Have you ever stopped to wonder how much sugar is in ginger ale? Sure, it’s got a delightfully refreshing gingery flavor, but there’s certainly a lot of sweetness in there as well. And, given what we know about too much sugar in our diets, is it something you should be concerned about?
In this guide, we’ll explore the sugar in ginger ale. We’ll help you understand just how much sugar is in ginger ale, explain why sugar-free ginger ale might not be a healthier option, and introduce you to some safer (and equally delicious!) alternatives.
So, if you want to know exactly what happens inside your body each time you crack open a can of your favorite ginger ale, keep reading! You might be surprised to hear exactly how much sugar is in ginger ale…
What is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale, a carbonated soft drink with a distinctive ginger flavor, has roots tracing back to the 19th century. Initially crafted as a medicinal tonic in Ireland, its popularity soared as it crossed the Atlantic to North America, where it evolved into a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Traditionally, ginger ale was brewed using real ginger root, sugar, water, and yeast. The fermentation process yielded a mildly alcoholic beverage, known for its digestive benefits. Over time, production methods evolved, leading to the creation of non-alcoholic ginger ale through carbonation techniques.
Does Ginger Ale Have Sugar?
So, does ginger ale have sugar? While traditional ginger ale was brewed for its health benefits, modern-day versions often contain high levels of sugar, prompting concerns regarding their impact on health. Despite this, ginger ale, like many sugary drinks, is still widely consumed.
Does ginger ale have a lot of sugar, though? Yes, it can. Modern ginger ale recipes typically include carbonated water, sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, natural or artificial ginger flavoring, and additional ingredients for color and preservative purposes.
How Much Sugar is in Ginger Ale?
So, just how much sugar is in ginger ale? The sugar content of ginger ale can vary significantly depending on the brand, recipe, and of course the serving size. Standard ginger ale varieties like Canada Dry typically contain as much as 35 grams of sugar per 12-ounce can.
This means that the sugar in ginger ale is roughly equivalent to 9 teaspoons, and is more than the recommended daily intake of added sugar set by the American Heart Association for both men (9 teaspoons) and women (6 teaspoons). That’s a lot of sugar!
But why does the sugar in ginger ale matter? Why is it important to understand just how much sugar you’re consuming in the first place? And why do we even have health guidelines relating to our sugar intake? Let’s explore that next.
Why the Sugar in Ginger Ale is Concerning
The sugar in ginger ale makes for a tasty beverage, but it’s also quite concerning for many different reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the major health concerns and issues that come with consuming such high amounts of sugar.
Weight Gain and Obesity
Firstly, all that sugar leads to a lot of extra calories. Sugary beverages like ginger ale are a major contributor to the obesity epidemic, and can lead to weight gain. We often watch what we eat, but how often do we stop to think about the sugar content in our favorite drinks?
Blood Sugar Spikes and Dysregulation
Also, the high sugar in ginger ale can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by crashes. This rollercoaster effect can negatively impact your energy levels, mood, and long-term blood sugar regulation, potentially increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Dental and Oral Problems
Did you know that the sugars in ginger ale provide a food source for bacteria in your mouth? This can lead to the production of acids that erode tooth enamel and promote tooth decay, which heightens your risk of dental cavities and other oral health issues.
Poor Heart Health
Excessive sugar intake, particularly from sugary beverages like ginger ale, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming too much sugar can raise your blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Fatty Liver Disease
Finally, the liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing sugar, but too much sugar can overwhelm this organ, leading to fatty liver disease and other problems. Regular consumption of high-sugar ginger ale contributes to the burden on the liver and may increase your risk of liver damage over time.
Does Ginger Ale Have a Lot of Sugar Compared to Other Sodas?
Does ginger ale have sugar? Yes, we already know that. But does ginger ale have a lot of sugar compared to other sodas and sweet beverages? Take a look below - the answers may surprise you.
How much sugar is in a can of Coke? Coke contains 39 grams of sugar per 12 oz can, making it slightly higher than most ginger ale brands. And when we look at how much sugar is in Mountain Dew, it’s even higher at 46 grams per 12 oz can.
What about other sweet drinks? How much sugar is in sweet tea? Typical brands contain between 15-30 grams of sugar per 12 oz can, and of course, you can add less if you’re making it at home.
And finally, how much sugar is in bubble tea? It varies, but bubble tea contains around 25 grams of sugar in a 12 oz serving. So, does ginger ale have a lot of sugar compared to other drinks? Ginger ale contains slightly less sugar than most sodas, but more than the average sweet tea or bubble tea.
Instead of comparing ginger ale’s sugar content to these drinks, it’s best to compare it against the health guidelines from the American Heart Association. Against the guidelines, a single 12 oz can of ginger ale contains a lot of sugar - our entire recommended daily intake, in fact.
Is Sugar-Free Ginger Ale Good For You?
Ok, so we know that there’s a lot of sugar in ginger ale, and that it can cause some pretty serious health issues. What about low sugar drinks instead? Is sugar-free ginger ale good for you? Unfortunately, no. The artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free drinks can be quite harmful.
For instance, people search for drinks without aspartame because this sweetener has been linked to migraines and mood changes. And when it comes to sucralose vs aspartame, sucralose isn’t any better - it can wreak havoc on your gut bacteria and cause digestive issues.
Other artificial sweeteners, like stevia vs splenda, aren’t much better (the stevia taste alone is a reason to avoid this sweetener!). Do you know why stevia was banned by the FDA? Concerns were raised about its effects on our reproductive health and blood pressure.
Is stevia safe during pregnancy? It’s no longer banned, but many pregnant women are still cautious of their intake. Also, does stevia cause weight gain? It might! Studies have shown that stevia can increase BMI and waist circumference - not what you want from a low-calorie sweetener.
Also, all of these sweeteners can potentially cause symptoms of artificial sweetener allergy, including headaches, digestive issues, and more. So, is sugar-free ginger ale good for you? Unfortunately not - it contains less sugar, but the issues that come with artificial sweeteners are just as bad.
How Oobli is Satisfying Sweet Tooths With a Delicious, Guilt-Free Sweet Tea
Don’t worry - it’s not all bad news! Ginger ale may have more sugar than you realized, and the low-sugar variants might come with their own set of health risks, but there’s a healthy, safe alternative out there that’s just as delicious.
At Oobli, we’ve developed a way for you to satisfy your sweet tooth without risking your health. Our guilt-free, low-sugar sweet tea is made using 100% clean ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners. In fact, it’s sweetened using nature’s own sweet proteins, found in tropical fruits!
Our 16 oz cans of fruity sweet iced tea contain just 7 grams of sugar - that’s a fraction of the amount that’s in a can of ginger ale! Plus, each can contains over 200mg of antioxidants - it’s the first sweet treat out there that’s actually GOOD for you!
While you’re here, make sure you also check out our revolutionary chocolate - it will completely change the way you treat yourself! Each keto-friendly, low-sugar, high-fiber bar of dark chocolate contains just 1 gram of sugar per serving, but still tastes amazingly rich and decadent.
Closing Thoughts on the Sugar in Ginger Ale
That brings our discussion on how much sugar is in ginger ale to a close. The sugar content of this gingery treat is alarming, and low-sugar options aren’t the answer, but Oobli is! Our sweet tea is sweetened the safe way, with nature’s sweet proteins. No weird stuff, no sugar, and no problems!
So, if you’re looking for a sweet drink that won’t affect your waistline, your oral health, your heart, your liver, or your guilt levels, check out our exciting new iced teas - there’s a flavor to suit everyone’s palate! Get yours today and taste the difference - your body will thank you!
