Calories in Ginger Ale: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink with approximately 124 calories per 12 oz can, flavored primarily with ginger and sweetened with high fructose corn syrup or sugar. It is often perceived as a lighter alternative to colas, though its calorie and sugar content is comparable to most regular sodas. Ginger ale is commonly consumed on its own or used as a mixer in cocktails.

Calories by serving size:

Nearly all of the calories in ginger ale come from sugar, with a 12 oz can containing about 32 grams — roughly 8 teaspoons. Diet ginger ale eliminates these calories entirely by using artificial sweeteners like aspartame, though it tends to have slightly higher sodium content. For those who enjoy the ginger flavor but want fewer calories, diet versions or mixing a splash of regular ginger ale with sparkling water are effective strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does ginger ale compare to Sprite or 7-Up?

Ginger ale, Sprite, and 7-Up are all very similar in calorie and sugar content. A 12 oz can of Canada Dry ginger ale has about 124 calories and 32 grams of sugar, while Sprite has 140 calories and 38 grams of sugar, and 7-Up has 140 calories and 38 grams of sugar. Ginger ale is slightly lower in calories than these lemon-lime sodas, but the difference is minimal.

Does ginger ale help with nausea?

Ginger ale is a popular home remedy for nausea and upset stomachs, but most commercial brands contain very little actual ginger. The carbonation and sugar may provide some temporary relief, but the effect is more likely due to hydration and the placebo effect than any medicinal ginger content. For genuine ginger-based nausea relief, ginger tea or ginger supplements are more effective options.

How much sugar is in ginger ale?

A standard 12 oz can of ginger ale contains approximately 32 grams of sugar, which is equivalent to about 8 teaspoons. This is comparable to most regular sodas and represents roughly 64 percent of the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 50 grams of added sugar. The sugar content is the primary driver of the drink's 124 calories per can.

What is the difference between diet and regular ginger ale?

Diet ginger ale contains zero calories and zero grams of sugar, compared to 124 calories and 32 grams of sugar in a regular 12 oz can. The sweetness in diet versions comes from artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. The taste is noticeably different, with diet ginger ale having a lighter body and a slightly different aftertaste, but it provides the same ginger flavor and carbonation.

Does ginger ale contain real ginger?

Most mainstream ginger ale brands, including Canada Dry and Schweppes, use only minimal amounts of real ginger extract or natural ginger flavoring. Canada Dry was the subject of a class-action lawsuit over its "Made from Real Ginger" labeling, which resulted in the company modifying its marketing claims. For a ginger ale with a more pronounced real ginger taste, craft brands like Fever-Tree or Reed's use significantly more actual ginger root in their recipes.