Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
Canada Dry Ginger Ale
Canada Dry
Canada Dry Ginger Ale receives a C grade for pregnancy safety. While ginger ale is often recommended for morning sickness relief, this product contains high fructose corn syrup and sodium benzoate, which warrant moderation during pregnancy.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in Canada Dry Ginger Ale?
Canada Dry Ginger Ale has 7 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
high fructose corn syrup
CAUTION
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn starch and widely used in processed foods and beverages. Limit intake during pregnancy as excessive consumption has been linked to increased risk of gestational diabetes and metabolic issues.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Generally safe in small amounts, but minimize exposure during pregnancy as it may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
caramel color
SAFE
Caramel color is a widely used food additive that imparts a rich, brown hue to beverages and processed foods. Caramel color is generally considered safe during pregnancy in the amounts found in foods and beverages.
carbonated water
SAFE
Carbonated water is water infused with carbon dioxide gas, creating a fizzy, bubbly sensation. Plain carbonated water is safe during pregnancy and can help with nausea relief for some women.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. A natural preservative found in citrus fruits; safe during pregnancy.
ginger extract
SAFE
Ginger extract is a concentrated form of ginger root known for its anti inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health benefits. Ginger extract is safe during pregnancy and may help relieve nausea; studies support up to 1g of ginger daily for morning sickness.
natural flavors
SAFE
Natural flavors are derived from plant or animal sources and used to enhance the taste of food and beverages. Generally recognized as safe, though the specific source ingredients are proprietary; no known pregnancy concerns at typical consumption levels.
Answering Your Questions
How much Canada Dry Ginger Ale is safe during pregnancy?
Limit to one 12 oz can per serving. The sugar content (around 36g per can) adds up quickly, so treat it as an occasional comfort drink rather than a daily beverage.
Can you use Canada Dry Ginger Ale daily while pregnant?
Enjoy occasionally when nausea strikes, but avoid daily consumption. Opt for plain sparkling water with fresh ginger or ginger Tea as your go to alternatives.
Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, Canada Dry Ginger Ale is safe while breastfeeding in moderation. The same caution ingredients (high fructose corn syrup and sodium benzoate) apply, so limit intake and prioritize water and nutrient rich beverages.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to Canada Dry Ginger Ale?
Try Reed's Organic Ginger Ale (made with real pressed ginger), plain sparkling water with fresh ginger slices, ginger Tea, or ginger chews. These options provide nausea relief without the added sugars and preservatives.
Why does Canada Dry Ginger Ale get a C grade?
The C grade reflects the presence of high fructose corn syrup (linked to gestational diabetes risk) and sodium benzoate (a preservative that may form benzene when combined with vitamin C). The ginger extract and other ingredients are safe.
Can I drink ginger ale during the first trimester?
Yes, ginger ale can help ease first trimester nausea. However, due to the caution ingredients in Canada Dry, limit consumption and consider alternatives with real ginger and less sugar for frequent use.
How much ginger ale is safe to drink during pregnancy?
One can occasionally is fine, but avoid making it a daily habit. The high sugar content and preservatives make it best suited as an occasional remedy rather than a regular beverage choice.
Does ginger ale actually help with morning sickness?
Ginger has proven anti nausea properties, but most commercial ginger ales contain minimal real ginger. Canada Dry does include ginger extract, which may provide some relief, though ginger Tea or supplements are more effective.
What types of ginger ale are safest during pregnancy?
Look for brands made with real ginger and without high fructose corn syrup, like Reed's Organic Ginger Ale or Fever Tree Ginger Ale. These contain actual ginger root and use cane sugar instead of HFCS.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Canada Dry Ginger Ale?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Coca Cola Original Taste | Coca-Cola | soft drink |
| A | Hawai Tropical | Hawai,Coca Cola | soft drink |
| A | Fanta Tops Lemon 1.5L | — | soft drink |
| A | Sicilian Lemon & Lime | Belvoir Farm | soft drink |
Are Other Canada Dry Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 11 other Canada Dry products. 4 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 7 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C- | Zero Sugar Ginger Ale And Lemonade | soft drink |
| A | Pomegranate Cherry Sparkling Seltzer Water, Pomegranate; Cherry | sparkling water |
| A | All Natural Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water | sparkling water |
| A | Black Cherry Flavored Sparkling Seltzer Water, Black Cherry | sparkling water |
How Does Canada Dry Ginger Ale Compare to Other Soft Drinks?
We graded 4,295 Soft Drinks for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Canada Dry Ginger Ale earns a C grade, placing it among the majority of Soft Drinks. Only 14% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
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
- https://thrivemarket.com/blog/heres a-convincing reason to avoid high fructose corn syrup during pregnancy
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1203063/full
- https://www.nature.com/articles/srep25091
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286322000225
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- https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/32/12/2314/25900/Dietary Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
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- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.848983/full
- https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.02.600389v1.full text
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