How Gingerbug Incorporates the Benefits of Ginger in All Their Prebiotic Sodas

Ginger is the spicy, zesty root that shows up everywhere, from stir-fries to cookies to your favorite fizzy drink. And no one takes that last one more seriously than Gingerbug. 

According to Gingerbug co-founder Megan Silk, the family-founded soda brand started on an off-the-grid organic homestead in Ontario, Canada. The intention was to teach their five children about where their food comes from, and to sell organic vegetables from the farm as a family business. The family also fermented things like ginger beer in their cellar, and one day, they brought along some mason jars of their ginger beer to their local farmers market. 

Silk remembers being pleasantly surprised at how well it sold. “After that, we had a family meeting and decided to pivot from farming to starting a beverage brand,” she says. “We all agreed that we were going to go all in and think as big as possible—and we have done just that.”

Curious about ginger? You’re in the right place. We’ll cover what ginger is, why it’s been a kitchen favorite for centuries, and what researchers are exploring. Then we’ll introduce the family behind Gingerbug and show how they turn this humble root into prebiotic sodas made with real food ingredients. 

What is ginger?

Ginger is a flowering plant that grows in tropical climates and is a close relative of turmeric. The part we eat is the root (technically a rhizome), which has a papery brown skin. Peel it back and you’ll find yellow, white, or reddish flesh with a sharp, citrusy aroma and a zesty, peppery bite that’s hard to mistake for anything else.

Chances are you’ve already enjoyed it in many forms, from ginger ale and gingersnaps to curries and stir-fries. Cooks across Asia and the Middle East have relied on it for thousands of years, and it’s easy to see why: fresh, dried, pickled, or juiced, it adds a bright kick to sweet and savory dishes alike.

What are the health benefits of ginger? 

Ginger has been studied for a long time, and scientists are still exploring how it works in the body. Here’s a look at a few areas of research. Keep in mind that studies often use concentrated ginger forms and amounts that are different from what you’d get in a recipe or a soda, and results can vary from person to person.

• Digestive comfort. One study looked at how ginger may influence how quickly the stomach empties after eating, which researchers think could help to relieve occasional stomach discomfort. 
• Post-workout muscle soreness. Researchers have explored whether daily ginger, in amounts around 2 grams, may be linked to less muscle soreness after exercise. 
• Occasional queasiness. Ginger has a long history as a way to soothe nausea, and researchers continue to look at how it may play a role.  

What does ginger taste like? 

Ginger is packed with flavor. One little piece brings warmth, spice, and brightness to a dish or drink.

The active flavor compound in ginger is called gingerol, which is a big part of that signature kick. Whether you grate it into a marinade or sip it in a soda, that bold, zippy taste is very strong—a little goes a long way! 

Ginger beer vs. ginger ale vs. ginger soda

While Gingerbug now makes prebiotic ginger sodas, they started by making ginger beer—and you’re likely very familiar with nostalgic ginger ale. Here are the main differences between ginger beer, ginger ale, and ginger soda. 

Drink	How it’s typically made	Flavor
Ginger beer	Traditionally brewed with fermented ginger	Spicy, bold, full-bodied
Ginger ale	Carbonated soft drink made with ginger, water, and sugar or other sweeteners	Light, mellow, sweet
Ginger soda	A broader term for any ginger-flavored soda	Varies by brand

What is a ginger bug?

It’s not just a clever name. “A ‘ginger bug’ is actually a facto-fermented starter culture that is used to make authentic, fermented ginger beer,” Silk says. “That’s how we started, though the product has now changed as we’ve scaled. But it did all begin with the ‘bug’!”

Meet Gingerbug: A Family-Owned Soda Brand 

If anyone knows ginger, it’s Gingerbug. (You can even catch their story on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, the Canadian version of Shark Tank.) 

“There was a ton of trial and error,” Silk says. “Our first product was raw and fermented and just too lively—it wouldn’t scale. So we eventually reformulated, but have been committed to using only real food ingredients.” 

Silk says that Gingerbug sodas have a “100% clean label” which she defines as having a label that includes the actual names of each ingredient on the label—and each ingredient is something people know and understand. “We do not even use the mystery ingredient ’natural flavors’, which is rare in the soda pop category,” she says. 

Here’s what sets Gingerbug’s ingredients apart: 

• Organic ginger juice in every can. Ginger isn’t just a flavoring here—It’s the star of the recipe. “Ginger is just so good for us, so we put lots of organic ginger juice in every single can we make,” Silk says. 
• No “natural flavors.” That mystery ingredient shows up in a lot of sodas, but you won’t find it in Gingerbug. Instead, their sodas are flavored with things like real fruit juices and organic cane sugar. 
• A “100% clean” label. What you see on the ingredient list is exactly what’s in the can.

Shop These Gingerbug Products at Thrive Market 

Gingerbug Cranberry Organic Ginger Ale With Lime 
Tart, sweet, and perfect for the holidays—without the synthetic colors or artificial flavors. 

Gingerbug Smooth Organic Ginger Beer
Flavored with real, organic ginger for a sweet and spicy taste, this classic ginger beer is great for making mocktails or sipping on its own straight from the can. 

Gingerbug Spicy Ginger Beer
For anyone who likes a little bit of extra kick in their beverage, this spicier version of Gingerbug’s organic ginger beer is a refreshing and gut-friendly treat. 

Gingerbug Dry Ginger Beer
With a crisp finish and a hint of lime flavor, this dry ginger beer rounds out the brand’s ginger-forward assortment.   

FAQ

What does ginger taste like? Spicy, zesty, and a little citrusy, with a warm peppery finish.

How do I store fresh ginger? Wrap it in a paper towel, seal it in a bag, and keep it in the fridge. You can also freeze it whole and grate it as needed.

What’s the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale? Ginger beer is traditionally brewed and tends to be spicier and bolder. Ginger ale is usually milder and lighter.

What is a ginger bug? A fermented starter culture traditionally used to make ginger beer. It’s where the brand got its name and its start.

Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh? Yes. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh, then adjust to taste.

Shop Gingerbug at Thrive Market by becoming a member. Access exclusive, member-only savings on thousands of non-GMO and organic products.

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The information in this post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition, or before making changes to your diet, supplements, or lifestyle, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a food allergy or health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

Views and statements from interviewees are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Thrive Market. Interviewees may have a financial interest in the products discussed. Thrive Market has not independently verified all claims made by third parties.