Ginger Ale

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Ginger Ale healthy?

Ginger Ale scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This ginger ale contains a relatively clean ingredient list with carbonated water, ginger extract, and stevia leaf extract, which are generally considered healthy.

How processed is Ginger Ale?

Ginger Ale is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Ginger Ale's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Ginger Extract counts in its favor; Natural Flavors is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Ginger Ale

Zevia
78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 1
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Soda
Summary

This ginger ale contains a relatively clean ingredient list with carbonated water, ginger extract, and stevia leaf extract, which are generally considered healthy. However, the presence of 'natural flavors' introduces some uncertainty due to the lack of transparency and potential for undisclosed additives. The product is moderately processed, which affects its overall rating.

Key ingredients 5

Ginger Extract
Good

Ginger extract is derived from the ginger root and is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can aid digestion and reduce nausea. The extract retains many of the beneficial compounds found in fresh ginger.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants and may support digestive health.

Carbonated Water
Neutral

Carbonated water is water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. It is a neutral ingredient with no significant health impacts. It serves as the base for many carbonated beverages.

See more about Carbonated Water →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a weak organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It is generally recognized as safe and is naturally found in citrus fruits. In processed foods, it is often produced through fermentation.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to dental erosion.

See more about Citric Acid →
Stevia Leaf Extract
Neutral

Stevia leaf extract is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It is calorie-free and does not significantly impact blood sugar levels. It is considered a safe alternative to artificial sweeteners.

Benefits

Provides a sweet taste without the calories associated with sugar.

See more about Stevia Leaf Extract →
Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are often used to enhance taste but can be a catch-all term for a variety of substances. The lack of transparency in what constitutes 'natural flavors' can be concerning for consumers. They are processed and may contain additives that are not disclosed.

Risks

Potential risks include allergic reactions or sensitivities due to undisclosed components.

See more about Natural Flavors →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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