Canada Dry will still tell Canadians it is 'Made from Real Ginger' — just not Americans (2024)

The soft drink’s producer has agreed to remove this controversial claim from American packaging in order to settle a series of U.S. class action lawsuits over false advertising

Author of the article:

Joseph Brean

Published Jan 14, 20193 minute read

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Canada Dry will still tell Canadians it is 'Made from Real Ginger' — just not Americans (1)

Canada Dry Ginger Ale will continue to be marketed in Canada as “Made from Real Ginger” even though the soft drink’s producer has agreed to remove this controversial claim from American packaging in order to settle a series of U.S. class action lawsuits over false advertising.

The company is evaluating the Canadian packaging, but it still makes the “Made from Real Ginger” claim prominently, and there are “no changes to announce at this time,” according to Katie Gilroy, director of corporate communications for Keurig Dr. Pepper.

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Canada Dry will still tell Canadians it is 'Made from Real Ginger' — just not Americans (2)

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As part of the American settlement, Keurig Dr. Pepper will also make cash payments to compensate anyone who has bought Canada Dry in the U.S. since 2013, to a limit of $5.20 per household without receipts, or $40 with them. If this settlement is finalized by a court as planned later this year, it will resolve several related class actions that alleged violations of state-level business laws, all based on the ginger claim.

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The New York lawsuit, for example, cited “common law fraud, deceit and/or misrepresentation, breach of express and implied warranties and unjust enrichment.”

At issue was Canada Dry’s actual ginger content, which lawyers for the New York plaintiff claimed was negligible and falsely promoted as part of a marketing scheme to make Canada Dry seem like a healthy alternative to regular pop.

Ginger, a spice derived from the rhizome of a flowering plant, is commonly used in alternative health treatments, often focused on digestion, although actual science about its benefits is slim.

Flat ginger ale is a popular folk remedy for upset stomach, often given to sick children as a kind of medicine or restorative. Like other pops, however, Canada Dry is made of high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, preservatives and natural flavours, mixed into carbonated water.

Canada Dry will still tell Canadians it is 'Made from Real Ginger' — just not Americans (3)

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Court records suggest there was a 9 per cent rise in sales in the first six months after the addition of “Made from Real Ginger” to Canada Dry’s packaging. A judge who heard preliminary arguments in the California class action lawsuit cited internal company documents that suggested 30 per cent of Canada Dry consumers who increased their consumption did so because of expected health benefits from real ginger.

Research by the New York complainant’s lawyer estimated the actual ginger compound content of Canada Dry at two parts per million, which is below the threshold for human taste, and far lower than any amount that could have health benefits. It claimed that Canada Dry’s “natural flavours” are actually “a flavour compound comprised predominately of flavour extracts not derived from ginger, and a minuscule amount of a ginger flavour extract.”

“Canada Dry’s ginger flavour extract is not ‘real ginger’ as reasonable consumers understand that term,” the lawsuit claims. “It is manufactured in a lab using various chemicals and extraction processes.”

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Keurig Dr. Pepper decided to remove the claim claim from its American packaging as part of a negotiated settlement that only applies in the U.S. and will “avoid a protracted litigation process,” Gilroy said in an emailed statement.

“Canada Dry Ginger Ale has always been made using real ginger extract to provide its ginger flavour,” she said.

She declined to answer further questions about this discrepancy, however, such as why the company would not defend against the lawsuit if the claim is true, or how it could put it on Canadian packaging if it is false, or whether the company disputes the two parts per million claim, or how much real ginger is actually in the product.

• Email: jbrean@nationalpost.com | Twitter: josephbrean

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Canada Dry will still tell Canadians it is 'Made from Real Ginger' — just not Americans (2024)

FAQs

Canada Dry will still tell Canadians it is 'Made from Real Ginger' — just not Americans? ›

Canada Dry Ginger Ale will continue to be marketed in Canada as “Made from Real Ginger” even though the soft drink's producer has agreed to remove this controversial claim from American packaging in order to settle a series of U.S. class action lawsuits over false advertising.

Does Canada Dry still use real ginger? ›

The natural flavouring it contains, according to Canada Dry Motts, does contain some extractives of ginger but now that they have settled mutiple lawsuits they are going to change the labeling so it no longer says made with real ginger.

