The perception that ginger ale is a gentler, healthier alternative to standard soda is a long-held belief, often reinforced by its traditional use for soothing an upset stomach. This image suggests a beverage with a distinct advantage over sugary soft drinks. However, a closer examination of the most popular commercial brands reveals a different story. This analysis will clarify the nutritional and compositional realities of commercial ginger ale compared to other carbonated beverages.
The Core Nutritional Comparison
The most common commercial ginger ales, such as Canada Dry or Schweppes, share a remarkably similar nutritional profile with popular sodas because the main ingredient is sugar water. A standard 12-ounce serving of ginger ale contains approximately 120 to 140 calories, derived almost entirely from added sugars. This is nearly identical to the 140 to 155 calories found in a can of standard soda.
The sugar content is equally comparable. A typical 12-ounce can of ginger ale contains around 35 grams of sugar, which translates to about nine teaspoons of added sweetener. This level is only slightly lower than the 39 grams found in a comparable serving of Coca-Cola, meaning the difference is negligible from a health perspective.
These sugars are often sourced from high-fructose corn syrup, which is a primary ingredient in most major commercial sodas, including ginger ale. Consuming this high volume of rapidly absorbed sugar contributes to the daily intake of empty calories and can lead to blood sugar spikes. The base formulation of commercial ginger ale is therefore essentially a soft drink, offering no significant caloric or sugar advantage over other standard sodas.
The Myth of Medicinal Ginger Ale
The idea that ginger ale is a medicinal beverage stems from the long history of using real ginger root to treat various digestive issues. The actual digestive benefits of ginger are attributed to bioactive compounds known as gingerols and shogaols. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties that can relieve nausea and stimulate gastric motility.
The problem is that the majority of commercial ginger ale brands contain only trace amounts of these beneficial compounds. Many popular varieties list “natural flavors” or “ginger extract” as the source of flavor, with some major brands containing less than two percent ginger extract. This tiny concentration is insufficient to provide the therapeutic dose needed to treat stomach discomfort effectively.
Consequently, the relief experienced from drinking commercial ginger ale for an upset stomach is more likely due to the carbonation and the placebo effect rather than any substantial medicinal ginger properties. Only specialty or homemade ginger ales, which are brewed with a significant amount of actual ginger root, are the only versions likely to deliver a functional dose of the active compounds.
Additives and Artificial Ingredients
Beyond the sugar and calories, commercial ginger ales share non-nutritional additives with other soft drinks. Common additions include caramel color for appearance and sodium benzoate, a preservative used to extend shelf life. These ingredients reinforce ginger ale’s classification as a standard soda.
One notable difference often exists in the presence of specific acids. Many dark colas contain phosphoric acid, an additive that gives them a sharp, tangy flavor and has been linked to lower bone mineral density in women. Conversely, most commercial ginger ales use citric acid instead, which is generally not associated with the same bone health concerns.
The use of citric acid does not make the beverage healthier overall; it simply changes the type of acid present. The primary health concern remains the high concentration of added sweeteners, often high-fructose corn syrup, which provides no nutritional value. The presence of artificial ingredients and preservatives places ginger ale squarely within the category of standard processed soft drinks.
Conclusion and Healthier Beverage Options
The direct answer to whether commercial ginger ale is healthier than standard soda is no, as their nutritional profiles are nearly identical. Both beverages contain a substantial amount of added sugar, resulting in a high caloric load with minimal to no nutritional benefit. The perception of ginger ale as a digestive aid is largely unfounded for major brands, which lack the real ginger content necessary to deliver traditional medicinal effects.
For individuals seeking stomach relief, drinking a commercial ginger ale is merely a delivery system for sugar, not a functional remedy. A more effective approach for nausea is to consume a beverage that contains a therapeutic dose of real ginger. Healthier alternatives for hydration and digestive comfort include sparkling water infused with fresh ginger slices or herbal ginger tea. Unsweetened seltzer water is a good option for those who simply crave carbonation without the accompanying additives and sugar of a traditional soft drink.