Quick Answers
Many popular ginger ale brands are gluten-free, including Canada Dry, Schweppes, Seagram’s, and Vernors. Ginger ale is naturally gluten-free, but some brands may contain barley or wheat flavors that are not gluten-free. To be sure a ginger ale is gluten-free, check the ingredients list for any gluten-containing grains like barley, rye, wheat, or malt.
What is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. It was originally created in the mid-1800s as a home remedy for stomach aches, nausea, and motion sickness. The original ginger ale recipe contained ginger root, sugar, and carbonated water.
Modern commercial ginger ales may also contain natural and artificial flavors, preservatives, and sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup. However, the main ingredients in ginger ale are still ginger spice and carbonated water.
Is Ginger Ale Naturally Gluten-Free?
Yes, ginger ale is naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Traditional ginger ale recipes do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
The ginger plant is not related to gluten-containing cereal grains. Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Asia. The underground stem, or rhizome, is the part used to flavor ginger ale.
So basic ginger ale made from ginger, sugar, and carbonated water should be gluten-free. However, some ginger ale brands do add gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or malt flavoring.
Why Check Ginger Ale for Gluten?
Even though ginger ale is naturally gluten-free, it’s important for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to check the ingredients.
Some ginger ale brands add barley or wheat flavors to enhance the flavor. Barley and wheat contain gluten.
Malt extract is also sometimes used in ginger ale. Malt is usually derived from barley and contains gluten. However, some brands use gluten-free grains like sorghum or corn to produce their malt extracts.
So while the ginger ale itself doesn’t contain gluten, added flavors or extracts may. That’s why it’s not safe to assume ginger ale is gluten-free without checking the ingredients.
What Brands of Ginger Ale are Gluten-Free?
Here are some of the most popular gluten-free ginger ale brands:
Canada Dry
Canada Dry ginger ale is gluten-free. On their website, Canada Dry states:
“Canada Dry Ginger Ale products are made without gluten ingredients. However, these products are produced on shared equipment that comes in contact with gluten, so there is a chance of gluten exposure.”
So while there is a slight risk of cross-contamination, Canada Dry ginger ale contains no gluten ingredients.
Schweppes
Schweppes ginger ale is labeled gluten-free. The company confirms on their website that Schweppes ginger ale contains no gluten ingredients or traces of gluten from cross-contamination.
Seagram’s
Seagram’s ginger ale is also certified gluten-free. On their FAQ page they state:
“All of our Seagram’s Mixers, including our ginger ales are gluten-free. They are produced in a gluten-free environment as well.”
Vernors
Vernors ginger ale is considered gluten-free. On their website, they state:
“Vernors Ginger Ale is gluten free. It is made from water, sugar and carbonation.”
So the major national brands of ginger ale all provide gluten-free options. Check the label to confirm there are no gluten grain ingredients listed.
Smaller Brands of Gluten-Free Ginger Ale
In addition to the major national brands, some smaller craft ginger ale producers also offer gluten-free options:
- Blenheim ginger ale
- Bruce Cost ginger ale
- Maine Root ginger ale
- Spindrift ginger ale
- Q ginger ale
- Rachel’s ginger ale
- Reed’s ginger ale
- Thomas Kemper ginger ale
Again, be sure to check the ingredients list and labeling since formulas can change. Many craft sodas use natural flavors that may contain gluten.
Ginger Beers That Are Not Gluten-Free
While most ginger ales are gluten-free, ginger beer is a different story. Traditional ginger beer is fermented, giving it an alcohol content like beer.
Most commercial ginger beers are not actually fermented or alcoholic. However, many do contain gluten grains like barley or wheat.
Examples of ginger beers that contain gluten include:
- Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer
- Fever Tree ginger beer
- Gosling’s ginger beer
- Red Stripe ginger beer
So while ginger ale and ginger beer may sound similar, ginger beer is much more likely to contain gluten. Always check the ingredients before consuming ginger beers.
Should Ginger Ale List a ‘Gluten-Free’ Label?
In the United States, foods labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. However, there is no requirement for ginger ale to state “gluten-free” on the label.
