Does Ginger Ale Have Caffeine? What to Know!

When you’re under the weather, you probably reach for a glass of ginger ale to ease your nausea and settle your stomach. This popular carbonated beverage is also a common choice for people who want an alternative to water with their snacks or cocktails, especially in fall and winter.

In general, carbonated beverages with added flavor tend to have very little caffeine. Ginger ale is a drink that is often associated with the word “natural” because of its earthy and spicy flavor profile. But does ginger ale have caffeine? If so, how much? In this article, we will answer this question and also offer some alternatives to this flavored drink. Ginger ale does not contain caffeine.

So, Does Ginger Ale Have Caffeine?

Ginger ale is a sweet, spicy, and slightly fizzy beverage that’s packed with ginger. Ginger ale has no caffeine, but a typical serving has about 25 calories, 10 mg of sodium, and anywhere from 20 to 30 grams of sugar, as it does contain high-fructose corn syrup.

That being said, you aren’t going to get your caffeine fix from drinking ginger ale, nor is drinking ginger ale going to put you close to or over your daily recommended caffeine intake of 400 mg. If you need a little pick-me-up, here are some caffeinated beverages to try instead as well as the amounts of caffeine they contain.

Top 6 Caffeinated Drinks/Food to Give You a Buzz

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in many drinks. The most common drinks that contain caffeine are coffee, black tea, and green tea. Each of these contains about one-third the amount of caffeine as a standard cup of coffee. Each beverage also has its individual properties and benefits. Caffeinated drinks can be great for your health if you drink them in moderation.

Here is a list of the top 6 caffeinated drinks to give you a buzz:

1. Coffee

Coffee, which is a beverage made from roasted coffee beans that are ground and brewed, is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The caffeine content of coffee varies, depending on the type and brewing method.

Fun Fact: The average coffee drinker consumes about 200 mg of caffeine per day.

That’s enough to produce a measurable increase in blood pressure and a significant increase in heart rate. However, coffee alone is unlikely to have a significant effect on your blood pressure or heart rate and may even have a modest protective effect against heart disease. Coffee also contains a wide variety of antioxidants and some of these antioxidants are thought to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

2. Coca-Cola

Many people love Coca-Cola. This carbonated soft drink is made from a blend of sweeteners, caffeine, and water. This particular soda has a low amount of caffeine, so it is not likely to have significant effects on your blood pressure or heart rate. But Coca-Cola is a common source of added sugars and excessive amounts of added sugars in the diet are associated with many health risks including obesity and type 2 diabetes.

3. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are beverages that are typically high in both caffeine and sugar – though there are non-sugar beverages available. Some energy drinks may also contain vitamins or other dietary ingredients. Energy drink caffeine content varies depending on the brand and flavor. The caffeine content of energy drinks is usually much higher than that of coffee. As a result, energy drink caffeine can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety if consumed in excess. Energy drinks have also been shown to increase the risk of gambling or risk-taking behaviors.

Red Bull is a popular carbonated energy drink that also contains caffeine. The caffeine content of a small 8.4-oz can of Red Bull is about the same as a cup of coffee. Red Bull also contains taurine, which is a common ingredient in many energy drinks. Taurine is associated with many potential health benefits but is not likely to have significant effects on your blood pressure or heart rate.

The caffeine in Red Bull is likely to produce moderate effects on your blood pressure and heart rate. The caffeine in Red Bull may help improve athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and improve reaction time.

4. Black Tea

And let’s not forget about tea. Black tea is a caffeinated beverage that’s made by letting the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant oxidize, then steaming them. The caffeine content of black tea varies with the brewing method. A cup of black tea contains about 50% less caffeine than coffee.

B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants are some of the most common nutritional benefits of drinking black tea. Studies have shown that black tea may even reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also reduce blood pressure and the risk of certain cancers.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is probably the healthiest tea that you can drink – and yes, it also contains a small amount of caffeine. This tea is made by steaming the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but unlike black tea, the leaves are oxidized first. The caffeine content of green tea is significantly lower than coffee or black tea – it contains about 20% less caffeine than coffee.

The antioxidants in green tea are thought to have a wide variety of beneficial health effects. Green tea is also known to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, can help lower blood pressure, and is also thought to aid in weight loss.

6. Dark Chocolate

If you’re looking for a food source for caffeine, consider dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is made by processing cacao beans that are roasted and ground into a liquid. The caffeine content and dark chocolate varies by the type and amount of cacao in the chocolate but is usually about 20 mg per ounce.

Dark chocolate is associated with many health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, improved blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.

It also contains many antioxidants that are thought to lower the risk of developing cancer. Dark chocolate is often promoted as a healthy food, but it is important to remember that all types of chocolate are high in calories and fat. Note that eating too much dark chocolate (particularly that is high in sugar and calories) can result in weight gain and other health risks.

Wrapping Things Up

So, there you have it, ginger ale typically doesn’t contain caffeine, so you may want to consider another carbonated beverage if you are looking for a bit of an energy boost. Caffeine has become widely available in many different products and forms. It’s important to be aware of the amount of caffeine in each product that you consume.

Caffeine can be a useful stimulant and aid to productivity but consuming too much can lead to negative health effects. It is important to keep track of how much caffeine you are consuming each day and limit your intake as much as possible.

Featured Image Credit: Brent Hofacker, Shutterstock