Ginger ale is a carbonated, ginger-flavored soft drink—not necessarily a medicinal ginger preparation. Its ingredients and nutrition vary by brand and country. Some people find it soothing when nauseated, but evidence about ginger itself does not show that every commercial ginger ale treats an upset stomach.
What is ginger ale?
Ginger ale is a category of carbonated soft drinks flavored with ginger. Commercial recipes differ: some use sugar or corn syrup, while diet and zero-sugar versions use non-sugar sweeteners. The words “ginger ale” alone do not tell you how much ginger a drink contains—or whether ginger appears as an ingredient at all.
Canada Dry’s US product page lists ginger extract among its ingredients, while its Canadian regular-ginger-ale page lists natural flavour. Those are distinct market labels, not a universal recipe for the category.
Does ginger ale have real ginger?
Check the ingredients for the specific product and market. Canada Dry’s US label lists carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, and less than 2% ginger extract, natural flavors, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and caramel color. The Canadian regular product lists carbonated water, sugar/glucose-fructose, citric acid, sodium benzoate, colour, and natural flavour. The listed ingredients do not establish a comparable amount of ginger across the two products.
#1 Best Overall
- CLASSIC GINGER ALE TASTE: Made with the crisp, refreshing ginger taste you've always loved, Canada Dry Ginger Ale is an unparalleled classic.
- RELAXING & REFRESHING: Sip into your comfort zone with Canada Dry
- CARBONATED SODA: Carbonated soda that tickles your senses with bubbly flavor and refreshing ginger taste that satisfies your thirst every time
- CAFFEINE FREE: The great taste of Canada Dry Ginger Ale without caffeine so you can enjoy it any time of day
- COCKTAIL MIXER: Canada Dry Ginger Ale is the perfect the perfect mixer for delicious, modern cocktails or to enjoy all by itself
Ingredients and package labels can change, so use the label on the bottle or can you are buying if it differs from a manufacturer webpage.
How much sugar is in ginger ale?
There is no single amount for all ginger ale. These Canada Dry figures come from regional product pages accessed in 2026; they describe different serving sizes and labels, not a category average.
Rank #2
- Enjoy a classic, crisp ginger ale soda alone or as a mixer
- A crisp, delicious ginger ale soft drink
- Refreshing and the root of good times
- Seagram’s Ginger Ale is a naturally flavored, caffeine-free soft drink created for all of life's occasions
- 7.5 fl oz mini can 10 pack - the perfectly bubbly refresher for the every day
| Product and market | Serving listed | Calories | Sugar | Other label details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Dry Ginger Ale, United States | 12 fl oz | 140 | 33 g | 50 mg sodium; 36 g carbohydrate. Source: Canada Dry US product page. |
| Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Canada | 355 mL | 130 | 32 g sugars | 50 mg sodium; 32 g carbohydrate. Source: Canada Dry Canada product page. |
| Canada Dry Diet Ginger Ale, Canada | 355 mL | 0 | 0 g | 120 mg sodium; ingredients include aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The label lists 5 calories for a 500 mL serving and notes that the product contains phenylalanine. Source: Canada Dry Canada Diet Ginger Ale page. |
For a serving size different from the label’s, compare the amount you actually drink with the serving shown. Diet and zero-sugar products are not necessarily identical: check both the sweeteners and nutrition panel for the local product.
Does ginger ale help an upset stomach?
Some people find ginger ale soothing, and Mayo Clinic includes sipping ginger ale among practical suggestions for nausea. That advice does not establish a therapeutic dose or show that any particular commercial formula contains enough ginger to have a medicinal effect.
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Rank #3
- ZERO SUGAR: The great taste of Canada Dry Ginger Ale Zero Sugar is also caffeine-free so you can enjoy it guilt-free any time of day
- RELAXING & REFRESHING: Sip into your comfort zone with Canada Dry Zero Sugar
- CARBONATED SODA: Carbonated soda that tickles your senses with bubbly flavor and refreshing ginger taste that satisfies your thirst every time
- CAFFEINE FREE: The great taste of Canada Dry Ginger Ale without caffeine so you can enjoy it any time of day
- COCKTAIL MIXER: Canada Dry Ginger Ale Zero Sugar is the perfect mixer for delicious, modern cocktails or to enjoy all by itself
The distinction matters because the evidence is about ginger, not branded soda. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), in information last updated in February 2025, says ginger may help nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy. It also notes that most studies tested supplements rather than foods; most motion-sickness studies have not shown ginger to help; and evidence for nausea related to chemotherapy or surgery remains uncertain. These findings do not prove that ordinary ginger ale treats nausea.
Mayo Clinic also suggests small sips of cold, clear, carbonated, or sour drinks for nausea. If you choose ginger ale, check its ingredients and sugar content, and do not rely on it as treatment. Seek medical advice for ongoing vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration; Mayo Clinic’s nausea self-care guidance describes when assessment may be needed.
Rank #4
- Classic Premium Ginger Ale Made with Real Ingredients – Crafted using essential oils from our signature blend of gingers from the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cochin, India for an authentic, refreshing taste and aroma.
- Ideal for Cocktails, Mocktails & Everyday Refreshment – A versatile, non-alcoholic ginger mixer that adds clean flavor to any drink or can be enjoyed chilled on its own.
- Crisp Taste with Naturally Sourced Ingredients – Smooth, balanced ginger flavor with no artificial sweeteners or colors; Non-GMO certified.
- 24 x 5.1 fl oz Cans – Bulk pack perfect for home gatherings, office parties, holiday hosting, or home bar restock.
- Fever-Tree – if three quarters of your drink is the mixer, mix with the best.
What is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?
Canada Dry Canada lists Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer as separate product categories in its catalog, alongside variants such as Ginger Ale Zero Sugar and Diet Ginger Ale. That catalog distinction does not establish a universal technical or regulatory definition for the two names. The reviewed sources do not support a general rule about fermentation, alcohol, strength, or ginger content. Compare the particular products’ ingredients and labels instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where did ginger ale come from?
Canada Dry dates its own Pale Ginger Ale to 1904 and credits its founder, John J. McLaughlin, with developing a lighter drink after observing the popularity of more syrupy ginger ales. That is the company’s account of its own product history, not proof that all ginger ale originated in 1904. Read the Canada Dry brand history for the company’s account.
Best Value
- GINGER ALE & SPLASH OF REAL JUICE: Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale is a crisp, refreshing ginger ale made with a splash of real juice.
- RELAXING & REFRESHING: Sip into your comfort zone with an ice-cold Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale. It’s the perfect drink to make your escape even better.
- CARBONATED SODA: Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale, a crisp, carbonated ginger ale that tickles your senses with flavor.
- CAFFEINE FREE: Canada Dry Fruit Splash is available in Zero Sugar and Regular, is made with a splash of real juice, is caffeine free, and has no artificial flavors.
- COCKTAIL MIXER: Mix to make delicious cocktails or simply sit back and relax with Canada Dry Fruit Splash Cherry Ginger Ale over ice all by itself.
What kinds of ginger ale are sold?
Product names and availability depend on the market and can change. Canada Dry Canada’s catalog lists regular Ginger Ale, Ginger Ale Zero Sugar, Diet Ginger Ale, seasonal or craft flavours, and Ginger Beer separately. Schweppes Canada lists Ginger Ale in 591 mL, 1 L, and 2 L formats. These are examples from Canadian manufacturer pages, not a guarantee of local stock or worldwide availability. Check the product listing and package in your area.
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