Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink that has long been perceived as a mild and soothing beverage, often associated with childhood illness. The central question for parents is whether this popular drink is a healthy choice for children, especially when compared to other sodas. While traditional, fermented versions of ginger ale once contained significant amounts of real ginger, the modern commercial product is fundamentally different. Due to its typical ingredients and lack of nutritional value, mainstream ginger ale is not recommended as a regular drink or an effective remedy for kids.
The Nutritional Reality
Commercial ginger ale is categorized as a sugar-sweetened beverage, sharing a nutritional profile similar to other soft drinks. A standard 12-ounce serving of a major brand typically contains between 34 and 38 grams of sugar, which amounts to approximately nine teaspoons. This high sugar load is often delivered via high fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. This volume of sugar also contributes empty calories, offering no vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein to a child’s diet. The name “ginger ale” is often misleading because the majority of commercial varieties contain minimal to no actual ginger, relying on artificial or natural flavorings. The trace amounts of ginger flavoring fall far below the concentration needed to provide any genuine health benefits. Even diet versions, which eliminate sugar, are not a healthier alternative for children, as they introduce artificial sweeteners that may lead to digestive discomfort and perpetuate a preference for highly sweet flavors.
Is It a True Remedy for Nausea?
The belief that ginger ale settles an upset stomach is a persistent cultural tradition, but this effect is largely anecdotal, not medicinal. When a child is nauseous, the carbonation can induce burping, which may temporarily relieve pressure in the stomach. The quick burst of sugar also offers a temporary energy lift, which might be mistaken for an improvement in overall well-being. However, the high concentration of sugar in commercial ginger ale can actively worsen digestive distress. When a child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, a high-sugar drink can draw excess water into the intestines, potentially exacerbating diarrhea and increasing the risk of dehydration. Proper hydration requires a specific balance of water, salts, and sugar, which ginger ale does not provide. While the natural compounds in real ginger, known as gingerols, have documented anti-nausea effects, commercial ginger ale contains insufficient amounts to be effective. Therefore, relying on this beverage for stomach upset prevents the use of genuinely effective rehydration strategies.
Healthier Alternatives for Hydration and Digestion
For general hydration, water remains the superior option for children, but when mild digestive issues arise, specific alternatives are recommended. The most appropriate choice for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is an oral rehydration solution (ORS). These commercial solutions, such as Pedialyte, contain the precise ratio of sodium, glucose, and water necessary for optimal absorption.
If a child refuses an ORS, other clear liquids can be used, such as diluted apple juice or a sports drink mixed with an equal amount of water. These should be given in small, frequent sips, perhaps a tablespoon every few minutes, to prevent overwhelming the stomach and triggering more vomiting. It is important to avoid full-strength fruit juices and sports drinks, as their high sugar content can also worsen fluid loss.
To harness the genuine anti-nausea properties of ginger, parents can offer a weak ginger tea made from fresh, peeled ginger root steeped in hot water. This preparation delivers the therapeutic compounds without the excessive sugar and carbonation of ginger ale. Seeking out craft ginger ales that explicitly list real ginger root as an ingredient, and which have a lower sugar count, is also a better alternative for occasional consumption.