Buying guide for Best ginger beers
For those who want to take a break from ginger ale without sacrificing their love of ginger, there's ginger beer!
This refreshing beverage generally includes ginger, yeast, and sugar, among other ingredients. It was originally created in the Caribbean, and today, it is frequently sold at bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Like root beer, ginger beer is often classified as a soda. It is a fizzy beverage that can usually be consumed right from the bottle or can. Ginger beer is sometimes used in mixed drinks, like coolers and margaritas, too.
Features
Alcohol content
Ginger beers generally have an alcohol content of 0.5% or less.
Carbonation
Certain ginger beers are crafted with carbonation in mind. These beers tend to stay fizzier longer than others.
Mixer
Some ginger beers are sold exclusively as mixers. These beers tend to be less sweet and more carbonated than ginger beers sold as spicy sodas.
Sweeteners and preservatives
If you want a mostly natural ginger beer, options are available that contain no artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
Agave
Some ginger beers contain organic agave that delivers a crisp, refreshing taste.
Calories and sugar
On average, an eight-ounce serving of ginger beer contains less than 120 calories. However, the more sugar a bottle or can of ginger beer contains, the higher the product's calorie content will be. As you might expect, a higher sugar content in ginger beer tends to result in a sweeter taste.
Quantity and size
Ginger beer is often sold in packages that contain anywhere from four to 24 bottles or cans. The size of ginger beer cans and bottles frequently varies from about six ounces to 10 ounces.
Imported
Some ginger beers are crafted in the U.S., while others are made in the UK and the Caribbean.
Recycling
Since ginger beers are sold in bottles and cans, you can recycle them when you're done.GMO-free: If you want a ginger beer that is free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), assorted GMO-free options are available.
We research various brands of ginger beer to see how their flavor profile, carbonation, and sweetness impact the taste of cocktails.
Bottles and cans of ginger beer tend to be sized for mixing drinks, ranging from 6 to 10 ounces. We consider the value per can as well as the flavor and possible cocktail applications.
The carbonation level can vary among brands of ginger beer. We research which ones stay fizzy.
Ginger beer has a very low alcohol content – less than 0.5% – but we keep an eye out for alcohol-free versions to help consumers find the perfect ginger beer for them.
We compare ginger beer prices to find out which ones offer the best value at different price points. Ginger beer can be found for as low as $2 to $3 per bottle, while imported brands may cost as much as $7 per bottle.
We consider the sweeteners and preservatives used in ginger beers. For consumers looking for a more natural ginger beer, some brands use no artificial sweeteners or preservatives and are GMO-free.
We look at the quantity-per-package offered by different brands of ginger beer. Packages may contain anywhere from 4 to 24 bottles or cans.
We research where various ginger beers come from. Although ginger beer originated in the Caribbean, today, you can get it from Jamaica and the UK as well as the states.
We research the flavor profiles of various ginger beers, particularly how spicy the ginger flavor is. Some consumers prefer a mild flavor, while others like a spicy kick of ginger in their drinks.
For consumers concerned about calories, we take note of sweeteners and whether the brand offers a diet version. Some brands sweeten their ginger beer with cane sugar, while others use agave nectar or artificial sweeteners.
Ginger beer prices
Quality ginger beer can be found across different price points, so you should have no trouble finding a beverage that falls in line with your budget.
Inexpensive
In the lowest price tier, ginger beer is sold at approximately $2 to $3 per can or bottle. Ginger beer in this price range usually comes in a four-pack and is designed for consumption on its own or as part of a cocktail.
Mid-range
In the middle price tier, ginger beers range from $4 to $5 per can or bottle. Ginger beer at this price usually includes fresh ginger and other top-notch ingredients and does not contain artificial flavorings or colors.
Expensive
In the highest tier, prices may go up to $7 per can or bottle. Ginger beer in this price category often has a smooth texture and may be imported from Jamaica or other areas of the Caribbean.
The ginger in ginger beer contains a powerful combination of nutrients and minerals, and these include protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
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BestReviews
Tips
Worried about consuming excess amounts of sugar or calories? Low-sugar and low-calorie ginger beer options are available.
When it comes to buying ginger beer for the first time, start with a single pack. If you enjoy this ginger beer, you can always pick up additional packs down the line.
If you are concerned about the alcohol content in ginger beer, shop accordingly. And don't forget – alcohol-free varieties of ginger beer are available.
Don't settle for an inferior ginger beer. Lots of amazing ginger beer options are at your disposal. If at first you don't like a particular ginger beer, there is no need to stress, as other options are available that you may like.
Look beyond the price tag. Just because a ginger beer has a high price tag does not necessarily guarantee that the product will match your expectations.
FAQ
Q. Does ginger beer offer health benefits?
A. Ginger beer tends to be a healthier alternative to traditional beer. It often contains fresh grated ginger, which may help alleviate muscle soreness and nausea and has anti-inflammatory effects. The ginger in ginger beer may help reduce the risk of chronic indigestion, too.
Q. What are the differences between ginger beer and ginger ale?
A. Ginger beer and ginger ale may seem similar, but there are significant differences between the two. Both are carbonated, but ginger beer tends to be less carbonated than ginger ale. Furthermore, ginger beer tends to have a stronger flavor than ginger ale, and ginger ale is sometimes sold in different flavors.
Q. Which is better: ginger beer in bottles or in cans?
A. How ginger beer is packaged has no effect on its taste. But some people prefer ginger beer in bottles over cans, or vice-versa, due to convenience. For instance, cans of ginger beer may be lighter and easier to transport than ginger beer bottles. On the other hand, some people believe ginger beer bottles stay colder longer than ginger beer cans.
Q. Does ginger beer need to be refrigerated?
A. Not necessarily – it depends on how you use it. In certain instances, ginger beer may be kept behind a bar and used in mixed drinks. But for those who want a cold bottle or can of ginger beer that they can enjoy at their convenience, it is generally a good idea to refrigerate your ginger beer or keep a frozen mug handy.
