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Ginger ale is beloved for its crisp, clean carbonated taste that pairs perfectly with any meal or cocktail. With many different brands and flavors on the shelves, it can be difficult to decipher which one is the best for you. Well, the best-tasting one might not be the best for you and vice versa.
We’ve gone through the most popular ginger ales to rank them from best to worst. It’s hard to distinguish what makes a ginger ale “better” than the other, but for the sake of this article, we’ve categorized them based on calories and sugar levels with those on the lower end being “better” or “healthier.” It’s important to keep in mind that everyone is going to have a different criteria for what is considered healthy, but to keep it organized that’s how we broke it up.
Keep on reading to find out which ginger ales you’ll want to add to cart and those you’ll want to keep on the shelves next time you hit up the grocery store.
PER 1 BOTTLE: 180 calories, 0 g fat, 10 mg sodium, 44 g carbs, (42 g sugar), 0 g protein
This ginger ale takes the cake as the worst on our list with 42 grams of sugar and 180 calories. Now, its fellow competitors don’t fall too far behind, but you’ll definitely want to keep this on the shelves next time you’re at the grocery store.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, (41 g sugar), 0 g protein
One can of Hansen’s ginger ale will provide you with 82% of the daily recommended value of added sugar.
PER 12 FL OZ BOTTLE: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, ( 37 g sugar), 0 g protein
This Bruce Cost original ginger ale isn’t much better than the above, but it does have slightly less sugar.
PER 12 FL OZ BOTTLE.: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, (37 g sugar), 0 g protein
Looking for a refreshing drink? You might as well opt for a passion fruit juice since this ginger ale has a whopping 37 grams of sugar and is loaded with carbohydrates.
PER 12 FL OZ BOTTLE.: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, ( 37 g sugar), 0 g protein
This cocktail-inspired ginger ale is full of carbs and sugar but no salt.
PER 12 FL OZ BOTTLE.: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, (37 g sugar), 0 g protein
Similar to Bruce Cost’s other flavors, this tart ginger ale comes filled to the brim with carbs and sugar.
PER 12 FL BOTTLE: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, (37 g sugar), 0 g protein
Take a sip of this floral-flavored ginger ale that has the exact same nutrition label as the previous.
PER 16 FL OZ BOTTLE: 160 calories, 0 g fat, 45 mg sodium, 39 g carbs, (34 g sugar), 0 g protein
Sprecher takes ginger ale to the next level with a sophisticated, chardonnay like appearance. With that said, it’s packed with carbs and more sodium than most.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 55 mg sodium, 39 g carbs, (38 g sugar), 0 g protein
While there’s slightly fewer calories in this ginger ale, you’ll find a tad more salt and sugar per serving.
PER 12 FL OZ: 150 calories, 0 g fat, 45 mg sodium, 40 g carbs, (40 g sugar), 0 g protein
In terms of sugar content, this ginger ale is towards the top of the list with 40 grams. However, it’s lower in calories and sodium than many of the others.
PER 12 FL BOTTLE : 150 calories, 0 g fat, 65 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, ( 36 g sugar), 0 g protein
Bask in the clean, crisp taste of this bottled ginger ale that has 150 calories and 73% of the daily recommended value of added sugar.
PER 12 FL OZ: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 60 mg sodium, 38 g carbs, (38 g sugar), 0 g protein
Don’t let the word grape trick you into thinking this ginger ale is “healthy” because it’s anything but that with 38 g of sugar and 60 mg of sodium.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 60 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (38 g sugar), 0 g protein
This tangy ginger ale flavor is neither better or worse nutritionally than the previous because it’s the same.
PER 12 FL OZ: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 60 mg sodium, 36 g carbs, (35 g sugar), 0 g protein
While this might be a fan-favorite flavor, every bottle is loaded with tons of sugar and sodium.
PER 12 FL OZ: 130 calories, 0 g fat, 60 mg sodium, 33 g carbs, (33 g sugar), 0 g protein
Ditch the peach iced tea and opt for this ginger ale instead that has slightly fewer calories than its other fruity counterparts.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 130 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 32 g carbs, (32 g sugar), 0 g protein
Despite being made from pure cane sugar, this ginger ale still contains a whopping 32g of sugar per serving. It’s worth noting that this beverage is caffeine-free and gluten-free.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 50 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (36 g sugar), 0 g protein
This cranberry ginger ale packs a punch with each sip and also lots of sugar and carbohydrates.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 40 mg sodium, 35 g carbs, (33 g sugar), 0 g protein
This all-natural beverage is made with real ginger and no artificial ingredients. However, it does have a decent amount of sugar and salt.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 35 g carbs, (35 g sugar), 0 g protein
Don’t let the fact that it’s made by Whole Foods trick you into thinking it’s healthy. It might not have sodium, but it has a hefty sugar content.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 130 calories, 0 g fat, 40 mg sodium, 34 g carbs, (33 g sugar), 0 g protein
With slightly less calories and sugar than the former, this naturally-flavored and caffeine-free ginger ale is one you might want to pick up on your next trip to the grocery store.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 36 mg sodium, 37 g carbs,( 37 g sugar), 0 g protein
Drink this ginger ale on its own or use it as a cocktail mixer at your next house party. With that said, it’s not low in sugar by any means so keep an eye on it.
PER 12 FL OZ: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, (37 g sugar), 0 g protein
As the name suggests, this ginger ale might be caffeine-free, but it’s packed with sugar, so be warned.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN :140 calories, 0 g fat, 50 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (36 g sugar), 0 g protein
For an extra kick of ginger, opt for this bold ginger ale that contains 50 mg of sodium and 36 g of sugar.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 50 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (36 g sugar), 0 g protein
Both crisp and tangy, this ginger ale has the same exact nutrition label as the brand’s bold flavor.
