Reeds Real Ginger Ale: Real Ingredients vs. Commercial Alternatives

Reeds Real Ginger Ale is a craft ginger beer made with real ginger root, cane sugar, and natural ingredients, distinguishing it from most commercial ginger ales that use artificial ginger flavoring and high fructose corn syrup. Unlike traditional ginger ales which are typically light-bodied and mildly flavored, Reeds is classified as a ginger beer due to its stronger ginger content and brewing process.

When consumers search for information about reeds real ginger ale ingredients, they're often trying to understand what makes this beverage different from standard grocery store options. The key distinction lies in its formulation and production method. While most mass-market ginger ales contain minimal actual ginger (often just ginger flavoring), Reeds uses a significant amount of real ginger root in its brewing process.

What Makes Reeds a "Real" Ginger Product?

The term "real" in Reeds Real Ginger Ale refers to its commitment to using genuine ingredients rather than artificial substitutes. The beverage is technically a ginger beer due to its preparation method, despite being marketed as ginger ale. Ginger beers traditionally contain higher concentrations of ginger and are often brewed through a fermentation process, while ginger ales are typically carbonated waters flavored with ginger.

Reeds uses a proprietary process where fresh ginger root is steeped and brewed, creating a more robust flavor profile with noticeable heat and complexity. This contrasts with conventional ginger ales that often feature a one-dimensional, sweet flavor with minimal ginger character.

Ingredient Comparison: Craft vs. Commercial Ginger Beverages

Product	Primary Sweetener	Ginger Source	Additional Ingredients	Serving Size (12 fl oz)
Reeds Real Ginger Ale (Regular)	Cane sugar	Real ginger root extract	Carbonated water, natural flavors	200 calories, 52g sugar
Reeds Real Ginger Ale (Extra Ginger)	Cane sugar	Higher concentration of real ginger	Carbonated water, natural flavors	200 calories, 52g sugar
Typical Commercial Ginger Ale	High fructose corn syrup	Artificial ginger flavor	Carbonated water, citric acid, preservatives	130 calories, 34g sugar

Understanding the Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale Distinction

Many consumers searching for reeds ginger ale vs regular ginger ale information don't realize they're actually comparing a ginger beer to a ginger ale. The distinction matters because:

• Ginger beers traditionally contain higher ginger concentrations (often 1-2% by weight) and may undergo partial fermentation
• Ginger ales are typically carbonated beverages with minimal ginger content, often just enough for flavoring
• Reeds falls into the ginger beer category due to its strong ginger flavor and brewing process, despite using "ginger ale" in its name

This classification explains why many mixologists prefer Reeds for craft cocktails—the stronger ginger profile holds up better against spirits and other ingredients compared to traditional ginger ales.

Practical Uses for Reeds Real Ginger Ale

When researching reeds real ginger ale cocktail recipes, consumers discover its versatility extends beyond simple mixers. The robust ginger flavor makes it particularly valuable for:

• Craft cocktails - Especially Moscow Mules and Dark and Stormys where ginger flavor is central
• Nausea relief - Many people seek information about whether is reeds real ginger ale good for nausea, and while scientific evidence is limited, the higher ginger content may provide more relief than standard ginger ales
• Culinary applications - Used in marinades, glazes, and reductions where ginger flavor is desired
• Non-alcoholic beverages - Served chilled as a standalone drink for those seeking stronger ginger flavor

Nutritional Profile and Health Considerations

Those investigating reeds real ginger ale nutritional facts should understand both benefits and considerations. While the use of cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup is often viewed as preferable, the sugar content remains high:

• A 12-ounce serving contains approximately 52 grams of sugar (from cane sugar)
• The actual ginger root content provides potential digestive benefits associated with ginger
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors are used in the traditional varieties
• Lower-sugar options are available but contain sugar substitutes that alter the flavor profile

When evaluating reeds real ginger ale sugar content against commercial alternatives, note that while the total sugar may be higher, the source (cane sugar vs. high fructose corn syrup) and presence of actual ginger compounds differentiate its nutritional profile.

Availability and Consumer Considerations

For those searching where to buy reeds real ginger ale, the product has expanded beyond specialty stores to many mainstream grocery chains, though availability varies by region. It typically costs 2-3 times more than standard ginger ale brands, reflecting its craft production process and premium ingredients.

Consumers should note that Reeds offers several varieties including:

• Original (strongest ginger flavor)
• Extra Ginger (even more intense ginger profile)
• Lower sugar options (using sugar substitutes)
• Flavored varieties (like raspberry and lemon)

When selecting a variety, consider your intended use—original or extra ginger works best for cocktails and potential nausea relief, while lower-sugar options may suit those monitoring sugar intake despite the altered flavor profile.

Is Reeds Real Ginger Ale actually made with real ginger?

Yes, Reeds Real Ginger Ale uses actual ginger root in its brewing process, unlike most commercial ginger ales that rely on artificial ginger flavoring. The company specifies that they use real ginger extract, which gives their product a stronger, more complex ginger flavor profile.

How does Reeds Real Ginger Ale differ from regular ginger ale?

Reeds is technically a ginger beer rather than a ginger ale due to its higher ginger content and brewing process. It uses cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, contains real ginger root extract rather than artificial flavoring, and has a stronger, spicier flavor profile with more noticeable heat.

Is Reeds Real Ginger Ale effective for nausea relief?

While scientific evidence specifically on Reeds is limited, its higher concentration of real ginger may provide more nausea relief than standard ginger ales that contain minimal actual ginger. Ginger has been studied for its potential anti-nausea properties, and beverages with higher ginger content like Reeds may be more effective for this purpose.

What is the sugar content in Reeds Real Ginger Ale compared to other brands?

A 12-ounce serving of regular Reeds contains about 52 grams of sugar from cane sugar, which is higher than many commercial ginger ales (typically 34g using high fructose corn syrup). However, the source of sugar differs, with Reeds using cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup, which some consumers prefer despite the higher total sugar content.

Why is Reeds more expensive than other ginger ales?

Reeds costs more due to its craft production process, use of real ginger root instead of artificial flavoring, cane sugar instead of cheaper sweeteners, and smaller production scale compared to mass-market brands. The higher ingredient quality and more complex brewing process contribute to the premium price point.