Reed's Ginger Ale: History, Varieties & Uses Explained

Reed's Ginger Ale is a premium ginger beverage brand known for its authentic brewing process using real ginger root, launched in 1987 by Christopher Reed. Unlike mainstream ginger ales, it contains significantly more ginger and is fermented rather than carbonated with artificial flavors.

When consumers search for information about Reed's Ginger Ale, they're typically seeking authentic details about this distinctive beverage that stands apart from conventional soft drinks. This comprehensive guide delivers factual information about the brand's history, product variations, ingredient composition, and practical applications based on verifiable information.

The Authentic Story Behind Reed's Ginger Ale

Christopher Reed founded the company in 1987 after developing his ginger beverage recipe while recovering from malaria in Africa. His formulation used fresh ginger root rather than artificial ginger flavoring common in most commercial ginger ales. The brand gained recognition for its commitment to using whole ginger root, lemon, and other natural ingredients through a traditional brewing process.

Unlike standard ginger ales that typically contain less than 0.5% ginger, Reed's real ginger ale ingredients feature substantial ginger content—up to 4 grams of fresh ginger per 12-ounce bottle in their Extra Ginger variety. This authentic approach creates a spicier, more complex flavor profile that appeals to ginger enthusiasts seeking genuine taste rather than sugary sweetness.

Understanding Reed's Product Line Variations

Reed's offers several distinct product lines that cater to different consumer preferences while maintaining their commitment to real ginger:

Product Variety	Ginger Content	Sugar Content (per 12oz)	Key Characteristics
Original Ginger Ale	Moderate	35g	Balanced sweetness with noticeable ginger spice
Extra Ginger	High (4g fresh ginger)	34g	Intense ginger flavor, pronounced heat
Diet/Zero Sugar	Moderate	0g	Sweetened with erythritol, less ginger bite
Ginger Beer	Very High	27g	Stronger carbonation, more aggressive ginger flavor

How Reed's Differs from Conventional Ginger Ales

The difference between Reed's and regular ginger ale extends beyond just taste. Most commercial ginger ales use artificial ginger flavoring and high-fructose corn syrup as primary sweeteners, with minimal actual ginger content. Reed's employs a brewing process similar to craft beer production, where fresh ginger root is steeped and fermented, creating natural carbonation and complex flavor compounds.

This traditional approach results in a beverage with visible ginger particles and a noticeably spicier profile. The sugar content in Reed's ginger ale remains relatively high in regular varieties (comparable to other premium ginger beverages), though they've introduced zero-sugar options for health-conscious consumers.

Practical Applications and Considerations

While many consumers wonder about Reed's ginger ale health benefits, it's important to note that while ginger itself has documented properties, the beverage contains significant sugar. The brand doesn't make specific health claims, though the ginger content may provide mild digestive benefits for some individuals.

For those exploring using Reed's ginger ale for nausea, the higher ginger concentration in varieties like Extra Ginger may be more effective than standard ginger ales, though medical professionals typically recommend pure ginger supplements for therapeutic purposes.

Culinary professionals frequently choose Reed's for cocktail recipes due to its authentic flavor profile. Bartenders appreciate how Reed's ginger beer vs ginger ale offers different applications—ginger beer's stronger flavor works well in Moscow Mules and dark spirit cocktails, while the ginger ale varieties complement lighter spirits and provide a refreshing mixer.

Availability and Consumer Considerations

Finding authentic Reed's products requires attention to labeling, as the brand has expanded its product line while maintaining core formulations. When determining where to buy Reed's ginger ale, consumers will typically find it in the natural foods section of major grocery chains, health food stores, and liquor stores (for the ginger beer varieties).

Price points reflect the premium nature of the product, generally costing 20-50% more than mainstream ginger ales due to the higher ginger content and traditional production methods. For consumers monitoring sugar intake, the zero-sugar varieties provide an alternative while maintaining some ginger character, though with less pronounced heat than their regular counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Reed's Ginger Ale actually contain real ginger?

Yes, Reed's Ginger Ale uses real ginger root in its brewing process. Their Extra Ginger variety contains approximately 4 grams of fresh ginger per 12-ounce bottle, significantly more than conventional ginger ales which typically use artificial ginger flavoring with minimal actual ginger content.

What's the difference between Reed's Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale?

Reed's Ginger Beer has a stronger ginger flavor, higher carbonation level, and slightly less sugar than their Ginger Ale varieties. Ginger Beer typically contains more ginger root and undergoes a more intensive brewing process, resulting in a spicier, more robust beverage preferred for cocktails like Moscow Mules.

Is Reed's Ginger Ale effective for nausea relief?

While Reed's contains real ginger which has documented properties that may help with mild digestive discomfort, it's not a medical treatment. The higher ginger concentration in varieties like Extra Ginger may provide more relief than standard ginger ales, but those seeking therapeutic benefits for nausea should consult healthcare professionals about appropriate ginger supplements.

How much sugar is in Reed's Ginger Ale compared to regular ginger ale?

Regular Reed's Original Ginger Ale contains about 35g of sugar per 12-ounce serving, which is comparable to other premium ginger beverages but slightly higher than some mainstream ginger ales. Their Extra Ginger variety has 34g, while their Zero Sugar options contain no sugar, using erythritol as a sweetener instead.

Why does Reed's Ginger Ale taste different from Canada Dry or Schweppes?

Reed's uses a traditional brewing process with real ginger root, resulting in a spicier, more complex flavor with noticeable heat. Conventional brands like Canada Dry and Schweppes typically use artificial ginger flavoring and higher amounts of sweeteners with minimal actual ginger content, creating a sweeter, less spicy profile that lacks the authentic ginger bite found in Reed's products.