Does ginger ale have caffeine? This is a common question among consumers of ginger-based beverages. Some people have fears that a drink this exciting could contain caffeine.
You may also find yourself asking this question if you feel very alert after taking one or two cans of your favorite ginger ale brand.
Commercially produced beverages usually vary in their ingredients. Different manufacturers use different ingredients to create unique and exciting flavors.
So, this article discusses the caffeine content of different types and brands of ginger ale. Continue reading for full details.
What is ginger ale?
Ginger ale is a carbonated ginger-flavored drink. Traditional ginger ale is made with fresh ginger roots, honey, and lemon. Commercially made varieties are sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
There are three varieties of ginger ale: regular, dry, and diet ginger ale.
The regular ginger ale contains ginger, sugar/high-fructose corn syrup, and fizz. The ginger in the dry variety is used in such a way that it has a spicier or drier taste, as the name implies. In diet ginger ale, sugar is replaced with zero calorie or man-made calories.
Additionally, ginger ale can be taken on its own or used as a mixer in alcoholic drinks. This beverage can be classified as a soft drink because of its exciting flavor which is complemented by its soothing and refreshing taste.
Does ginger ale have caffeine?
Ginger ale is a caffeine-free drink and a healthier alternative to carbonated caffeinated beverages. It is also non-alcoholic and suitable for almost everyone except people who cannot tolerate the ginger flavor.
Ginger ale is made caffeine-free to support its original purpose. Its simple formulation best suits the intended soothing and refreshing taste.
However, some of the ginger ales sold in the market may contain caffeine. Also, craft and specialty ginger ales may also contain caffeine.
Does ginger ale zero have caffeine?
Ginger ale zero is also caffeine-free like the regular ginger ale.
However, some brands may include caffeine in their ginger ale. So, you should always check the label to be sure it does not contain caffeine.
Can ginger ale keep you awake?
Ginger ale is mostly caffeine-free, so, it is not likely to keep you awake. However, some ginger ale brands contain caffeine and might keep you awake. If you need a drink to keep you wide awake, ginger ale may not be your best bet.
Does Canada Dry ginger ale have caffeine?
Canada Dry ginger ale is caffeine-free. It is made with ginger extract and carbonated water. Its crisp, refreshing taste complements its ginger flavor and makes it a better alternative to carbonated caffeinated beverages.
Does Schweppes ginger ale have caffeine?
Schweppes ginger ale is another refreshing caffeine-free ginger-flavored beverage you can take if you are looking for a caffeine-free carbonated drink to unwind with.
Does Vernors’ ginger ale have caffeine?
Vernors’ ginger ale does not contain caffeine. However, the diet variety does. You should carefully check the body of the can to ensure you are buying the regular variety.
Does Seagram’s ginger ale have caffeine?
Seagram’s ginger ale is caffeine-free too. Feel free to grab a bottle or can of this ginger-flavored beverage after a long hot day.
Does Canada Cry Cranberry ginger ale have caffeine?
Canada Dry Cranberry ginger ale is made with ginger extract and carbonated water and is flavored with cranberry. It is also caffeine-free like the original Canada Dry ginger ale.
What are the health benefits of ginger ale?
Ginger ale is not just a refreshing beverage. It also has lots of health benefits. Some of these benefits are:
Can help soothe nausea
Taking ginger ale is good for nausea. It contains natural compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have a soothing effect on stomach upset and nausea.
Ginger ale is good for pregnant women who experience morning sickness and people who feel nauseated due to chemotherapy and severe migraines.
Ginger ale is hydrating
People who have lost body fluids to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and fever can drink ginger ale for rehydration. These people can also benefit from its soothing effect on stomach aches and nausea.
A good dose of antioxidants
Ginger ale contains a lot of natural antioxidants which protect cells and tissues against the damage of free radicals.
An accumulation of free radicals in the body could lead to diseases. Drinking ginger ale can also help soothe menstrual cramps through the activities of the antioxidants.
Reduces inflammation
Ginger contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain and joints. This can help soothe inflammations in these parts of the body and prevent many health issues. Drinking fresh ginger ale provides relief for sore throat.
Supports heart health
Ginger is good for heart health. Consuming ginger can help lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Improves digestive health
Drinking ginger ale can be good for digestive health. Ginger contains some essential oils that can help to sustain intestinal flora, thereby reducing bloating and gas.
Calms migraines
Drinking fresh ginger ale is also good for migraines. It eases the sharp pain and provides relief. However, ginger ale is not a cure for migraines and should not replace migraine treatment. It only helps to manage the pain.
Ginger ale provides relief from hangovers
The soothing and rehydrating effects of ginger ale work together to provide relief from hangovers by calming the stomach and alleviating nausea.
However, to maximize this benefit of ginger ale, you should also drink water at intervals and get enough rest.
Are there side effects of drinking ginger ale?
Yes, there are. The major side effects of drinking ginger ale are seen in commercial varieties. Most brands contain added sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Overconsumption of these substances could lead to weight gain and the onset of other chronic diseases. Also, the fizz. Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks might cause bloating, burping, and gassiness.
Diet ginger ales are not 100% healthy. They contain artificial sweeteners which can also cause bloating and gas when consumed in excess.
Additionally, these artificial sweeteners can alter the balance of gut bacteria, which may lead to metabolic issues like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. An overconsumption of ginger could inhibit the effect of blood thinners if you are taking them.
The side effects of drinking ginger ale are serious but you can avoid them if you consume this drink in moderation.
FAQs
Does ginger ale have sugar?
Yes, ginger ale contains sugar. A 12-ounce can of ginger ale contains 36g of added sugar. For a 2,000-calorie diet, this is about 72% of the Daily Value. However, there are sugar-free, low-calorie varieties you can take for a sugar-free diet.
Is ginger ale the same as ginger beer?
No, ginger ale is not the same as ginger beer. Ginger ale is a sweetened, non-non-alcoholic, ginger-flavored soft drink, while ginger beer is a fermented, fizzy, and spicy ginger drink that contains some amount of alcohol.
Ginger beer has a more robust flavor because it is made with fresh ginger. On the other hand, ginger ale has a milder flavor and tastes syrupy. Not all ginger ale brands use fresh ginger. Some use artificial ginger flavors with preservatives
They are usually mistaken for each other because both drinks are mixers for alcoholic drinks and can be used to soothe stomach aches.
Can you drink ginger ale every day?
Ginger ale has health benefits, but it is not advisable to drink it every day. Some commercial brands may use preservatives and artificial flavorings which may not be healthy for your overall diet. Incorporate ginger ale into your diet in moderate amounts.
Conclusion
Ginger ale is naturally caffeine-free. It is formulated this way because of its original purpose. Ginger ale is not supposed to make you alert.
It is supposed to be a soothing drink to relieve nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness. You can call it the opposite of caffeine, especially if you drink it at night.
Most brands do not include caffeine in their ingredients. However, it is advised that you always check the label of your drink to be sure it does not contain caffeine. Also, craft and specialty brands most likely contain caffeine. Be careful with those.
Learn more about this ginger-flavored drink. Find out if drinking ginger ale can help cure a cold, sore throat, and cough.
Thanks for reading.