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PER 12 FL BOTTLE : 150 calories, 0 g fat, 65 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, ( 36 g sugar), 0 g protein
Bask in the smooth and clean taste of this classic ginger ale that’s sodium-free but contains 73% of the daily recommended value of sugar per serving.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 50 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (35 g sugar), 0 g protein
It’s hard to go wrong with traditional ginger ale in terms of flavor, but when talking about nutrition be cautious of the sugar and sodium content.
PER 12 FL OZ BOTTLE: 170 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 41 g carbs, (41 g sugar), 0 g protein
The perfect blend of sweet and sour is how to describe this ginger ale. In terms of sugar, it’s very high on the list with a whopping 41 grams, but it’s lower in calories than most of the others.
PER 12 FL OZ: 140 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, (37 g sugar), 0 g protein
This ginger ale has a nice flavor, but in terms of nutrition it’s average. With 140 calories and 37g of sugar, this definitely isn’t the worst, but certainly not the best.
PER 6.75 FL OZ BOTTLE: 70 calories, 0 g fat, 5 mg sodium, 17 g carbs, (17 g sugar), 0 g protein
Both caffeine-free and gluten-free, take a swig of this store-bought ginger ale that comes loaded with sugar, but less than its aforementioned competitors.
PER 12 FL OZ: 130 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 35 g carbs, (35 g sugar), 0 g protein
Next time you’re at Publix, you won’t have to think too hard about whether or not this ginger ale is the best or worst—it’s in the middle. It has a decent amount of sugar and carbs, but not as much as the highest or none at all.
PER 10 FL OZ BOTTLE.: 130 calories, 0 g fat, 25 mg sodium, 34 g carbs, (34 g sugar), 0 g protein
This ginger ale is sweetened with pure cane sugar and contains no added high fructose corn syrup. However, it’s worth mentioning that it does have a pretty large amount of sugar per serving.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 120 calories, 0 g fat, 14 mg sodium, 31 g carbs, (28 g sugar), 0 g protein
Made with real ginger root and lime, this ginger ale provides a unique flavor that soda connoisseurs will enjoy. Keep an eye on the sugar level, but it’s pretty low for a non-diet ginger ale.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 120 calories, 0 g fat, 60 mg sodium, 33 g carbs ( 33 g sugar), 0 g protein
For the classic ginger ale lovers, opt for this bottle from Schweppes that contains 33 g of sugar and 60 mg of sodium.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 120 calories, 0 g fat, 30 mg sodium, 30 g carbs, (30 g sugar), 0 g protein
This ginger ale soda has slightly more sugar and salt than the above, but less calories which lends itself to this position.
PER 8 FL OZ: 90 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, (25 g sugar), 0 g protein
Polar’s ginger ale beverages have seemingly less calories compared to other brands ranging between 80-90. However, the sugar count is still on the high end in the middle to upper 20s.
PER 20 FL OZ BOTTLE: 220 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 54 g carbs, (53 g sugar), 0 g protein
Every New Yorker knows about Hal’s ginger ale because not only is it under 100 calories, but it’s sugar levels are actually semi-decent at just over 20g.
PER 8 FL OZ: 80 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 21 g carbs, (21 g sugar), 0 g protein
This extra bold ginger ale takes this drink to the next level and it only has 80 calories.
PER 12 FL OZ: 120 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 30 g carbs, (30 g sugar), 0 g protein
Made with real ginger, a can of this premium beverage is not only low in calorie, but also sugar with 20g.
PER 6.8 FL OZ BOTTLE: 70 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 16.8 carbs, (14.2 g sugar), 0 g protein
Tired of traditional ginger ale? This spiced-orange flavor made from clementines and cinnamon adds a kick while having less sugar than the other brands flavored beverages above.
PER 7.5 FL OZ CAN: 60 calories, 0 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 15 g carbs, (14 g sugar), 0 g protein
This is the lowest calorie ginger ale that isn’t 0 calories. With 14g of sugar, add some of this mixer to your next drink for an enhanced flavor.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 120 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
Aside from sodium, there’s basically no other nutritional element at all. Keep an eye on the ingredients level because it does contain aspartame as a sweetener.
PER 12 FL OZ: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 110 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
Similar to the above, this zero-sugar ginger ale has pretty much no nutritional value aside from salt with 110 mg. It’s also sweetened with aspartame.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 105 mg sodium, 0 g carbs ( 0 g sugar), 0 g protein
Aspartame seems to be a frequent theme along the zero-calorie and sugar ginger ale’s and it’s no exception for this cranberry ginger ale.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, (0 g sugar, 12 g erythritol), 0 g protein
While it may be 0 calories, this popular ginger ale still has carbohydrates and contains erythritol, a popular sugar alcohol, commonly used in low/zero calorie products.
PER 12 FL OZ: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
With each can of Wegman’s ginger ale, you’ll be met with preservatives and sugar alcohols such as erythritol. On the opposite end, it’s has zero calories, fat, sugar and carbs.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
This ginger ale is nearly identical in terms of nutrition to the above, but this one is sweetened with Stevia.
PER 7.5 FL OZ CAN: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
With slightly less sodium, this caffeine-free diet ginger ale boasts the same rich crisp flavor of its non-diet version.
PER 2.4 TSP.: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 25 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
With no aspartame or high fructose corn syrup, this diet ginger ale is an outlier. It does have a tad of sodium, but nothing of concern.
PER 12 12 FL OZ: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 35 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
While this ginger ale has the same nutrition as above, it’s sweetened with aspartame.
PER 12 FL OZ CAN: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, (0 g sugar), 0 g protein
Based on the nutrition label, this ginger ale is the healthiest with 0 of everything. It’s made with carbonated water, stevia, natural flavors, citric acid and ginger extract.
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