As long as the ginger ale does not contain any gluten ingredients, it can be assumed gluten-free without any special labeling. Phrases like “made without gluten ingredients” are also voluntary.
So if a ginger ale just has an ingredients list without wheat, barley, rye or malt, it can be considered gluten-free. A “gluten-free” label is not mandatory.
Of course, an explicit “gluten-free” label provides more assurance for those trying to avoid gluten. But it’s not required for ginger ales that don’t contain gluten grains or proteins.
Is Ginger Ale Gluten-Free in Other Countries?
The major ginger ale brands sold internationally are gluten-free, including Schweppes and Canada Dry. However, smaller brands or regionally produced ginger ales may differ.
In general, plain ginger ale without gluten grain ingredients should be gluten-free anywhere. But as always, check the label and contact the manufacturer if uncertain.
Here are some country-specific details on ginger ale:
Canada
In Canada, ginger ale brands like Schweppes, Canada Dry, and Seagram’s are gluten-free. Canadian labeling laws also require all allergens like gluten to be listed.
UK
Schweppes, Canada Dry, and Fever-Tree ginger ales sold in the UK are gluten-free. UK labels clearly state allergen information.
Australia
Mainstream Australian ginger ale brands including Schweppes, Bundaberg, and Fever-Tree are gluten-free. Australia has strict laws on labeling gluten-containing ingredients.
So the most popular ginger ale brands appear to be gluten-free globally. But as always, check labels carefully if following a gluten-free diet.
Does Alcoholic Ginger Ale Have Gluten?
Some alcoholic ginger ale cocktails and mixed drinks may contain gluten. For example:
- Moscow Mule: often uses ginger beer that contains gluten
- Dark and Stormy: typically contains glutenous ginger beer
- Irish Mule: may use gluten-containing Irish whiskey or cream
To make a gluten-free alcoholic ginger ale cocktail:
– Use a gluten-free whiskey like Tincup or Queen Jennie
– Choose a gluten-free ginger beer or use ginger ale
– Use dairy-free creamers like coconut milk or nut milk
– Check mixers like simple syrups for gluten as well
Vodka is a gluten-free spirit, so vodka-based ginger ale cocktails are typically gluten-free. But other ingredients like beer, whiskey, and flavorings may add gluten.
Can You Make Your Own Gluten-Free Ginger Ale?
Absolutely! Making homemade ginger ale is simple. Here is an easy gluten-free recipe:
Gluten-Free Homemade Ginger Ale
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch salt
- 2 cups soda water
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, ginger, lemon juice and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from heat and allow ginger syrup to cool completely.
- Strain syrup into a glass to remove ginger pieces.
- Add soda water and stir to combine.
- Serve over ice and enjoy!
This homemade ginger ale is crisp, refreshing and completely gluten-free. Adjust the amount of ginger to suit your taste.
Gluten-Free Ginger Ale Brand Comparison
| Brand | Gluten-Free? | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Dry | Yes | Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate |
| Schweppes | Yes | Carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate |
| Seagram’s | Yes | Ginger ale, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium benzoate |
| Vernors | Yes | Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, natural flavors |
| Fever-Tree | No | Carbonated water, sugar, ginger extract, citric acid, natural flavorings (contain barley) |
This comparison shows the major national ginger ale brands are gluten-free, while Fever-Tree contains barley.
The Bottom Line
Plain, classic ginger ale without gluten-containing ingredients is generally safe for gluten-free diets. Major brands like Canada Dry, Schweppes, Seagram’s and Vernors are all gluten-free.
However, some ginger ales may contain barley, wheat or malt flavors. And ginger beer often contains gluten. So always check the ingredients list and contact the manufacturer if in doubt.
A “gluten-free” label provides extra assurance, but isn’t required if no gluten grains are used. Homemade ginger ale with just ginger, sugar and soda water is naturally gluten-free.
Overall, most mainstream ginger ales can be enjoyed on a gluten-free diet. But take care with craft sodas, ginger beers and mixers that may add hidden sources of gluten. When in doubt, stick to classic ginger ales with simple ingredients.
