or "natural" flavorings rather than actual ginger root.

Ginger beer, especially traditional versions made by fermenting real ginger, generally offers a stronger dose of ginger's active compounds and thus more potent health benefits. The benefits of real ginger ale depend entirely on whether it contains actual ginger and its sugar content.

Yes, sodas made with real ginger can help with nausea and digestion, as ginger contains compounds that promote gastric motility. However, high sugar intake can counteract these benefits, so moderation is key.

While generally safe, high doses of ginger (over 4 grams daily) can cause side effects like heartburn, gas, or diarrhea. It may also interact with blood-thinning medications.

Yes, homemade ginger ale gives you full control over the amount of real ginger used and allows you to limit or choose a healthier sweetener, avoiding the high sugar levels of commercial options.

You can find genuine ginger sodas at many grocery stores, health food stores, specialty food markets, and online retailers. Look for brands with "real ginger" on the label.