The Surprising Sugar Content of Standard Ginger Beer
Before diving into the lowest-sugar options, it is important to understand the high sugar levels found in many traditional ginger beers. Brands like Bundaberg, while popular, contain around 10.8 grams of sugar per 100ml, which adds up to over 40 grams in a typical 375ml bottle. Similarly, standard Reed's ginger beer varieties can contain 35 grams of sugar or more per serving. This high sugar content is why many people seek out healthier alternatives without compromising the distinct, spicy flavor of ginger.
The Zero-Sugar Category: Truly Guilt-Free Options
For those needing or wanting to eliminate sugar completely, several zero-sugar ginger beers are available, using alternative sweeteners to achieve a balanced taste profile.
Zevia Ginger Beer
Zevia is one of the most prominent brands in the zero-calorie, zero-sugar space. It is sweetened with stevia leaf extract, a natural, plant-derived sweetener. Zevia’s ginger beer offers a sweet flavor but is noted by some reviewers for having a slightly artificial aftertaste characteristic of diet drinks. It is a solid choice for those strictly avoiding both sugar and calories.
Reed's Zero Sugar Extra
Reed's, a long-standing name in the ginger beer market, offers a "Zero Sugar Extra" version for a more fiery kick without the sugar. This option is sweetened with a proprietary blend of natural sweeteners and, like Zevia, contains zero sugar and zero calories per serving. It is highly regarded for its authentic, spicy ginger flavor that isn't masked by excessive sweetness.
Barritt's Sugar Free Diet Ginger Beer
Barritt's, a brand with over a century of history, offers a sugar-free variant that maintains the traditional flavor profile of their original recipe. Barritt's sugar-free version is sweetened without sugar, providing a guilt-free option for cocktails like the Dark 'n' Stormy or for drinking straight.
Ginger Lab NO SUGAR ADDED Original Brewler
For those who prefer smaller-batch, handcrafted options, Ginger Lab offers a "NO SUGAR ADDED" growler. This brew relies on the natural flavor of fresh ginger and lemon without adding any honey, cane sugar, or preservatives. The result is a spicier, more intense ginger flavor that provides a powerful jolt without the sweetness.
Naturally Sweetened and Low-Sugar Alternatives
Some brands offer a middle ground, using less sugar than traditional brews but without resorting to artificial or zero-calorie sweeteners.
Dalston's Ginger Beer (No Added Sugar)
Dalston's is a good example of a ginger beer that is sweet but not overly sugary. It contains 4.9 grams of sugar per 100ml, with no added sweeteners, relying instead on real pressed ginger and a touch of lime juice. This makes it a great choice for those who want a less-sweet, all-natural option.
Gingerbug Dry
Gingerbug Dry is a prebiotic, low-sugar option with only 4 grams of sugar per can (355ml). It is sweetened with organic cane sugar, plus prebiotic fiber (inulin), which helps keep the overall sugar content down while providing gut-friendly benefits. It offers a lighter, crisper taste with a hint of lime.
Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
Known for its high-quality mixers, Fever-Tree uses a balanced approach, resulting in less sugar than many competitors. While the exact sugar content varies slightly by market, it typically contains around 7-9g of sugar per 100ml, making it a good choice for cocktails where a less sweet mixer is desired.
How to Choose a Low-Sugar Ginger Beer
When navigating the wide variety of ginger beers, consider these factors to find the best low-sugar option for your needs:
- Read the Label: The most reliable way to know the sugar content is to check the nutrition facts and ingredient list. Pay attention to the serving size, as it can vary. Look for terms like "Zero Sugar," "Diet," or "No Added Sugar."
- Evaluate Sweeteners: Zero-sugar options use non-caloric sweeteners like stevia or proprietary blends. For those who prefer avoiding these, brands with "low sugar" may use a reduced amount of natural cane sugar.
- Taste Profile: Zero-sugar versions can sometimes have a different mouthfeel or a distinct aftertaste from their artificial sweeteners. If a more authentic, spicy flavor is your priority, a brand that is simply low-sugar might be preferable.
- Application: Consider whether you will be drinking it straight or as a cocktail mixer. For mixers, a less sweet ginger beer allows the other spirits to shine.
Comparison of Popular Ginger Beers
| Brand | Sugar Content (per 100ml) | Sweetener | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zevia Ginger Beer | 0g | Stevia Leaf Extract | Strictly zero sugar/calories |
| Reed's Zero Sugar Extra | 0g | Proprietary natural blend | Spicy, sugar-free mixers |
| Barritt's Sugar Free | 0g | Artificial sweeteners | Zero-calorie classic taste |
| Gingerbug Dry | ~1.1g (per 100ml) | Organic Cane Sugar, Inulin | Prebiotic, low-sugar option |
| Dalston's (No Added Sugar) | 4.9g | Natural fruit sugars | Minimal sugar, all-natural |
| Fever-Tree Premium | 7.9g | Cane Sugar | Premium cocktail mixer |
| Bundaberg Ginger Beer | ~10.8g | Cane Sugar | Rich, traditional flavor (high sugar) |
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
When it comes to answering the question, "What ginger beer has the least amount of sugar?", the answer is clear: the zero-sugar varieties. Zevia, Reed's Zero Sugar Extra, and Barritt's Sugar Free are the definitive top contenders, containing zero grams of sugar and zero calories. For those who prefer a touch of sweetness but want to keep it minimal and natural, Dalston's (No Added Sugar) and Gingerbug Dry are excellent options with significantly less sugar than traditional brews. Ultimately, finding the right fit depends on your preference for sweeteners and your desired level of sweetness and spice. To be certain about your choice, always inspect the nutrition label for the most accurate information. For more information on food transparency, you can visit the EWG Food Scores website.
