Ginger beer
Reed's Ginger beer
12 oz
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
Why it scores 76
Reed's Ginger beer scores 76 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 2.5 points Stevia (steviol glycosides): WHO (2023) recommends against using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight (conditional recommendation); US dietary guidelines advise limiting them. Emerging
- minus 2.5 points Natural flavors: "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better sodas
-
Ginger Root Beer Zevia · 12 fl oz Not ultra-processed Score 95 out of 100 , 19 points higher -
Mineragua Jarritos Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 24 points higher -
Lavender Cucumber Aura Bora Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 100 out of 100 , 24 points higher -
Ginger Ale Soda Spindrift Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 94 out of 100 , 18 points higher -
GFuel Power Pellet G Fuel · 16 fl oz/1 PT/473 mL Not ultra-processed · No non-nutritive sweeteners Score 95 out of 100 , 19 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Ginger beer
Ingredients
- Stevia (steviol glycosides) minus 2.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 2 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 1.5 points
100 − 24.5 = 75.5 → 76
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 0 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3.4 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 0 g |
Serving: 355mL
Ingredients
- Sparkling filtered water
- pressed organic ginger
- stevia leaf extract
- natural pineapple flavor
- natural honey flavor
- natural lemon and lime flavors
- spices
- citric acid
Label text, as published
Sparkling filtered water, pressed organic ginger, stevia leaf extract, natural pineapple flavor, natural honey flavor, natural lemon and lime flavors, spices, citric acid.
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org