Ginger beer has evolved from a fermented beverage to a beloved non-alcoholic drink and cocktail mixer. With numerous brands vying for attention, finding the perfect ginger beer can be a delightful yet daunting task. This article dives deep into the world of ginger beer, focusing specifically on diet options, to help you make an informed choice.
What is Ginger Beer?
Originally, ginger beer was a fermented drink crafted from ginger, water, sugar, and a starter culture or yeast, resulting in natural carbonation, similar to kombucha. While traditional ginger beer contained alcohol (around 11%), modern versions are almost exclusively non-alcoholic. It is a staple in drinks like the Moscow Mule and Dark & Stormy.
Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Ale: What's the Difference?
It's essential to distinguish ginger beer from ginger ale. Ginger ale is a ginger-flavored soda, characterized by higher carbonation, increased sweetness, and a milder ginger flavor compared to ginger beer. Ginger beer, on the other hand, boasts a stronger, spicier profile with a more pronounced ginger-forward taste. While ginger ale is typically a soda, ginger beer is often brewed or fermented, with some brands adding extra carbonation. Both beverages can be enjoyed on their own, as mixers, or even as remedies for nausea.
Evaluating Ginger Beer: What to Look For
When assessing ginger beer, several factors come into play, including:
- Taste: The balance of ginger, sweetness, and other flavor notes.
- Spiciness: The intensity of the ginger "burn."
- Sweetness: The level of sugar or alternative sweeteners.
- Fizz: The amount of carbonation.
- Ingredients: The use of real ginger versus extracts, and the presence of artificial additives.
Spotlight on Bundaberg Diet Ginger Beer
Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is a family-owned Australian business, crafting premium soft drinks since the 1960s. Unlike many mass-produced drinks that are quickly mixed in factories, Bundaberg carefully brews its beverages over several days to achieve an exceptional taste. They avoid shortcuts, relying on real fruit juices, herbs, and spices for a natural taste. The company also proudly sources local products whenever possible, utilizing the fertile soils of Queensland, Australia, for growing ginger and sugarcane.
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Bundaberg believes in taste-testing their products with real people and bottles their drinks in glass to preserve the integrity of the brew. To fully enjoy the flavor, they recommend inverting the bottle before opening to release the real pieces of fruit, herbs, and spices.
Bundaberg Diet Ginger Beer: A Personal Experience
One reviewer discovered Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Diet Ginger Beer while browsing the aisles of QFC. Impressed by its unique offering, they have since purchased multiple 4-packs. The reviewer, now sober, appreciates knowing exactly what they're putting into their body.
Other Flavors by Bundaberg
Bundaberg offers a variety of other flavors, including:
- Root Beer: Made with sarsaparilla root, licorice root, vanilla beans, and molasses.
- Lemon, Lime, & Bitters: A blend of aromatic spices, herbs, and lemon and lime juices with bitters.
- Guava: A true-brewed drink with a real guava flavor.
- Blood Orange: A premium-brewed drink with a blood orange taste.
- Peach: A sparkling brew with a sweet peach scent.
Bundaberg also provides cocktail and mocktail recipes, encouraging sober individuals to enjoy non-alcoholic options.
Where to Find Bundaberg Products
Bundaberg products can be found at various retailers, including Walmart, Target, Instacart, Bartell Drugs, QFC, Albertson’s, Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Amazon.
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Other Ginger Beer Brands: A Comparative Review
Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
Fever-Tree is often considered a gold standard for ginger beer, crafted with three ginger varieties from India, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. Its flavor profile is warm, spicy, nuanced, and less sweet, making it ideal for mocktails. It stands out with a strong, yet not overpowering, ginger flavor.
Q Mixers Ginger Beer
Q Mixers is known for its spicy, peppery, and fizzy ginger beer, made with ginger and chili pepper extracts. It offers a noticeable bite and subtle citrus notes, designed for mixed drinks. Q Mixers also produces diet and flavored ginger beers, such as Hibiscus and Tropical.
Favorite Day Ginger Beer
Favorite Day offers a ginger beer with a strong ginger ale flavor, fizzy and sweet. It's a versatile option for drinking on its own or mixing into drinks. They also have a zero-calorie diet version and a Hibiscus Ginger Beer.
Reed's Ginger Beer
Reed’s specializes in Jamaican-style ginger beer made with real ginger, honey, pineapple, lemon & lime juices, and spices. It has a fizzy and sweet taste with a gingerbread-like ginger flavor. Reed’s offers different spice levels (Original, Extra, Strongest) and a zero-calorie diet version.
Betty Buzz Ginger Beer
Created by Blake Lively, Betty Buzz mixers are lower in calories and made with real ingredients. While the ingredients are commendable, the ginger beer flavor is subtle, resembling a sweet lemon-lime soda more than a traditional ginger beer.
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Additional Ginger Beer Brands to Consider
- Capi Spicy Ginger Beer: Known for its balanced spice-sweetness and strong fizz, though some find the aroma reminiscent of an aquatic center.
- Kirks Olde Stoney Ginger Beer: A budget-friendly option with a vague ginger flavor, described as perfume-y and citrusy.
- Fentiman’s: A spicier option with complex herbal, botanical, and juniper notes.
- Maine Root: An intensely ginger-flavored beer, not for those sensitive to spice.
- Barritt’s: A lighter ginger flavor that may be too sweet for some.
- Powell & Mahoney Craft Cocktail Mixers: A perfectly balanced ginger beer with a small zing of ginger flavor.
- Gosling’s: Designed to pair with Gosling’s spiced rum for a Dark and Stormy.
- Hot Ginger Beer by Strangelove: An aggressive flavor with a strong fizz and bitter aftertaste.
- Strangelove Double Ginger Beer: Heavily spiced but less sweet, described as medicinal by some.
- Bobby Ginger Beer: Described as unremarkable and a safe bet.
- Burrandy Ginger Beer: An Aldi imitator of Bundaberg, with a low-ginger, high-sweet profile.
- Daylesford and Hepburn Mineral Springs Co Organic Brewed Ginger Beer: Some reviewers found the aroma reminiscent of flyspray.
Ginger Beer for Specific Needs
- For Moscow Mules: Fever Tree is a popular choice for Moscow Mules, while Q Mixers can add extra spice.
- For Maximum Spice: Q Mixers stands out as the spiciest option.
- For a Sweetest Option: Bundaberg is noted for its sweetness.
- For Migraine Relief: Ginger beer can be beneficial due to ginger's anti-inflammatory properties. Look for brands with limited ingredients and sugar.
The Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has been shown to abort migraine attacks in medical studies. When selecting a ginger beer, it’s important to consider the ingredients, particularly if you have sensitivities. Some brands use citric acid, while others opt for tartaric acid (found in grapes and other fruits).
Making Your Own Ginger Beer
For those who prefer complete control over ingredients, making ginger beer at home is an option. This allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.