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What are the health benefits of ginger ale soda?

By Drinks Type Editorial TeamPublished Dec 9, 2024Updated Nov 1, 20261 min read
Quick answer

We found no official source that ginger ale is good for health or settles the stomach. USDA lists regular ginger ale at 34 kcal and 8.76 g carbohydrate per 100 g, so a 12 fl oz can has about 124 kcal and 32 g carbohydrate, with no caffeine. The NHS limit for free sugars is 30 g a day for adults, close to one can.

Calories, 12 oz can (USDA)about 124
Carbohydrate, 12 oz canabout 32 g
Caffeine0 mg
NHS free sugars limit, adults30 g a day

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In this article
  1. Does ginger ale have health benefits?
  2. What is in a can (USDA)
  3. Sugar
  4. Quick summary

Ginger ale is a sweet, ginger-flavoured soft drink. Many pages suggest it helps with nausea and digestion. We found no official source that supports this.

Does ginger ale have health benefits?

We found no statement from the WHO, NHS or FDA. It is mainly sugar and water with flavour.

What is in a can (USDA)

Regular ginger ale has 34 kcal, 8.76 g carbohydrate and no caffeine, protein or fat per 100 g. A 12 fl oz can (366 g) has about 124 kcal and 32 g carbohydrate. Most of the carbohydrate is sugar.

Sugar

The NHS advises adults to keep free sugars to 30 g a day. One can of regular ginger ale gets close to that. Sugar-free versions have almost no calories; check the label.

Quick summary

  • No official health benefit claims.
  • About 124 kcal and 32 g carbohydrate per 12 oz can (USDA).

General information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or are choosing food for a child, ask your doctor or dietitian.

People also ask

Is ginger ale good for an upset stomach?

We found no WHO, NHS or FDA source that says so. Many commercial ginger ales contain little real ginger. Ask a doctor if symptoms persist.

How many calories are in ginger ale?

USDA lists 34 kcal per 100 g, about 124 kcal in a 12 oz can. Diet versions differ.

Does ginger ale have caffeine?

USDA lists 0 mg.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, carbonated, ginger ale (174846)
  2. NHS: How does sugar in our diet affect our health? (free sugars limits)
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Dec 9, 2024 · Updated Nov 1, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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