Is Canada Dry a good source of ginger? ›

Too little to have any health benefits, the company itself admitted in court: “The labels do not promise that Canada Dry contains a certain amount of 'real ginger,' nor does Canada Dry purport to be a good source of ginger,” Keurig Dr Pepper told the court.

What is going on with Canada Dry Ginger Ale? ›

Canada Dry has been fighting false advertising lawsuits for years questioning how much, if any, ginger is in its soda. The company settled the American suits by agreeing to drop the slogan for good in early January — but still stood by its recipe and denied it misled customers.

Does Canada Dry or Schweppes have real ginger? ›

VERIFY looked at the ingredients list of Seagram's ginger ale and found that the soda contains “ginger extract with other natural flavors.” Schweppes, Canada Dry and Great Value ginger ale do not include ginger in their ingredient list and instead only say “natural flavors.” According to the FDA, “natural flavors” can ...

Does anyone make ginger ale with real ginger? ›

Reed's Real Ginger Ale

Our ginger ale is made with pressed organic ginger in every batch and is known and loved for it's crisp, classic taste and natural ingredients. Choose real ginger ale for the ultimate refreshment.

Which ginger ale has real ginger in Canada? ›

A Canadian favourite since 1904, Canada Dry® Ginger Ale is the smooth, refreshing taste that's as crisp as a morning spent on the lake. Made with 100% natural flavours including real ginger flavour, it's a classic for a reason.

Which country makes the best ginger? ›

India - Ranked #1, the country accounts for 43.81% of total world Ginger production. Cultivated over 164,000 hectares. Yield: 109,024 hg/ha. Nigeria - Ranked #2, the country accounts for 16.94% of total world Ginger production.

Is Canada Dry Ginger Ale healthier than co*ke? ›

In the case of artificially flavored ginger ale, the beverage has no more health benefits than any other soda, which, of course, are zero. But in the case of ginger ale flavored by real ginger root, the beverage has marginally more health benefits than other soft drinks.

What does ginger do to the body? ›

Health Benefits of Ginger

Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn't linger as long in the gut. Nausea relief.

How unhealthy is Canada Dry Ginger Ale? ›

Canada Dry Ginger Ale contains substantial amounts of sugar, contributing to increased daily caloric intake. Overconsumption of sugary drinks is associated with weight gain, type 2 diabetes, dental problems, and heart disease. Moderation is key.

When should you not drink ginger ale? ›

If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”

Is Canada Dry owned by co*ke? ›

Canada Dry is a brand of soft drinks founded in 1904 and owned since 2008 by the American company Dr Pepper Snapple (now Keurig Dr Pepper). For over 100 years, Canada Dry has been known mainly for its ginger ale, though the company also manufactures a number of other soft drinks and mixers.

Is there real ginger in Canada Dry? ›

Research by the New York complainant's lawyer estimated the actual ginger compound content of Canada Dry at two parts per million, which is below the threshold for human taste, and far lower than any amount that could have health benefits.

Which ginger ale is better, Canada Dry or Schweppes? ›

Flavor Profile: Canada Dry captivates with its light and balanced ginger taste, appealing to those who prefer a milder ginger ale experience. On the other hand, Schweppes boasts a bold and zesty ginger kick, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced ginger flavor with a satisfying sweetness.

Does ginger ale actually help your stomach? ›

For some people, the carbonation in ginger ale and other fizzy beverages may help ease their gastrointestinal distress, Sassos said, while other people may find that it makes things worse. So it really depends on how your body responds.

Does Canadian Club Dry have ginger? ›

Product Details. Canadian Club Whisky & Dry is a super-smooth mix of Canadian Club Whisky and Dry Ginger to produce a ready to drink can that chills down quickly for the ultimate refreshment.

Is dry ginger powder as effective as fresh ginger? ›

Dry ginger contains concentrated form of the nutrients available in ginger, making it a better option for various health problems. Shilpa Arora weighs in, "While dry ginger is potent in terms of nutrients, fresh ginger roots help add some water content in your food or drink.

What is the healthiest ginger ale? ›

Zevia Zero Calorie Ginger Ale

Based on the nutrition label, this ginger ale is the healthiest with 0 of everything. It's made with carbonated water, stevia, natural flavors, citric acid and ginger extract.

Does Canada import ginger? ›

Canada imports most of its Ginger from India, Vietnam and Pakistan .

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