Ginger ale is my lifeline when I get sick. There is something about the sharp bubbly taste that helps me get my upset stomach back on track.
Something I was worried about after a recent illness was ‘Does ginger ale have caffeine?’ - after all, sleep is key to getting better.
Crack open a cold, crisp can as I break down which brands of ginger ale have caffeine.
Does Ginger Ale Contain Caffeine? (Levels Explained)
The majority of ginger ale brands are caffeine-free as it is not naturally occurring in ginger root or real ginger extract.
However, there are some ginger ale brands that try to stand out from the crowd by offering caffeinated drinks. In particular, diet ginger ale and sugar-free versions tend to have caffeine - but why?
When ginger ale is mass-produced, it is made by adding carbonation and various artificial sweeteners and flavors to water before getting its caramel color.[1]
Certain sweeteners in this process, like sucralose[2] and stevia[3], have trace amounts of caffeine in them.
Other sweeteners, like aspartame, do not have caffeine - so the caffeine level can depend on how the ginger flavor and sweetness are achieved.[4]
Sometimes the type of flavor has added caffeine, like with coffee or green tea ginger ales. If you fancy trying some, check the label for nutritional info and be wary of going over the 400 mg per day limit.[5]
What About Flavored Ginger Ale and Caffeine?
Cranberry
Cranberry is a popular taste combo with ginger ale, thanks to its tart fruit flavor. Most cranberry-flavored ones are caffeine-free varieties, like the Canada Dry version.[6]
You can choose to add caffeine to homemade versions, but caffeine ginger ale with cranberry is the default.
Green Tea
Green tea is a delicious and healthy way to wake up in the morning and can provide a fresh flavor profile when drinking ginger ale.
A carbonated soft drink flavored with green tea leaves or extract will naturally have caffeine in it[7], like the Canada Dry ginger ale with green tea.[8]
The exact amount of caffeine will vary depending on the brand, so check the label for more information.
Different Ginger Ale Brands: Do They Have Caffeine?
Seagram's
As it is sweetened with aspartame, Seagram’s regular ginger ale and diet versions are caffeine-free.
Canada Dry
If you drink ginger ale, you have tried Canada Dry. Standard Canada Dry ginger ale uses natural ginger to create caffeine-free versions of the refreshing drink.
Canada Dry ginger ale offers caffeinated flavors as well, if you prefer.
Schweppes
My partner is a huge fan of Schweppes ginger ale, especially for mixed drinks and cocktails. Schweppes ginger ale is a highly popular version thanks to its crisp, refreshing taste.
Each version of this ginger ale is caffeine-free.
Fever Tree
Fever Tree is another popular caffeine-free ginger ale option that uses natural ginger extract and botanical flavors rather than high fructose corn syrup.
Zevia
Zevia presents a healthy alternative to most carbonated drinks and soft drinks, including ginger ale. Their caffeine-free ginger ale uses citrus oils and real ginger root and contains zero calories and sugar.
If you are trying to avoid added sugars or excessive amounts of caffeine, this is a better option than other beverages.
Reed's
Hailing from Venice Beach, Reed’s prides itself on its alleged traditional recipe that uses real Peruvian ginger and natural juices.
It is worth noting that Reed’s original, zero, cherry, and grape ginger ales are caffeine-free.
Vernor’s
A real regional favorite, Vernor's has been a Detroit special soft drink since it caught the ginger bug in 1880.
As it is aged in oak barrels with natural ginger and vanilla, there is no caffeine in either the regular or the diet. If you are in Michigan and looking to avoid caffeine, you can't go wrong with Vernor's.
What Exactly Is In Ginger Ale?
Ingredients List
The exact ingredients list in a classic drink like ginger ale will depend on the recipe and whether it is homemade or mass-produced.[9]
However, most ginger ales will have some combination of the following:
Many brands of popular sodas that are available in-store will also vary but can contain:
That’s not even counting what you can add to turn your favorite non-alcoholic beverage into an even tastier treat. Some people love to add:
Nutritional Facts
Ginger ale nutritional facts will also vary from recipe to recipe as the exact ingredients and serving size are different. Whether it is regular or diet will also play into the nutritional facts of your ginger ale drink.
