Is ginger ale acidic? [Nutritionist’s take]

If you are wondering that is ginger ale acidic in nature then the answer is YES. Ginger ale is highly acidic in nature, it’s best to avoid drinking it if you have severe acid reflux or GERD. Its pH ranges from 2.0 to 4.0.

What is ginger ale?

Popular ginger soda is ginger ale. Ginger ale is highly acidic in nature, it’s best to avoid drinking it if you have severe acid reflux or GERD. Its pH ranges from 2.0 to 4.0. This pH level makes ginger ale very acidic, making it unsuitable for people who adhere to a diet low in acid-forming foods. Acidic foods may still be tolerated by people suffering from acid reflux and GERD but in smaller amounts. Ginger ale is often drunk to relieve nausea, but it can also be consumed daily. Choosing the right brand will also ensure that you consume fewer calories and sugars.

Is ginger ale acidic: Its ingredients

The majority of commercial ginger ale is classified as soda by manufacturers. As a beverage, ginger ale is made by mixing ginger extract and carbonated water with sugar or high fructose corn syrup, along with natural or artificial ginger flavoring.

Caramel color and preservatives, including citric acid and sodium benzoate, are commonly added to

ginger ales.

Types of ginger ale

There are several varieties of ginger ale.

The following are some of the most popular ginger ales:

• Regular. Sodas and traditional ginger ales fall into this category. Carbonation, ginger, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are all present. Additional ingredients may vary with each brand.
• Dry. Ginger ales marketed as “dry” have a spicier, “drier” ginger flavor as a result of the way they source and process ginger root.
• Diet. Sweeteners such as artificial or calorie-free sweeteners replace sugar in ginger ale.

What type of ginger ale is best for you is largely determined by your personal preferences and taste.

Health Benefits

Despite the fact that ginger or ginger ale is acidic, ginger has been shown to have a variety of health benefits – but these effects apply to ginger itself, not ginger ale specifically.

• As a remedy for nausea and upset stomach, ginger may also relieve migraines, chemotherapy, and morning sickness during pregnancy.  
• An important component of ginger oil is antioxidants, a class of compounds that prevent damage to cells that may lead to disease. With processing, the antioxidant content of ginger oil decreases.
• Ginger powder supplementation in a 250-mg dose appeared to be just as effective as prescription drugs in reducing migraine symptoms, according to one study. Putting ginger under the tongue provided similar benefits.
• On the brain and in the joints, ginger is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• The naturally caffeine-free nature of ginger ale may make it a good alternative to cola or other caffeinated beverages.
• The use of ginger can help lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Do you know strawberries are also acidic? Read more.

If you want to make ginger tea, check out our review of the best teapots with infusers out there.

How to choose the best ginger ale

It’s easy to find ginger ale at the grocery store because it’s a popular soda.

• When trying to find a healthier ginger ale, you should start by checking the label’s ingredient list and nutrition facts.
• Regardless of which ginger ale you choose, it will contain sweeteners or sweeteners without nutritional value. Sugar is usually added in high amounts and ginger is little.
• HFCS is a sweetener that your body does not process the same way as cane sugar, so some ginger ales contain HFCS. There is strong evidence that HFCS contributes to liver fat accumulation, altered blood fat levels, and harmful belly fat.
• The best thing you can do is to avoid foods and beverages that contain HFCS. A healthy diet can include other forms of sugar if they are consumed in moderation.
• A ginger ale that does not have a lot of unnecessary ingredients, such as artificial coloring, may also be your best choice. Take a look at the list of ingredients to determine this.

Side effects associated with the consumption of ginger ale

Bloating, burping, and gassiness may occur after drinking ginger ale. The carbonation is responsible for these effects, which are universal to carbonated beverages. There may be sugar alcohols in diet ginger ale, which are artificial sweeteners. There are also added sugars that may be of concern in ginger ale.

In diet ginger ale, aspartame is a nonnutritive sweetener that may cause some side effects, but research results vary, so more research is needed to determine its effects. One study suggested that consuming a large amount of ginger over a long period may increase bleeding risks. Therefore, if you take blood-thinning medications, eating ginger in large amounts could be dangerous.

Conclusion

Carbonated ginger ale is a beverage made with ginger root and sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or a low-calorie sweetener. Ginger ale is highly acidic in nature, it’s best to avoid drinking it if you have severe acid reflux or GERD. Its Ph ranges from about 2.0 to 4.0.

As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, ginger may benefit heart health, headaches, and nausea. It may be healthier for you to drink ginger ale with more ginger in it.

Due to its carbonation, ginger ale may increase gassiness. If consumed in large quantities, added sugar may increase the risk of chronic diseases.

A high dose of ginger consumption may also interfere with blood-thinning medications.

Reading the ingredient label, selecting a low-sugar or diet option, and choosing a product that fits your health objectives and preferences can help you choose a healthier product.

FAQs

Is ginger ale okay for acid reflux?

It is often recommended for settling nausea and stomach discomfort related to vomiting, diarrhea, and other illnesses. 

Does ginger ale cause acid?

Ginger ale is a carbonated drink and highly acidic so it can cause acid reflux.

Is Dry ginger ale acidic?

Yes, dry ginger ale is acidic in nature.

What drinks are not acidic?

Following are some drinks that are not acidic in nature

• Pear juice
• Coffee
• Fruit juices
• Tea
• Gin
• Tequila
• non-grain vodkas

Fatima Sarmad

I lead a team of professional nutritionists and dietitians. We provide our consulting services in different areas of nutrition.