The History and Evolution of Commercial Ginger Ales
To understand whether major commercial brands like Schweppes or Canada Dry contain real ginger, it is important to first understand the evolution of the beverage itself. The 'golden style' ginger ale, first introduced in the 1850s, was a darker, spicier beverage. A milder, paler version known as 'dry' ginger ale was later invented in Canada by pharmacist John J. McLaughlin, who patented it as Canada Dry Ginger Ale in 1907. This 'dry' style became the dominant form, particularly in the United States during Prohibition, where its light flavor was popular for mixing with spirits.
Today, the commercial production process has optimized for consistency and cost-effectiveness, leading many brands to use extracts and flavorings rather than fresh ginger root. This shift is the root cause of the consumer confusion surrounding these popular brands.
The Case of Canada Dry: Scrutiny Over 'Made From Real Ginger'
Canada Dry, for years, marketed its product with the slogan 'Made From Real Ginger'. However, this claim came under fire in a series of class-action lawsuits in both the U.S. and Canada. The lawsuits alleged that the phrase was misleading because the amount of real ginger extract used was so minimal as to provide no real health benefit or discernable flavor beyond what is expected from a flavored soda.
Following these legal challenges, Canada Dry settled the U.S. lawsuit, agreeing to remove the 'Made From Real Ginger' claim from its packaging in the American market. The company continues to stand by its product, asserting that it does contain ginger extract. However, experts pointed out that the quantity of ginger oleoresin, a concentrated extract, is dosed in parts-per-million, making its contribution to flavor or health benefits negligible for most consumers.
Schweppes: An Ambiguous Approach to Ginger Sourcing
Unlike Canada Dry, Schweppes has historically not centered its marketing around 'real ginger' claims. A look at the ingredient list for Schweppes ginger ale typically reveals 'natural flavor' rather than a specific mention of ginger. Both Schweppes and Canada Dry are owned by the same parent company, Keurig Dr Pepper. In an article, a company spokesperson was quoted as saying that both brands do, in fact, use real ginger, though for Schweppes it is likely included under the 'natural flavors' category. The ambiguity of the labeling reflects the industry's common practice of using proprietary formulas, but it does little to assure consumers of the actual ginger content.
Comparison of Commercial Ginger Ales: Schweppes vs. Canada Dry
| Feature | Canada Dry Ginger Ale | Schweppes Ginger Ale |
|---|---|---|
| Real Ginger? | Yes, but a trace amount of ginger extract. | Yes, a trace amount, included in 'natural flavors'. |
| Marketing Claim | Formerly 'Made From Real Ginger' in the U.S.; removed due to lawsuits. | No specific claim; real ginger is part of natural flavoring. |
| Flavor Profile | Generally described as light, sweet, and mild. | Also sweet, mild, and sometimes described as syrupy. |
| Ginger Sourcing | Concentrated ginger oleoresin. | Likely a proprietary ginger flavor within natural flavorings. |
| Health Benefits | Negligible, as ginger content is minimal. | Negligible, as ginger content is minimal. |
| Taste Distinction | Often perceived as having a slightly tangier bite than Schweppes. | Tends to be slightly sweeter and less aggressively fizzy. |
Why the Minimal Ginger? The Business of Soda
There are several reasons why major soft drink producers minimize the use of fresh ginger root in favor of extracts and artificial flavors in their products:
- Consistency is Key: Using standardized extracts allows for a perfectly consistent flavor profile in every batch, something much harder to achieve with fresh, variable ingredients.
- Cost Control: Fresh ginger root is far more expensive than using a small amount of highly concentrated extract or artificial flavoring. This helps keep production costs low and prices competitive.
- Efficiency: The industrial scale of production makes it more practical to add a concentrated liquid extract than to process and brew with fresh roots.
- Shelf Stability: Processed extracts are highly shelf-stable, ensuring the product maintains its intended flavor for a long period.
For a Genuine Ginger Flavor, Look Beyond the Mainstream
For those seeking a ginger ale with a noticeable, genuine ginger kick, the search must go beyond the classic commercial brands. Several craft and specialty brands focus on a more authentic product, often using fresh, pressed ginger root. Brands like Reed's, Fever Tree, and Blenheim are known for their more robust and complex ginger flavors. These products offer a significantly more potent ginger experience, proving that a real ginger ale is still available on the market, just not necessarily from the most common household names.
Making Your Own: The Ultimate Real Ginger Ale
Another option is to make your own ginger ale at home. This allows you to control the exact amount and type of ginger used. A simple recipe typically involves simmering chopped, peeled ginger root in water to create a strong ginger infusion. This is then combined with a sweetener (like sugar, honey, or maple syrup), a citrus element (like lime or lemon juice), and topped off with carbonated water or seltzer. Not only does this guarantee real ginger, but it allows for complete customization of the flavor and spice level.
Conclusion
In the debate over which ginger ale has real ginger, Schweppes or Canada Dry, the answer is that both technically do, but the amount is so insignificant that it is essentially irrelevant from a flavor or health perspective. Years of cost-cutting and a drive for flavor consistency have led these major brands away from the traditional, potent ginger flavor that many consumers associate with the beverage. For those desiring the true, spicy taste of real ginger, the best options are to seek out craft brands that prioritize fresh ingredients or to simply make your own at home. For potential health benefits of ginger, it's best to consume the root in other forms, such as supplements or tea.
