Are you a fan of ginger ale but concerned about the ingredients in your favorite brand?
One common ingredient that many people try to avoid is high fructose corn syrup. But what about Schweppes Ginger Ale? Does it contain this controversial sweetener?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in Schweppes Ginger Ale and compare it to other popular brands on the market.
So sit back, grab a cold glass of ginger ale, and let’s dive in!
Does Schweppes Ginger Ale Have High Fructose Corn Syrup?
After examining the ingredient list on a bottle of Schweppes Ginger Ale, we can confirm that it does contain high fructose corn syrup. This sweetener is listed as the second ingredient, after carbonated water.
High fructose corn syrup has been linked to a variety of health issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some people choose to avoid it altogether, opting for ginger ale brands that use alternative sweeteners like cane sugar or honey.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener made from corn starch. It is commonly used in processed foods and beverages as a cheaper alternative to sugar. HFCS is made by breaking down corn starch into glucose and then converting some of that glucose into fructose using an enzyme called D-xylose isomerase. The resulting syrup contains varying levels of fructose, with the most common forms being HFCS 42 and HFCS 55, which contain 42% and 55% fructose respectively.
HFCS is often compared to sugar, as they have similar levels of fructose and glucose. However, HFCS has a longer shelf life and is easier to handle during manufacturing, making it a popular choice for processed foods and beverages. Some studies have suggested that consuming high amounts of HFCS may contribute to health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration states that it is not aware of evidence showing that HFCS is less safe than traditional sweeteners such as sucrose and honey.
The Controversy Surrounding High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup has been a controversial topic for many years now. Some argue that it is no different from regular sugar, while others claim that it is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic in the United States. The controversy surrounding high fructose corn syrup began in 2004 when two obesity researchers suggested that it played a significant role in the global rise of obesity. They analyzed 30 years of data and found that the consumption of HFCS had increased more than 1,000 percent during that time period, far exceeding changes in intake of any other food.
Opponents of HFCS argue that it contributes to health problems like liver fat accumulation, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation. Studies have shown that HFCS increases appetite and promotes obesity more than regular sugar. It can also cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects over 90 million Americans.
However, supporters of HFCS claim that it is no different from regular sugar and that the human body cannot tell the difference between the two sweeteners. They argue that HFCS has the same number of calories as sugar and is handled similarly by the body. The corn refiners have even advocated for a name change for their product, calling it “corn sugar” instead of high fructose corn syrup.
The Ingredients In Schweppes Ginger Ale
Schweppes Ginger Ale is made with the following ingredients: carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), caramel color, and natural flavors.
Carbonated water is the primary ingredient in Schweppes Ginger Ale, providing the fizzy texture that makes it so refreshing. High fructose corn syrup is the sweetener used to give the drink its characteristic taste. It is a highly processed sweetener made from corn starch and has been controversial due to its potential health risks.
Citric acid is added to Schweppes Ginger Ale to give it a tangy flavor and act as a preservative. Sodium benzoate is also used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Caramel color is added for aesthetic purposes, giving the drink its amber hue. Finally, natural flavors are added to enhance the taste of the ginger ale.
While Schweppes Ginger Ale contains high fructose corn syrup, it is important to note that it is not the only ginger ale brand to use this sweetener. Many popular soda brands use high fructose corn syrup as a primary sweetener in their products. However, for those who are concerned about consuming high fructose corn syrup, there are alternative ginger ale brands available that use natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey.
Other Alternatives To Schweppes Ginger Ale For Those Avoiding High Fructose Corn Syrup.
If you’re looking for a ginger ale brand that avoids using high fructose corn syrup, there are several options available on the market. One such brand is Virgil’s, which prides itself on using natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. Their zero-calorie ginger ale is a great option for those who want to enjoy the refreshing taste of ginger ale without the added sugars.
Another alternative to Schweppes Ginger Ale is Bruce Cost, which uses organic cane sugar and fresh ginger in its unfiltered recipe. While it does contain more sugar than some other brands, it is still a better option than high fructose corn syrup.
For those who prefer a more traditional take on ginger ale, there are also options like fermented ginger kombucha and natural sodas like Olipop. These alternatives may contain less processed ingredients and actual ginger root, but it’s important to note that they still contribute added sugars to the diet.
Ultimately, the best option for those avoiding high fructose corn syrup is to read ingredient labels carefully and choose brands that use natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey. Diluting 100 percent fruit juices with water is also a great way to decrease natural sugars and enjoy a refreshing beverage without the added sugars.
