Is Ginger Ale Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Yes, ginger ale is generally safe during pregnancy and can help ease nausea. However, choose brands with real ginger and minimal additives—11 of 27 products we analyzed earned an A grade for pregnancy safety.
Ginger ale is a popular choice for managing morning sickness, and the ginger itself is considered safe during pregnancy. However, many commercial ginger ales contain little actual ginger and instead rely on high fructose corn syrup, sodium benzoate, and artificial colors. These additives have been flagged in studies for potential concerns during pregnancy, so choosing cleaner formulations matters.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Brands made with real ginger or fresh ginger listed in ingredients (Reed's, Fever Tree, Bruce Cost)
- • Products sweetened with cane sugar or organic cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup
- • Simple ingredient lists with carbonated water, ginger, and natural sweeteners
- • Limit to 1-2 servings per day to manage sugar intake during pregnancy
- • Caffeine free formulas (most ginger ales are caffeine free, but always verify)
✗ What to Avoid
- • Ginger ales with high fructose corn syrup as a main ingredient linked to gestational diabetes risk
- • Products containing sodium benzoate, which may form benzene when combined with vitamin C
- • Artificially colored varieties with Red 40 or Blue 1 dyes
- • Brands with 'natural flavors' but no actual ginger in the ingredient list
- • Caffeinated ginger ale varieties (rare but exist)—keep total caffeine under 200mg daily
Most Common Ingredients in Ginger Ale Products
We analyzed 27 ginger ale products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Ginger Ale
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 27 ginger ale products we analyzed.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
Found in 12 of 27 products (44%)
high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch and widely used in processed foods and beverages. Has been associated with placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, and metabolic programming of offspring in animal studies, and with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in epidemiological studies of humans.
Found in 9 of 27 products (33%)
fructose flavors natural ginger flavor
CAUTION
Fructose flavors natural ginger flavor is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and added to many processed foods and beverages as high fructose corn syrup. May program offspring for metabolic dysfunction when consumed in excess during pregnancy, with animal studies showing effects on insulin resistance, blood pressure, and neurodevelopment.
Found in 2 of 27 products (7%)
blue 1
CAUTION
Blue 1 is a synthetic blue food coloring. Has limited human pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral effects in animal studies.
Found in 1 of 27 products (4%)
caffeine
CAUTION
Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee and tea. Is linked to increased miscarriage risk and low birth weight above 200 mg daily.
Found in 1 of 27 products (4%)
red 40
CAUTION
Red 40 is a synthetic red food coloring. May affect neurobehavioral development based on animal studies at high doses.
Found in 1 of 27 products (4%)
Ginger Ale Products We've Analyzed
We graded 27 ginger ale products for pregnancy safety. 11 received an A grade.
Pregnancy Safe Ginger Ale Products
We found 11 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Original Real Ginger Ale, Original | — |
| A | Original Ginger Ale, Original | Reed'S |
| A | Premium Ginger Brew All Natural Jamaican Style Ginger Ale | Reed'S |
| A | Bruce Cost, Unfiltered Ginger Ale, Original | — |
| A | Jasmine Tea Unfiltered Ginger Ale, Jasmine Tea | — |
Your Questions Answered
Can pregnant women drink ginger ale?
Yes, pregnant women can safely drink ginger ale in moderation. Ginger has been used for centuries to ease nausea and is considered safe during pregnancy by most medical professionals. However, many commercial ginger ales contain very little actual ginger and are loaded with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. For the most benefit, choose brands that list real ginger as an ingredient, like Reed's or Fever Tree, and limit consumption to 1-2 servings per day.
What are the risks of ginger ale during pregnancy?
The main risks come from additives rather than ginger itself. High fructose corn syrup, found in many mainstream brands, has been associated with gestational diabetes and placental issues in studies. Sodium benzoate, a common preservative, may form benzene when combined with vitamin C and has shown concerning effects in animal studies. Artificial food dyes like Red 40 may affect neurodevelopment. Choosing brands with cleaner ingredient lists eliminates most of these concerns.
What soda to avoid when pregnant?
Avoid sodas high in caffeine (over 40mg per serving), those sweetened primarily with high fructose corn syrup, and drinks containing artificial colors like Red 40 or Blue 1. Diet sodas with artificial sweeteners should also be consumed sparingly. Energy drinks are not recommended due to high caffeine and stimulant content. When craving soda, opt for naturally sweetened options with simple ingredient lists, or sparkling water with a splash of real fruit juice.
Does ginger ale actually help with morning sickness?
Ginger itself has proven anti nausea properties and is recommended by ACOG for pregnancy nausea. However, most commercial ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger some have none at all, relying on 'natural flavors' instead. For real relief, choose brands that list ginger, fresh ginger, or ginger extract as a primary ingredient. Alternatively, ginger tea, ginger chews, or ginger supplements may provide more concentrated benefits for morning sickness.
How much ginger ale is safe during pregnancy?
There's no strict limit on ginger ale during pregnancy, but moderation is key due to sugar content. Most health experts suggest keeping added sugar intake under 25 grams per day during pregnancy. A typical 12oz can of ginger ale contains 30-40 grams of sugar, so limiting to one serving daily is reasonable. If using ginger ale to manage nausea, consider alternating with ginger tea or ginger chews to reduce sugar intake while still getting ginger's benefits.
Is Canada Dry ginger ale safe during pregnancy?
Canada Dry is safe to drink occasionally during pregnancy, but it's not the best choice for regular consumption. It contains high fructose corn syrup and natural flavors rather than real ginger, earning it a C grade in our analysis. The preservative sodium benzoate is also present. For occasional enjoyment it's fine, but if you're drinking ginger ale regularly for nausea relief, brands like Reed's or Fever Tree that contain actual ginger and use cane sugar are better options.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
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