Which Has Less Calories, Ginger Beer or Ginger Ale?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a standard 12 oz serving of ginger ale contains fewer calories than a similar serving of ginger beer. The difference between these two popular beverages lies in their production method and sugar content, which directly impacts the final caloric tally.

Quick Summary

Ginger ale is typically the lower-calorie option due to its milder flavor and different production process. This guide details the nutritional factors and methods that influence their caloric content.

Key Points

Calorie Winner: Standard ginger ale typically has fewer calories than standard ginger beer per 12 oz serving.
Higher Sugar: Ginger beer usually contains more sugar than ginger ale, contributing to its higher calorie count.
Production Method: The fermentation process for ginger beer often results in more residual sugar compared to the added syrup in ginger ale.
Diet Options: For the absolute lowest calories, choose diet versions of either drink, as both are available with zero or very few calories.
Flavor Profile: Ginger ale is milder and sweeter, while ginger beer is spicier and more robust, a difference stemming from their manufacturing.
Check Labels: Calorie counts can vary significantly by brand; checking the nutrition label is the most accurate way to compare.

The Fundamental Difference: How They Are Made

The most significant factor contributing to the caloric disparity between ginger beer and ginger ale lies in their production methods. Historically, and still for many craft varieties, ginger beer is a brewed and fermented product. It is created by combining fresh ginger, yeast, sugar, and water, then allowing the mixture to ferment. This fermentation process produces carbonation and a bolder, spicier flavor profile. The amount of residual sugar remaining after fermentation directly influences the calorie count.

Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a much simpler, mass-produced beverage. It is essentially a carbonated soft drink made by mixing ginger-flavored syrup with carbonated water. Since it doesn't rely on fermentation for its flavor or fizz, manufacturers have tighter control over the sweetness and, consequently, the calorie content. Many popular brands use high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavorings instead of real ginger.

Calorie and Sugar Content Breakdown

To understand the caloric difference, let's break down the typical nutritional profiles of these drinks based on a 12-ounce serving.

Ginger Ale Nutritional Profile

Calories: A standard 12-ounce can of ginger ale typically contains between 120 and 140 calories.
Sugar: The sugar content is often around 32 to 36 grams, depending on the brand and specific formula. This is all from added sugars.
Diet Options: Most major brands offer diet or zero-sugar versions that use artificial sweeteners, which contain virtually no calories (typically 0–5 calories per serving).

Ginger Beer Nutritional Profile

Calories: Due to its brewing process and higher sugar content, a standard 12-ounce serving of ginger beer is typically higher in calories, ranging from 170 to 200 calories. Some craft varieties can be even higher depending on the recipe.
Sugar: The sugar content is also higher, with standard versions often containing 35 grams or more per 12-ounce serving. The intensity of the ginger flavor allows for higher sweetness without being cloying.
Diet Options: Low-calorie or diet ginger beers are available, also relying on artificial sweeteners to reduce calories.

Taste, Spice, and Sweetness

The variations in calories and production methods are directly linked to the taste of each beverage. Ginger beer has a robust, spicier, and more intense ginger flavor profile with a stronger “kick”. Its flavor is more complex, a result of the natural fermentation process. In contrast, ginger ale has a milder, sweeter, and less pronounced ginger flavor. It is often described as having a cleaner, syrupier taste, making it more approachable for those who prefer a less intense experience.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer


Feature	Ginger Ale	Ginger Beer
Calories (12oz)	~120–140 calories (standard)	~170–200 calories (standard)
Sugar (12oz)	~32–36 grams	~35+ grams
Production	Ginger syrup mixed with carbonated water	Fermented blend of ginger, sugar, and yeast
Flavor	Milder, sweeter, less complex	Spicier, bolder, more intense
Carbonation	Artificially carbonated, fine bubbles	Naturally carbonated through fermentation, sometimes a denser foam
Uses	Lighter mixed drinks (highballs), soothing stomach aches	Bolder cocktails (Moscow Mule, Dark 'n' Stormy)

Choosing the Healthiest Option

When considering which beverage to choose, particularly for calorie management, a few factors are important. For those simply seeking the lowest calorie drink, diet or zero-sugar versions of both ginger ale and ginger beer are the clear winners, as they contain negligible calories. However, some people prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners, making regular ginger ale the better choice over standard ginger beer for its lower calorie count.

For anyone looking for potential health benefits from ginger itself, it is important to remember that commercial soft drinks are not health foods. As noted by USA Today, many popular ginger ales use artificial flavors and contain high levels of added sugar, which can negate any minor benefits from ginger extract. Some ginger beers are brewed with higher concentrations of real ginger, which may offer more robust anti-nausea or anti-inflammatory properties. Always check the ingredient list for real ginger content when seeking this benefit.

Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice

In the calorie contest, ginger ale is the definitive winner over standard ginger beer. Its simpler production method and lower sugar content result in a beverage with fewer calories per serving. However, the best choice depends on individual taste preferences and nutritional goals. For those who enjoy a bold, spicy kick, ginger beer is the ideal option. For a milder, sweeter flavor with fewer calories (in its regular form), ginger ale is the way to go. Ultimately, for the most health-conscious consumers, opting for diet versions or simply enjoying either in moderation is key. Regardless of your choice, understanding the difference in production and nutrition allows for a more informed decision. For more information on the impact of added sugar in beverages, consider visiting a reputable health site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ginger beer typically has more calories because it contains a higher concentration of sugar to balance its spicier, fermented flavor. The brewing process often leaves more residual sugar than the flavored syrup used in ginger ale.

Yes, many brands offer low-calorie or diet ginger beers that use artificial or non-caloric sweeteners instead of sugar to reduce the calorie count significantly.

Ginger ale is generally sweeter and milder in flavor, while ginger beer is known for its spicier, bolder ginger kick.

While you can substitute them, the final cocktail's flavor will be different. Using ginger ale will result in a milder, sweeter drink, whereas ginger beer provides a more robust and spicy profile, which is key for cocktails like the Moscow Mule.

Neither is considered a health food due to high added sugar content. However, ginger beer made with real ginger may offer more of ginger's potential anti-nausea benefits, while diet versions of either are the lowest in calories.

A standard 12-ounce ginger beer typically contains more sugar than a standard ginger ale. Ginger beer may have 35+ grams of sugar, while ginger ale is usually around 32-36 grams, though this varies by brand.

The main flavor difference comes from the production method. Fermented ginger beer has a bold, intense, and spicy flavor, whereas artificially carbonated ginger ale has a gentler, more syrupy, and sweeter ginger taste.