Which Soda Actually Has Ginger in It?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2019, a class-action lawsuit against Canada Dry revealed that its popular ginger ale contained a minuscule amount of ginger, surprising many consumers who believed it was packed with the flavorful root. This highlights a common misconception: not all ginger-flavored sodas actually have ginger in them. Knowing which soda actually has ginger in it can help you choose a beverage with a true, spicy kick.

Quick Summary

Many mainstream ginger ales contain little to no real ginger, relying instead on flavorings. To get an authentic ginger taste, consumers should look for craft ginger ales or ginger beers, which often use real, potent ginger root.

Key Points

Mainstream vs. Craft: Popular brands like Canada Dry contain only minimal ginger extract, while craft brands and ginger beers use significant amounts of real ginger.
Check the Label: To find real ginger, look for brands that list "fresh pressed ginger" or "ginger root" rather than generic "natural flavors".
Ale vs. Beer: Ginger beer typically has a spicier, more potent ginger flavor than ginger ale, which is often milder and sweeter.
Look for Cloudiness: Real ginger sodas are often cloudy due to the use of actual ginger root, unlike the clear, artificially flavored versions.
Brands with Real Ginger: Reputable brands for real ginger include Reed's, Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, Bundaberg, Maine Root, and Blenheim.
Medicinal Properties: Mainstream ginger ale does not contain enough ginger to provide medicinal benefits for nausea or stomach issues; choose a craft brand for a higher concentration.

The Surprising Truth About Mainstream Ginger Ales

For many years, commercial ginger ale brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes have been household names, often associated with a soothing remedy for an upset stomach. However, for most of their existence, the majority of the 'ginger' flavor has come from natural or artificial flavorings, not substantial amounts of ginger root. Recent lawsuits against major manufacturers like Keurig Dr Pepper (owner of Canada Dry) have exposed just how little ginger extract is actually used. While these companies may technically include a small amount, it's often so minimal that its taste is undetectable and offers no health benefits. This is a major contrast to the beverage's origins, which began as a fermented drink with genuine ginger.

How to Spot the Difference

Reading the ingredient label is the most reliable method for determining if your soda contains real ginger. Mainstream brands often list "natural flavors" or "ginger extract" without specifying the quantity. For a truly authentic product, look for brands that list ingredients like "fresh pressed ginger" or "ginger root." The appearance can also be a clue. Real ginger products are often cloudy and may have a slight sediment from the ginger pulp, while artificially flavored versions are typically clear.

Ginger Ale vs. Ginger Beer

Understanding the distinction between ginger ale and ginger beer is crucial. Historically, ginger ale was a milder, more bubbly soda, while ginger beer was a more potent, spicier brew that was fermented and originally contained a low alcohol content. Today, most non-alcoholic ginger beers are still crafted to deliver a much stronger, spicier flavor profile than typical ginger ales, and are more likely to contain a significant amount of real ginger.

Brands That Use Real Ginger

For those seeking a genuine ginger experience, several brands deliver on their promise. These brands prioritize quality ingredients, often using substantial amounts of fresh ginger root for a potent and authentic flavor.

Reed's Real Ginger Ale: Known for its commitment to real ingredients, Reed's contains fresh pressed organic ginger. They even offer an "Extra Ginger Brew" for those who want an extra kick.
Fever-Tree Ginger Ale/Beer: This brand crafts its beverages with essential oils from a blend of three types of ginger sourced from around the world, providing a complex and refreshing taste.
Q Ginger Beer: Made with organic agave and real ginger, Q Mixers is known for its lime-forward and spicy flavor, making it a favorite for cocktail mixing.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer: An Australian brand, Bundaberg ferments its ginger beer for up to three days using locally grown ginger and cane sugar, resulting in a balanced sweet and spicy drink.
Maine Root Ginger Brew: This craft brand uses Fair Trade certified organic sugar cane and a high concentration of real ginger, which gives it a spicy, tingling finish.
Blenheim Ginger Ale: With a long history dating back to 1903, this brand offers a famously potent and spicy ginger ale that some describe as being as powerful as biting into the raw root itself.

Comparison Table: Real Ginger vs. Mainstream


Brand	Category	Contains Real Ginger?	Flavor Intensity	Appearance	Primary Use
Reed's Real Ginger Ale	Craft Ginger Ale	Yes, substantial	High (spicy)	Cloudy, pale yellow	Drinking straight, cocktails
Fever-Tree Ginger Beer	Craft Ginger Beer	Yes, from oils	High (spicy)	Cloudy, pale	Cocktails (e.g., Moscow Mule)
Q Mixers Ginger Beer	Craft Ginger Beer	Yes, substantial	High (spicy)	Cloudy	Cocktails (e.g., Moscow Mule)
Canada Dry Ginger Ale	Mainstream Ginger Ale	Yes, but minimal	Low (mild)	Clear, caramel colored	General beverage, stomach settler (placebo)
Schweppes Ginger Ale	Mainstream Ginger Ale	Yes, but minimal	Low (mild)	Clear, caramel colored	General beverage, mixer

Conclusion

While many people associate mainstream ginger ales like Canada Dry and Schweppes with a strong ginger flavor, the reality is that these products contain only a negligible amount of ginger extract. For a beverage that truly has ginger in it, your best bet is to explore craft ginger ales and ginger beers. Brands like Reed's, Fever-Tree, and Bundaberg use authentic, potent ginger root to create a full-bodied, spicy, and satisfying drink. By reading the ingredient labels and distinguishing between ginger ale and ginger beer, you can ensure you're getting the genuine ginger taste you're looking for.

Learn more about the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer.

Can Ginger Soda Relieve Nausea?

For those seeking the traditional health benefits of ginger, relying on mainstream ginger ale may be ineffective. The amount of ginger in these mass-produced sodas is typically too low to have any therapeutic effect. If you want to use ginger for medicinal purposes, a craft brand with a high ginger content or a home-brewed version is a much more reliable option. However, it's worth noting that the effectiveness of ginger against nausea varies from person to person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canada Dry contains a minimal amount of ginger extract for flavor, but it is not sufficient to provide any health benefits or a potent taste. The amount is so low that it is essentially tasteless.

Ginger beer is typically brewed and fermented with more ginger, resulting in a spicier, more robust flavor. Ginger ale is a milder, more bubbly soda that often uses minimal or artificial flavoring.

No, the amount of ginger extract in most mainstream ginger ales is too low to offer any medicinal benefits, such as soothing an upset stomach. The perceived effect is likely a placebo.

Several brands use real ginger, including craft sodas like Reed's Real Ginger Ale, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, Q Ginger Beer, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, and Blenheim Ginger Ale.

The best way to tell is to read the ingredients list. Look for explicit mentions of "fresh pressed ginger," "ginger root," or "ginger juice." A cloudy appearance and spicy taste are also good indicators.

Canada Dry was sued for misleading advertising after it was revealed that the soda contained a minimal, almost undetectable, amount of ginger extract, despite its marketing.

Yes, if you prefer a spicier, more authentic ginger flavor, ginger beer is a better choice. It is typically made with more real ginger and often has a more complex taste profile.