Some nutrition guidance from the USDA can help, as it suggests that ginger ale contains around:[10]
12 fluid ounces:
16 fluid ounces:
If you need specific nutrition information about your favorite ginger ale non-alcoholic drink, we recommend checking the label on the bottle or can.
Can Ginger Ale Help When You Are Sick? (Myth Busted)
There are many old wives' tales about the supposed potential health benefits of ginger ale, including that it helps pregnant women combat morning sickness and sick folks by reducing nausea.
Is any of that true?
Believe it or not, Canada Dry was originally created by a Canadian pharmacist to help customers with gastrointestinal disorders and aid digestion.[11]
This medical tonic gradually became more of a pleasant drink but is still drunk by people like me with upset stomachs.
Ginger, particularly ginger oil, is a source of antioxidants and naturally boosts your immune system. In fact, ginger has plenty of health benefits, including:[12]
Even 1-1.5g of ginger can help rapidly soothe an upset stomach.
Antioxidants work to prevent or treat cell decay, minimizing or preventing disease symptoms like cancer or heart disease.
Swelling and redness reduction can help you recover from injuries faster.
Increased blood flow gives your muscles fresh blood and oxygen and aids in speedy recovery times.
Ginger speeds up the emptying of your stomach, aiding in digestion.
It is thought ginger can help relieve pain in the body, but more study needs to be done on this.
Before you go buying cartfuls of ginger ale, it is important to remember that everybody is different and that ginger ale is still a soda.
We recommend checking with your doctor about how much ginger ale is right for your body.
What Are The Downsides Of Ginger Ale?
Dry ginger ale is one of the most popular soft drink options, but there are downsides to this iconic carbonated beverage.
The bubbly carbonated water in ginger ale can cause bloating as it digests, which can be uncomfortable for some.[13]
While ginger ale is delicious, it can lead to some awkward moments after drinking.
Ginger is delicious, but not everyone loves it in drink form. For example, I do not enjoy it as a mixer or straight while out for dinner or drinks.
As refreshing as ginger ale is to consume, it is still a soda.
This means that it comes with all the potential negative health effects of soda, like weight gain, increased energy intake, and increased risk of diabetes.[14]
Having a ginger ale now and again is generally considered fine, but consult with your doctor about how much is right for you.
Related Ginger Ale Caffeine Content Questions
What’s the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?
A common question asks what the difference is between ginger ale and ginger beer. The simple answer comes down to the sugar level, taste and aroma, and the brewing process. A ginger beer typically contains less sugar and has a more mellow and sweet taste compared to regular or diet ginger ale. Ginger beers are also crafted using a different process than ginger ales.
Is ginger ale healthier than Coke?
Whether ginger ale is healthier than Coke will depend on the ginger ale itself. If you want to consume fewer calories while drinking ginger ale, try drinking a brand like Zevia to avoid too much sugar and calories.
Is ginger ale good for diabetics?
Ginger ale can be suitable for diabetics if it has no sugar and contains natural ingredients. However, many have loads of added sugar that is not the best - check with your doctor before trying new ginger ale beverages.
Which ginger ale has real ginger in it?
The brands that have real ginger in their ginger ales include:
Brands like Blue Sky, Polar, and Cape Cod sell artificially flavored ginger ales.
Conclusion
Your standard can or bottle of ginger ale contains zero or low caffeine content.
However, some brands have started to sell both caffeine and caffeine-free ginger ale beverages, but caffeinated ginger ale is not the norm.
If you are concerned about caffeine in your drink, check the label before you buy.
Whether you sip on a ginger ale for the anti-nausea health benefits or to mix with other things like energy drinks, there is plenty to love about this classic drink.
References:
1. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Soft-Drink.html
2. https://foodinsight.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sucralose/
3. https://foodinsight.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-stevia-sweeteners/
4.https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/aspartame
5. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
6. https://www.canadadry.com/products/ginger-ale-cranberry
7. https://twinings.co.uk/blogs/news/caffeine-in-green-tea
8. https://www.canadadry.com/products/canada-dry-green-tea-ginger-ale
9. https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/homemade_ginger_ale/
10. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1631764/nutrients
11. https://canadadry.ca/our-story/
12. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger#11.-Can-help-fight-infections
13. https://gi.org/topics/belching-bloating-and-flatulence/
14. https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/6-reasons-to-stop-drinking-soda
