A standard 12-ounce can of Canada Dry or Schweppes ginger ale packs about 32 to 36 grams of sugar. That’s roughly eight to nine teaspoons of the white stuff.
For context, the American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day for men, and 25 grams for women. One can of ginger ale can obliterate that limit in one gulp.
It’s not just about the number—it’s about the empty calories. You get zero protein, zero fiber, and zero nutritional benefit from that sweet, gingery fizz.
The “Healthy” Marketing Trap
Here’s where it gets sneaky. Ginger ale has a halo effect because of its historical use for settling upset stomachs. But the sugar content actually works against that purpose.
High sugar levels can worsen nausea and cause blood sugar spikes, leaving you more jittery than soothed. It’s like putting a bandage on a paper cut with sticky tape—sort of works, but not really.
Meanwhile, brands like Reed’s or Fever-Tree use real ginger. But even these “premium” options often hover around 20 to 25 grams of sugar per serving—still a hefty dose.
